The Civil War Museum

The Civil War Museum The Civil War Museum, opened in 2008, is like no other museum in the country. The Museum's Veterans Memorial Gallery honors all U.S. Free on-site parking. Spam.
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The Civil War Museum focuses on the contributions of the Upper Middle West--Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, and Ohio -- to the Civil War. --The Civil War Museum Mission--
The Civil War Museum collects, preserves and interprets artifacts relating to the social and cultural experiences of the Upper Middle West population impacted by the Civil War. The Museum focuses on the c

ontributions of the Upper Middle West states – specifically, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, and Michigan – to the Civil War. Although no battles were fought in this region, these six states sent over 750,000 men to serve in the Union army and provided much of the foodstuffs and raw materials necessary for the northern states to carry on the war. From the home front, to the railroad and waterways, to the battlefront and back home again, our exhibits show the Civil War through the eyes of soldiers, nurses, spouses, children, clergymen, slaves, tradesmen, and the others who lived it. The Museum uses state-of-the-art technology, life-size dioramas, and engaging exhibits to transport visitors back in history. Experience the battlefront, discover the incredible logistics and resources that were required to mount the war effort, and learn about the deep emotions that tore families apart. veterans and soldiers from the Revolutionary War to present day conflicts. Enjoy the gift shop, changing exhibits, and free family programs and events. Educational classes and workshops are also offered. Facility rental is available. Adult and school groups are welcome. Reservations for group visits are required. Group rates do apply. Please see our website for details: (www.thecivilwarmuseum.org)

The Civil War Museum is one of three museums in the Kenosha Museum System, a department of the City of Kenosha, Wisconsin (www.kenosha.org).

--Kenosha Museum System Mission--
To enrich the lives of Kenoshans, guests and visitors through a variety of experiences that educate and stimulate curiosity.

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7. The Kenosha Public Museums adhere to the City of Kenosha Social Media policy and reserve the right to change these guidelines at any time at its discretion. Public Record Notice
City Networking/ Websites are subject to the Freedom of Information Act and Wisconsin Public Records Law. Any content maintained in a social media format that is related to City business, including a list of subscribers, posted communication, and communication submitted for posting, may be a public record subject to public disclosure.

Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation finally reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, more than...
06/19/2026

Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation finally reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

At the Civil War Museum, we explore the events, decisions, and personal stories that shaped one of the most transformative periods in American history. Juneteenth reminds us that freedom's story did not unfold all at once, but through the courage, perseverance, and resilience of countless individuals.

The Civil War Museum will be closed today, Friday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth.

Opening this Saturday! Riding for the Union: The 8th Illinois CavalryFrom 1861 to 1865, the 8th Illinois Cavalry—a Feder...
06/17/2026

Opening this Saturday! Riding for the Union: The 8th Illinois Cavalry

From 1861 to 1865, the 8th Illinois Cavalry—a Federal horse mounted regiment from Northern Illinois—traveled east to serve in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Upon volunteering, many of the soldiers had little to no experience riding or working with horses. After four years of service, these amateurs transformed themselves into one of the finest fighting cavalry units in the Union Army.

Riding for the Union tells the story of the 8th Illinois Cavalry through the lens of the Marshall D. Krolick Collection. Artifacts, photographs, first-hand accounts, and Krolick’s own research will guide visitors through the regiment’s journey.

“They were farm boys, store clerks and factory workers from the cities, towns and prairies of Illinois. If those who enlisted in the regiment were even vaguely familiar with a horse in 1861, it was the result of walking behind it with a plow or having it pull a wagon…Yet they came together to form one of the finest cavalry regiments of the Civil War…. Among the men there existed a pride that glowed within each of them for the rest of their lives whenever they said, “I rode for the Union with the 8th Illinois Cavalry.”

Marshall D. Krolick–lawyer, historian, author, collector and authority on the soldiers and history of the 8th Illinois Cavalry

This Saturday! The Kenosha Pops kick off their summer concert season with their annual indoor option concert in the Civi...
06/12/2026

This Saturday! The Kenosha Pops kick off their summer concert season with their annual indoor option concert in the Civil War Museum’s Freedom Hall. The concert features some of our country’s most recognizable patriotic songs and marches, making it a great way to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America.

Coming up this Friday at noon: "Hawaii and the Civil War" with Bruce Allardice. The Civil War’s influence reached far be...
06/09/2026

Coming up this Friday at noon: "Hawaii and the Civil War" with Bruce Allardice.

The Civil War’s influence reached far beyond the mainland United States. In this engaging presentation, Professor Bruce Allardice explores how the conflict affected the then-independent nation of Hawaii, offering a virtual tour of its unique Civil War-era history.

Friday, June 12 | 12pm | Free to attend

Civil War Innovation & Technology closes today! The Museum is open 12pm-5pm.
06/07/2026

Civil War Innovation & Technology closes today!

The Museum is open 12pm-5pm.

It's closing weekend for Civil War Innovation & Technology!The Civil War was a turning point not just in American histor...
06/05/2026

It's closing weekend for Civil War Innovation & Technology!

The Civil War was a turning point not just in American history, but in the advancement of technology. Civil War Innovation & Technology explores the groundbreaking developments that reshaped medicine, transportation, communication, daily life, and warfare. From battlefield surgery and the rise of anesthesia to the expansion of railroads and the introduction of the telegraph, these innovations changed the way people lived and fought. The war also drove advancements in farming tools, household necessities, and military weaponry, including the emergence of ironclad ships and rapid-fire guns. Through artifacts, interactive displays, and historical accounts, this exhibit highlights how necessity and ingenuity during the Civil War laid the foundation for many modern technologies.

Closes Sunday, June 7.

🚗  Planning a summer getaway?Now is the perfect time to become a NARM-level Friends of the Museum member! In addition to...
06/05/2026

🚗 Planning a summer getaway?

Now is the perfect time to become a NARM-level Friends of the Museum member! In addition to free admission to the Civil War Museum all year long, NARM membership provides reciprocal benefits at more than 1,000 museums, historic sites, botanical gardens, and cultural institutions across the United States.

Whether you're exploring a new city, taking a road trip, or visiting family this summer, your membership can help you discover fascinating destinations along the way.

Your next museum adventure could be closer than you think: bit.ly/KenoshaMuseumsJoin

Coming up this month at the Civil War Museum: 📆 June 7: Exhibit Closing: Civil War Innovation and Technology📆 June 12: S...
06/02/2026

Coming up this month at the Civil War Museum:

📆 June 7: Exhibit Closing: Civil War Innovation and Technology
📆 June 12: Second Friday Lecture: Hawaii and the Civil War
📆 June 13: Kenosha Pops Season Opening Concert
📆 June 19: Museums Closed Juneteenth
📆 June 25: Museum Book Club
📆 June 26: SPARK!

See the full calendar --> bit.ly/KenoshaMuseumsCalendar

It's National Wisconsin Day 🧀⚔️Today we’re celebrating Wisconsin’s important role in Civil War history. More than 90,000...
05/29/2026

It's National Wisconsin Day 🧀⚔️

Today we’re celebrating Wisconsin’s important role in Civil War history. More than 90,000 Wisconsinites served during the war, leaving a lasting impact on the nation and the stories preserved here at the Civil War Museum.

Stop by and read more about their stories.

Address

5400 1st Avenue
Kenosha, WI
53140

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Telephone

(262) 653-4141

Alerts

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