The public is invited to a full day of free events

Kenosha, WI (Nov. 11, 2015) – The Wisconsin Historical Society’s History Tour along with the Wisconsin Veterans Museum will host A Salute to Veteran History, a full day of free events for the public on Nov. 11 to honor the men and women who served the United States. Events include documentaries, presentations and evening concert of Civil War music.

“We hope that these Wisconsin History Tour programs add to our collective understanding of the history and legacy of Wisconsin’s veterans. And, we are proud to join the Wisconsin Veteran’s Museum in honoring our veterans, past and present on this day, and every day,” said Ellsworth Brown, the Ruth and Hartley Barker Director of the Wisconsin Historical Society. “

“Wisconsin veterans have a storied history of service to our great nation,” said WDVA Secretary John A. Scocos. “The feats these men and women in uniform accomplished during their service are incredible and we are always proud to recognize them with our respect and honor their service.”
“Wisconsin Veterans have played a pivotal role in shaping this nation’s history. Today, their sacrifices ensure our liberty and keep us free from harm. It is fitting that we join with our partners in history to remind Wisconsin of the contributions of its citizen-soldiers. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and its Museum are proud to be a part of this event,” said Michael Telzrow, Director, Wisconsin Veterans Museum.

The day starts with three special screenings of Wisconsin War Stories documentaries at the Kenosha Public Library-Southwest, 7979 38th Ave. These include:

• Wisconsin World War II Stories. A special introduction by the Wisconsin Veterans Museum will highlight the service of Wisconsin World War II veterans. Documentary starts at 10:00 am.
• Wisconsin Korean War Stories. This documentary segment showcases the stories of several Wisconsin Korean War veterans, from the “forgotten war.” This screening will be preceded by a Moment of Silence at 11:00 am.
• Wisconsin Vietnam War Stories. Providing insight into the history of the Vietnam War, Wisconsin veterans share moving stories of triumph and loss in the field of duty, brotherhood and companionship, and the “welcome home” they never received after answering their country’s call. Documentary starts at 1:00 pm.

These documentaries were produced in partnership with the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Wisconsin Public Television and the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Learn how to Trace Your Military Ancestors at 2:00 pm with Society reference archivist Lori Bessler, Wisconsin Veterans Museum archivist Russell Horton and UW-Parkside reference archivist Anna Stadick. They will teach attendees how to use the military collections of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum and the Wisconsin Historical Society Library Archives. This event will also take place at the Kenosha Public Library – Southwest.
The evening will conclude with a concert of Civil War Music by the 1st Brigade Band at Walter Reuther Central High School Auditorium, 913 57th St. Join Dr. Ellsworth H. Brown, The Ruth and Hartley Barker Director of the Wisconsin Historical Society and Lance Herdegen, Civil War Museum historical consultant as they host this memorable evening concert. Re-enactor musicians will play from original Civil War sheet music on period instruments and read soldiers’ letters from the Wisconsin Historical Society’s vast Civil War collection. The Society’s collection was recently profiled in the Society Press book “This Wicked Rebellion: Wisconsin Civil War Soldiers Write Home.” The show starts at 7:30 pm, doors open at 7:00 pm.

For information visit https://www.wisconsinhistorytour.org/Route/Cities/Kenosha.aspx.

About Wisconsin Historical Society

The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.
About the Wisconsin Veterans Museum

Created in 1901, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum is an educational activity of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, providing a full range of public programs, and exhibits that commemorate, acknowledge and affirm the role of Wisconsin veterans in shaping this nation’s history. Accredited since 1974, by the American Alliance of Museums, its award-winning exhibits were once described in the Journal of American History as “the most stunning history museum of its size in the United States today.” Through its collections, research center and programs, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum reminds us that Every Veteran is a Story. For more information, visit www.wisvetsmuseum.com