Wisconsin Veterans Museum: Hours, Exhibits & Visitor Guide

Wisconsin Veterans Museum: Complete Visitor Guide

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is a free military history museum at 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703, on Capitol Square. It is open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sundays (April–September) noon–5 p.m. The museum preserves 26,000+ artifacts and 2,900+ oral histories of Wisconsin veterans from the Civil War to the present.

What Is the Wisconsin Veterans Museum?

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is Wisconsin’s premier military history museum and an educational activity of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA). It is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of Wisconsin veterans who served from the Civil War to the present day.

The museum is located at 30 West Mifflin Street in Madison, directly across from the Wisconsin State Capitol building. It operates as a Smithsonian Affiliate and maintains a collection of more than 26,000 artifacts, including 200 Civil War battle flags, 2,000+ Civil War artifacts, and over 2,900 oral history interviews with veterans from every major conflict.

Why It Matters

The museum serves as a living memorial, ensuring that the service and sacrifice of Wisconsin veterans are never forgotten. Its mission is to acknowledge, commemorate, and affirm the role of Wisconsin veterans in the United States military past and present. The museum’s guiding principle is simple: “Every Veteran is a Story.”

What Visitors Should Do Next

Plan your visit by checking the museum’s website for current exhibits and hours. Admission is free. Guided tours are available for groups and schools. The Research Center is open by appointment for those conducting historical research.

Location, Hours, and Admission

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is located at 30 West Mifflin Street, Madison, WI 53703, directly on Capitol Square. The museum is free and open to the public.

Hours of Operation

Holiday Closures

The museum is closed on:

• New Year’s Day

• Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday

• Easter Sunday

• Memorial Day

• Independence Day

• Labor Day

• Thanksgiving Day

• Christmas Eve

• Christmas Day

• New Year’s Eve

Admission

Admission is free for everyone, always. The museum is supported by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation.

Contact Information

History of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum was founded in 1901 when the Wisconsin Legislature passed Chapter 125, mandating a memorial hall to commemorate Wisconsin’s role in the Civil War and “any subsequent war.” The space was designated the G.A.R. Memorial Hall in honor of the Grand Army of the Republic.

G.A.R. Memorial Hall (1901–1993)

The original G.A.R. Memorial Hall was housed in the Wisconsin State Capitol building. It displayed Civil War battle flags and artifacts, and provided a meeting room for Civil War veterans. In 1945, the Legislature assigned control of the hall to the newly created Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.

Move to the Current Location (1993)

In 1989, Governor Tommy Thompson approved the acquisition of space adjacent to the Capitol, and construction began in July 1990. On June 6, 1993 — the 49th anniversary of D-Day — the G.A.R. Memorial Hall evolved into the Wisconsin Veterans Museum and opened at its current location at the top of State Street on Capitol Square.

125th Anniversary (2026)

In April 2026, the museum celebrated its 125th anniversary with a year-long celebration. A special display was unveiled featuring a Civil War officer’s sword, a scorched belt buckle, battlefield bullets, and the handwritten notes of the museum’s first curator.

Museum Directors

The museum has been led by several directors who expanded its collections and outreach. Dr. Richard Zeitlin served as director for nearly 30 years, overseeing major changes. The current director is Chris Kolakowski, who has emphasized the museum’s role as a statewide educational resource.

Exhibits at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum

The museum features both permanent and temporary exhibits covering Wisconsin’s military history from the Civil War through modern conflicts.

Permanent Exhibits

Permanent exhibits at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum include:

• Civil War Gallery: Features Wisconsin’s regimental battle flags, including the flags of the Iron Brigade regiments and the 24th Wisconsin. Artifacts include Colonel Lucius Fairchild’s uniform vest (stained with blood from his Gettysburg wound) and the only extant Iron Brigade black hat known to have been worn during that battle.

• Old Abe the War Eagle: The famous war eagle of the 8th Wisconsin Infantry.

• Antietam Diorama: A detailed diorama of the Battle of Antietam.

• Battle-Damaged Flagpoles: Flagpoles from the Battles of Antietam and Gettysburg.

• Puerto Rico Campaign Items: Artifacts from the Spanish-American War.

• Shiloh Cannon: A cannon captured at the Battle of Shiloh.

Current and Recent Temporary Exhibits

Traveling Exhibits

The museum operates a Traveling Exhibit Program that brings Wisconsin military history to communities across the state.

Available traveling exhibits include:

• Wisconsin Remembers: A Face for Every Name — Features photographs of all 1,163 Wisconsinites listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

• I Am Not Invisible (IANI) — Highlights the diverse stories of women veterans.

• WWI Beyond the Trenches: Stories from the Front — Firsthand accounts of Wisconsin service members during World War I.

• Travel Trunks — Educational kits containing uniforms, artifacts, and lesson plans for classrooms.

Traveling exhibits are available to libraries, historical societies, schools, and community spaces throughout Wisconsin.

Collections and Archives

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum maintains one of the most significant collections of military artifacts and archives in the Midwest.

Artifact Collection

The museum’s artifact collection includes more than 26,000 items, ranging from the Civil War to the present day.

Highlights include:

• 200 Civil War battle flags issued to Wisconsin’s fighting units

• 2,000+ Civil War artifacts

• Colonel Lucius Fairchild’s blood-stained uniform vest

• The only extant Iron Brigade black hat known to be worn at Gettysburg

• Artillery shells painted in WWI foxholes

• Zippo lighters collected during the Vietnam era

• Items from the Puerto Rico campaigns

• A cannon captured at the Battle of Shiloh

Archival Collections

The museum’s archives include:

• More than 1,700 Civil War photographs

• More than 1,200 letters and diaries

• Over 5,000 books and periodicals on military and veterans’ history

• More than 2,900 oral history interviews

Oral History Program

The Oral History Program contains personal stories and military experiences of Wisconsin veterans from the Spanish-American War through the present day. With more than 2,900 interviews, it is the fourth-largest oral history collection of its kind in the nation.

Each interview is preserved as video or audio, transcribed, and edited. The collection complements the archive and object collections to build a complete description of military service.

Research Center

The Research Center is located on the third floor at 30 W. Mifflin St. It is open by appointment only. Visitors can view original letters, diaries, photographs, and publications. To schedule an appointment, email reference.desk@dva.wisconsin.gov.

Education and Public Programs

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum offers educational programs for students, teachers, and the public.

School and Group Tours

The museum offers guided tours for school groups and community organizations. Tours can be tailored to specific grade levels and curriculum needs. To schedule a tour, contact the education team at (608) 264-7663 or visitor.curator@dva.wisconsin.gov.

Travel Trunks

Travel Trunks are educational kits that bring the museum experience to classrooms. Each trunk contains uniforms, artifacts, multimedia materials, lesson plans, and activities illustrating the Wisconsin soldier’s experience in:

• Civil War

• World War I

• WWII: European Theater

• WWII: Pacific Theater

• Korea

• Vietnam

• Gulf War

Public Events

The museum hosts a variety of public events throughout the year, including:

• Mess Night at the Museum — A formal dinner and lecture series

• Convoy Speaker Series — Lectures on military history topics

• WVM Movie Tours: Behind the Lens — Film screenings with historical commentary

• Tabletop Gaming at WVM — Historical military tabletop games

• Talking Spirits Cemetery Tours — Live actors portray veterans at Forest Hills Cemetery

• Smithsonian Lectures — Lectures in partnership with PBS Wisconsin

125th Anniversary Events (2026)

The museum’s 125th anniversary celebration in 2026 included a Media Day on April 17 and a special Convoy event at Camp Randall Stadium on October 17, 2026, featuring keynote speaker Professor John W. Hall.

Wisconsin Veterans Benefits and Resources

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is part of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), which administers state benefits for veterans and their families.

State Benefits for Wisconsin Veterans

Federal VA Benefits

Wisconsin veterans are also eligible for federal VA benefits, including:

• VA disability compensation (VA Form 21-526EZ)

• VA health care enrollment (VA Form 10-10EZ)

• GI Bill education benefits

• VA home loans

• Survivor benefits (DIC)

• Pension for wartime veterans

WDVA Claims Assistance

The WDVA Claims Assistance Office helps veterans file federal disability and pension claims. The office maintains a claims assistance presence at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Milwaukee.

Contact: 833-494-7256 or 414-977-5583

County Veterans Service Officers

Every Wisconsin county has a County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) who assists veterans and dependents with federal and state benefits. CVSOs can help with:

• VA disability claims

• Education benefits

• Health care enrollment

• Emergency financial assistance

• Transportation to VA medical appointments

Veterans Crisis Line

If you or a veteran you know is in crisis: Dial 988, Press 1. This service is free, confidential, and available 24/7 to all veterans regardless of discharge status or VA enrollment.

How to Visit the Wisconsin Veterans Museum

Plan Your Visit

1. Check hours: The museum is open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sundays (April–September) noon–5 p.m.

2. Confirm exhibits: Visit wisvetsmuseum.com to see current and upcoming exhibits.

3. Parking: Limited street parking is available. The State Street Capitol Garage at 214 N Carroll St is a two-block walk.

4. Accessibility: The museum is accessible. Contact (608) 267-1799 for specific accommodations.

Getting There

• Address: 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703

• On Capitol Square: Directly across from the Wisconsin State Capitol

• Parking: State Street Capitol Garage (214 N Carroll St) and other downtown Madison ramps

Guided Tours

Group and school tours are available by reservation. Contact the education team at (608) 264-7663 or visitor.curator@dva.wisconsin.gov to schedule.

Research Appointments

The Research Center is open by appointment only. Email reference.desk@dva.wisconsin.gov to schedule a visit.

Common Questions

1. Is the Wisconsin Veterans Museum free?

Yes. Admission is free for everyone, always. The museum is supported by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation.

2. What are the museum’s hours?

The museum is open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sundays (April–September) noon–5 p.m. It is closed on Mondays and major holidays. Hours may change; check wisvetsmuseum.com before visiting.

3. Where is the museum located?

The museum is at 30 West Mifflin Street, Madison, WI 53703, directly on Capitol Square across from the Wisconsin State Capitol building.

4. What exhibits are currently on display?

The museum has permanent exhibits covering the Civil War through modern conflicts, plus temporary exhibits. As of 2026, “Portraits of Service: Wisconsin Warriors from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam” is on display through the end of 2026.

5. How many artifacts does the museum have?

The museum’s collection includes more than 26,000 artifacts, including 200 Civil War battle flags and 2,000+ Civil War items. The archives also hold 1,700+ Civil War photographs and 1,200+ letters and diaries.

6. Does the museum have oral history interviews?

Yes. The Oral History Program contains more than 2,900 interviews with Wisconsin veterans from the Spanish-American War through the present. It is the fourth-largest collection of its kind in the nation.

7. Can I research my family’s military history at the museum?

Yes. The Research Center is open by appointment on the third floor. Visitors can view original letters, diaries, photographs, and publications. Email reference.desk@dva.wisconsin.gov to schedule.

8. Does the museum offer school tours?

Yes. The museum offers guided tours for school groups and community organizations. Travel Trunks bring the museum experience to classrooms across Wisconsin. Contact (608) 264-7663 for reservations.

9. What is the museum’s connection to the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs?

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is an educational activity of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA). It operates under WDVA’s mission to serve Wisconsin veterans and their families.

10. Are there veterans benefits available through the museum?

The museum itself does not administer benefits, but as part of WDVA, it connects veterans to state and federal benefits. The WDVA Claims Assistance Office (833-494-7256) helps veterans file VA disability and pension claims.

Key Takeaways

• The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is a free military history museum at 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703, on Capitol Square.

• Admission is free; hours are Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sundays (April–September) noon–5 p.m.

• The museum was founded in 1901 as the G.A.R. Memorial Hall and moved to its current location in 1993.

• The collection includes 26,000+ artifacts, 200 Civil War battle flags, and 2,900+ oral history interviews.

• Current exhibits include “Portraits of Service” (through 2026) and permanent galleries covering the Civil War to modern conflicts.

• The museum is an educational activity of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.

• Wisconsin veterans have access to state benefits including the Wisconsin GI Bill, property tax credit, and retraining grants.

• The Research Center is open by appointment for historical research.

• Traveling exhibits bring Wisconsin military history to communities statewide.

• The Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) is available 24/7 to all veterans.

Official Resources

• Wisconsin Veterans Museum: wisvetsmuseum.com

• Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs: dva.wi.gov

• VA Health Care Enrollment: VA.gov/health-care/apply

• VA Disability Compensation: VA.gov/disability

• Veterans Crisis Line: VeteransCrisisLine.net (Dial 988, Press 1)

• Milwaukee VA Regional Benefit Office: VA.gov/find-locations

• Wisconsin GI Bill: veterans.wisc.edu

• USA.gov Veterans Benefits: USA.gov/veterans-benefits

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