 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8, 2024
Plans for New Wisconsin Veterans Museum Moving Forward
WEST ALLIS—Yesterday at the Wisconsin State Fair, the Wisconsin State Building Commission unanimously approved spending $9 million to purchase the building that currently houses the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. Purchasing the building, located on the Capitol Square, is the next step in the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs plan to construct a new state-of-the art facility to preserve our state’s veteran history.
“I’m thrilled by the bipartisan support and goodwill shown to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum,” said WDVA Secretary-designee James Bond. “The museum is an exemplary steward of history, collecting and maintaining the artifacts and stories of those who wore the uniform while educating visitors on the importance of service and sacrifice. The new museum will secure our veteran's legacy for future generations.”
The building that houses the WVM was originally built in 1948 converted from a retail space over 30 years ago. The Museum can only display about 3 percent of its collection, and the building is approaching the end of its useful life. A larger, more modern space will allow more opportunities to tell veteran stories and provide a better space to display and house artifacts.
“I very much appreciate the support of the state building commission today,” said WVM Director Chris Kolakowski. “This is a historic commitment to Wisconsin veterans and the museum. Thanks to Governor Evers and the members of the Legislature for this bipartisan show of support for Veterans.”
“At the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation, we are excited and very appreciative of the recent action taken by the State Building Commission to approve the purchase of the current Wisconsin Veterans Museum site,” said WVM Foundation President Dan Checki. “We look forward to raising the additional private donations necessary to support the new Museum construction project at 30 West Mifflin Street.”
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For additional information, contact:
WDVA Office of Public Affairs
Colleen Flaherty, Communications Director
608.266.0517
colleen.flaherty@dva.wi.gov
About the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs
The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs works on behalf of Wisconsin's veterans community — veterans, their families and their survivors — in recognition of their service and sacrifice to our state and nation. For more information,visit www.WisVets.com.
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