About the Research Center | Search the Catalog | Donate Materials | Oral Histories | Teachers

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is interested in preserving the experiences of veterans and their families as told through their oral histories, written reminiscences, papers and photographs, and objects. We encourage you to choose us as your archives to ensure the preservation of these materials. Specific materials of interest might include:

• Letters (received or sent)
• Basic Training Materials
• Diaries
• Journals
• Military Manuals
• Military Yearbooks
• Photographs
• Scrapbooks
• Written reminiscences
• Books
• Military Papers
• Paper Souvenirs
• Unit Newsletters
• Ship Newsletters
• Veterans Newsletters
• Maps
• Posters
• Films
• Videos
• Objects - uniforms, equipment, souvenirs with a story, etc. for the Object Collections.

All materials are kept together under the individual's name, organized, preserved, and cataloged on a national library database for greater access. Our first commitment is to preserve these materials for the veteran, next for family members and descendants, and finally for researchers (including Wisconsin teachers and students from elementary to doctoral candidates). If you'd like copy prints of a few items, we do have professional photo printing equipment here.

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum has one of the finest military archive facilities in the country and the Research Center is staffed with three professional archivists, two professional librarians, and a paper and book conservator. We have a national reputation and serve as a microcosm of military service in the United States. This is because we cover conflicts from the Civil War to present day, cover all branches of military service, and focus on the citizen who served and (hopefully) was able to return home and resume his or her civilian life. If you are able to, please come visit us in Madison for a tour of our research center.

Please don't hesitate to contact us should you have any questions. If you decide to mail materials, please contact us to receive mailing instructions.

Choosing an Archives
A consumer approach to selecting the best archives for you and your family.

Tips for Active Military Personnel
Guidelines for those on active duty and those who have recently returned from duty.

Research Center Donation Contact Information

Wisconsin Veterans Museum Research Center
ATTN: Archives Collections Manager
30 W. Mifflin Street
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (608) 261-0536
Fax: (608) 264-7615
Email: Wisconsin Veterans Museum Research Center Donations