Education

Check out these War Memorial Center education offerings for students and community members:

The War Memorial Center’s educational programs are designed to help students and the general public understand the significance of military service and the history behind the War Memorial Center. Students and visitors will learn how local history is directly connected to our United States, and military history through the courage and sacrifice of service members and their families.

Veteran Education Initiative

AMERICAN LEGION SCHOLARSHIPS & PROGRAMS

As part of the War Memorial Center’s Veteran Education Initiative, we would like to share several American Legion Wisconsin Scholarship & Program opportunities with students at your high school. These scholarship opportunities range from $250 up to $25,000 that can be used for higher education purposes.

WMC EDUCATION Programs

Service Experience Day

April 24 - 25, 2025 & OCTOBER 23 - 24, 2025

A great opportunity for students and guests to learn about the history of the War Memorial Center, our mission, and the people of Wisconsin who answered the call to service.Branches of our military will have static display stations set up throughout the WMC with soldiers, equipment, materials, and activities for students and guests to observe and participate in. Students and guests will have a chance to ask questions and speak with current and former military personnel (Veterans).

AN INTRODUCTION TO ROBOTICS

As part of the WDVA Mental Health series and in collaboration with the Milwaukee VA Spinal Cord Injury Unit, the WMC offers an “Introduction to Robotics” class featuring the LEGO Education Spike Prime kit. Disabled veterans learn how to research, program, design, build, and test components of their robot, including motors and the various sensors like color, touch, distance, and degree. This offers the veterans an opportunity to gain experience, increase confidence and self-worth, and share this new skill with other veterans, family, and the community.

The Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the highest US military decoration, awarded by Congress to a member of the armed forces for gallantry and bravery in combat at the risk of their own life, above and beyond the call of duty. Students will be introduced to the symbolism and meaning behind the Medal of Honor and the Wisconsin soldiers who earned it.

I AM NOT INVISIBLE

I Am Not Invisible (IANI) is a nationwide Department of Veterans Affairs initiative to showcase the female military service experience. This free traveling exhibit, and lesson plan are a collection of short, informational texts, that introduces students, teachers, and the community, to Wisconsin, female veterans, and current female military personnel from the six branches of service.

Decorating our Heroes

Decorating Our Heroes is a free traveling exhibit and lesson plan introduces students, teachers, and the community, to the meaning and symbolism behind the various awards earned by Wisconsin soldiers to include: the Silver Star, Navy Cross, Bronze Medal, Medal of Honor, and others.

Veterans Story Project

One-on-one interviews and the real life perspective from veterans about the military, war, friends, family,
and the cost of freedom. Veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, up to the continuing Global War on Terror, will share a small part of their background and experience with you.

WISCONSIN POW/MIA-LEST WE FORGET

No one knows better what it is like to have their freedom suddenly snatched away than those individuals who, in the process of serving their country, have found themselves prisoners of war or missing in action.

This free traveling exhibit will introduce students, teachers, and the community to the history, background, and meaning behind the letters POW/MIA with Milwaukee names like Carl Zeidler, Marcia Gates, and more. Learn about places and events like Andersonville, the signing of the Paris Peace Accords, and how DNA technology helped bring these heroes home.

MILWAUKEE’S GENERALS

Students learn about two of the most illustrious characters in U.S. military history – both Milwaukee natives: General Douglas MacArthur and General Billy Mitchell.

USS MILWAUKEE

Learn about the five ships named USS Milwaukee and their roles in war and peacetime.

WAR POSTERS

Students explore the War Memorial Center’s collection of 75 original WWI and WWII war posters and learn about the history and purpose of them, along with the issuing agencies, themes, messages, and the emotions they evoke.

Take a Tour or Plan a Program!

Your class, organization, or business can schedule a tour and learn about the history and background of the War Memorial Center. We also
invite school groups, organizations, and businesses to utilize our venue as a site for appropriately themed programs and performances.