Civil War Museum - Opening June 14, 2008

The long awaited and much anticipated opening of the new Civil War Museum will become official on June 14, 2008 when its doors open to the public. The Civil War Museum is a 57,000 square-foot facility that is dedicated to telling the personal stories and contributions of the men and women of the Upper Middle West — Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana and Michigan. Through state-of-the-art technology, life-size dioramas, and interactive and engaging exhibits, you’ll travel back in history to discover the social, political, and economic influences that contributed to the Civil War. From the home front, to the railroad and waterways, to the battle front and back home again, you’ll see the Civil War through the eyes of soldiers, nurses, spouses, children, clergymen, slaves, tradesmen, and others who lived it.

Experience the overwhelming awe of the battle front, learn about the incredible logistics and resources needed to mount the war effort, and feel the deep emotions that tore families apart. The Civil War changed American family life and our life as a nation. This Museum explores those issues through first-person accounts and stories. There is truly no other museum like it in the nation.

In addition to the main permanent exhibits, the Civil War Museum will also feature traveling exhibits, programs and events, a resource center and library, gift shop, and the Veteran’s Memorial Gallery where all American veterans are honored and recognized. All exhibits will not be completed by June 14, 2008. Please visit the museum's web site for updates. For more information, visit www.TheCivilWarMuseum.org or call 262-653-4140.

Lighthouse Keepers Museum - Coming Soon

The extensive restoration efforts on Kenosha’s 1866 Southport Light Station and Lighthouse Keeper’s Dwelling continue into 2008, with plans to open the house as a maritime museum. Through local, state and federal grants, as well as tremendous community support, the house will be returned to its original 1867 form. The Museum will tell the story of Kenosha’s harbor and its importance in the city’s development, from transporting wheat and grains to other states, to shipping Nash and Jeffrey automobiles around the world. The stories of Kenosha’s Lighthouse Keepers will also be highlighted in the Museum, offering a first-hand account of the unwavering men and women who kept the lighthouse lamps burning bright and provided a safe beacon to those sailing the oftentimes treacherous waters of Lake Michigan. For more information, call 262-654-5770 or visit www.KenoshaHistoryCenter.org.