Civil War Museum

The Civil War Museum is like no other Civil War museum in the country. The museum focuses on the Civil War from the perspective of the people of the six states of the upper Middle West: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. These six states sent over 750,000 men to serve in the Union army while providing much of the foodstuffs and raw materials necessary for the northern states to carry on the war. Through the use of personal stories and narratives, the Museum also explores how the Civil War impacted the people on the Western home front before, during, and after the war by connecting the prewar causes to the postwar effects. “The Fiery Trial” tells the personal stories of the men and women of the six Upper Middle West States through state-of-the-art museum technology, life-size dioramas, and interactive engaging exhibits. Visitors travel back in history to the social, political, and economic influences that contributed to the Civil War. From the home front, to the railroad and waterways, to the battlefront and back home again, the Civil War is seen through the eyes of soldiers, nurses, spouses, children, clergymen, slaves, tradesmen, and the others who lived it. Experience the battlefront, the incredible logistics and resources that were required to mount the war effort, and the deep emotions that tore families apart. The Civil War Museum is proud to honor all US soldiers and veterans. Reflective of the theme, “Solidarity of Soldiers,” depicts Civil War soldiers huddled around a campfire under a twilight sky, surround by life-size soldiers from the Revolutionary War to present day conflicts. These soldiers all have a common bond; the waiting, the anxiety, and the camaraderie shared in those quiet moments between battles, and a common sense of duty, patriotism, and honor, no matter where or when they serve or have served our nation. Around the gallery perimeter are displays of artifacts and memorabilia from each war. The Veterans Terrace, surrounding the exterior of the Museum, is comprised of bricks honoring veterans of all wars.

The Theatre Program “Through Their Eyes”, uses the stories of people who were touched by the Civil War or slavery, giving firsthand accounts written by the people themselves, as the basis for the Program’s scripts. Professional actors and actresses portray each of these authentic historical individuals. The performances are 30 to 45 minutes in length, including a brief question and answer session. Performers are always available after the performance to meet the public. Here is a quick example of a portion of a performance: Listen as a man reminisces about a long-departed friend. He explains how he knew his friend but questions if he really knew him. As you begin to understand his friend’s character, you’ll laugh along with the man as he tells the story about his friend’s peculiar reading habits. You’ll feel the joy as he tells us about his friend’s first attempt at public speaking; and you’ll feel the pain as he relates how his friend sealed his devotion to the cause of freedom with his own blood. The two men are William Herndon and Abraham Lincoln. If you are unable to come to the Civil War Museum, we will bring the actors to your school or organization! This program is recommended for adult audiences and student audiences 4th grade and older. The program includes a 30 to 45 minute performance, a 10-minute question and answer session with the actor “in character”, and a 10-minute question and answer session with the actors as their modern day selves. The first session allows the audience to learn more about the characters and their viewpoints, the second allows the actors to make connections between the past and present without compromising the first-person interpretation. Scheduling should be done a month in advance. Educators receive standards-based pre-visit information and post-visit activities. Call 262-653-4433 for more information and fees.

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Amenities: Facility Rentals, Bus Tours, Handicap Accessability, Group Tours

Professional Affiliations: Kenosha Public Museum Dinosaur Discovery Museum