Exhibits - War Memorial Center

The War Memorial Center offers many permanent and temporary exhibits to complement our education programs and enhance the visitor experience.

250 Years Defending America's Freedom

Timed to honor the 250th anniversaries of the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, this exhibit pays tribute to the men and women who have served across generations to defend our nation’s founding ideals. Through thoughtfully curated artifacts, personal stories, and historical milestones, the display traces the evolution of American military service from the Revolutionary War to today.

Defending America's Freedom located on Lower Level

Wisconsin POW/MIA

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 permanent and free traveling exhibit will introduce students, teachers, and the community to the history, background, and meaning behind the letters POW/MIA

Lest We Forget - Wisconsin POW/MIA Exhibit located on Level I

Dogtag Chandelier

Another feature of the Lest We Forget exhibit will be a “dog tag chandelier” comprised of 530 dog tags. Each dog tag represents ten prisoners of war from Wisconsin, 5,298 in total, dating back to the Civil War.

Dogtag Chandelier Exhibit located on Level II

Hanoi Hilton Prison Cell

This powerful new exhibit, Lest We Forget — Remembering Wisconsin POW/MIA, features informative static and interactive displays with the stories and experiences of our brave service members held as prisoners of war or who are/were missing in action. “Unbroken: Life as a Prisoner of War” features a prison cell experience where visitors will peer into a prison door to view a POW cell from the infamous “Hanoi Hilton.”

Hanoi Hilton Prison Cell Exhibit located on Level I

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.