Civil War Museum

Stop in to read these recently published first-person accounts by our veterans. The Veterans Book Project is a library of books authored by dozens of people who have been affected by America's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Understand their service, their experience, and their emotions in their own words and pictures. The books are available to the public to read on their own from Noon to 5 p.m.

To celebrate International Museum Day, all Kenosha Public Museums will stay open until 8 p.m. Friday, May 18. Visitors can take a flashlight tour and do a craft activity at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum (5608 Tenth Ave.). Play games from around the world and from the fur-trading era at the Kenosha Public Museum (5500 First Ave.). Take advantage of free admission to the Civil War Museum’s main Fiery Trial exhibit (5400 First Ave.) from 5 – 8 p.m. Activities at all three museums are free and open to the public.

Nationally renowned collectors share what’s in their attics. Never before publicly displayed photographs, weapons, uniforms, accouterments and more! Exhibit is in the John M. Antaramian Gallery.

Enjoy a day of readings and performances of the famous work of American poet, essayist, journalist, and caregiver Walt Whitman from 12-3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19 at the Civil War Museum. Considered to be one of the most influential poets in American literature, Whitman found much inspiration while visiting wounded soldiers in the Civil War hospitals of Washington, D.C. and published a book of war poems entitled, “Drum Taps.”

Come see all makes and models of trains. Sponsored by the G-Scalers Model Train Club. The train exhibit will be at the Kenosha Public Museum (5500 First Ave.) and Civil War Museum (5400 First Ave.).

Presented by Doug Dammann. Freeman Conner started his military career as part of Elmer Ellsworth’s U.S. Zouave Cadets. He wound up commanding a New York regiment at Gettysburg. The lecture explains how he got there. The program is free and open to the public.

Come celebrate the 4th Anniversary of the Civil War Museum with two days of living history encampments, music, performances and special displays. Soldier and civilian reenactor groups from around the Midwest will set up camps and demonstration areas east of the museum on both Saturday and Sunday.

Museum Crawl is a progressive party at the three Kenosha Public Museums: Dinosaur Discovery Museum (5608 Tenth Ave.), Civil War Museum (5400 First Ave.) and Kenosha Public Museum (5500 First Ave.). Tickets are $30 for general public ($25 for Friends of Museum members). Tickets include food, beer, streetcar fare, a goodie bag and a chance to win great door prizes!
 Tickets will be on sale at the Kenosha Public Museums beginning in June.

Advance registration and fee required.