Learn the History of Wisconsin's Civil War Environment

The state of the art technology, life sized dioramas, and the interactive exhibits at this Midwest Civil War museum make it one of the nation's best. Visitors are able to travel back through time and feel the political, social, and economic strife of this period in history. The museum is 15,000 square feet and offers the stories of those who lived through and died because of the war. There are Civil War artifacts featured, as well as audio and visual experiences that educate.

The museum features an effective theatre program that showcases the Through Their Eyes performance. Visitors can hear a man speak of a deceased friend that was possible the most influential figure of the time. The performance is spoken by an actor playing William Herndon, friend of Abraham Lincoln. The performance is based on firsthand written accounts of those who experienced the Civil War. The performance is about 45 minutes in length and includes a brief question and answer session.

The museum operates a popular Civil War re-enactment program, another tool that can be used to better understand one of the most tumultuous times in United States history. The museum calls on talented volunteers who have a passion for this time period, as well as those willing to research and share what they know. Groups and individuals are both welcome to contact the museum about participating in their program. Re-enactments have included infantry drill and camp life, weaving and sewing demonstrations, recruiting and enlistment rallies, sharpshooting, cavalry training, political rallies, medical demonstrations, and period cooking and baking. Basically, re-enactment groups set up "camps'' and live as they would have during Civil War times. Visitors are invited to tour these camps and witness the historical behavior in action. This is an interesting and exciting way to learn about history. Kids will love the way it comes alive, and the way they are able to interact with the characters, unlike their inability to do so with books and videos.

The Civil War Museum features a gift shop filled with educational and instructional materials. You can also purchase gift certificates that are good for the gift shop, or any of the Kenosha public museums. There are also opportunities to book behind the scenes tours of the museum if you are shopping for someone who has taken an advanced interest in the Civil War. Memberships to the museum are available, and they entitle visitors to special discounts and events.

Nearby the grounds of the museum is the Kenosha Public Museum, the Dinosaur Discovery Museum, and the Kenosha Public Market. During warmer months, visitors can stroll the grounds around the museum and enjoy the handicrafts and home-made delicacies of area residents. All of it is built right on the lakefront in Kenosha, one of Wisconsin's most attractive landscapes. The area is a great place for a date, a spectacular outing for the family, or a pleasant way to spend some time alone and enjoy nature and history. If you are looking for a way to learn about the Civil War, head to the Civil War Museum in Kenosha, Wisconsin.