General Info

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 weretouched by the Civil War or slavery,giving firsthand accountswritten by the people themselves, as the basis for the Programs scripts. Professional actors and actressesportray each of these authentichistorical individuals. The performances are30 to 45 minutesin length, including a brief question and answer session. Performers are always available after the performance to meet the public.Just minutes from the Illinois-Wisconsin border and Six Flags Great America, the Kenosha Public Museums attract 135,000 visitors annually from all 50 states and 25 foreign countries. Learn more at our Facebook Pages: http://www.facebook.com/CWMKenosha,