The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is perhaps one of the least known- but most significant treasures in Madison. Located on the Capitol Square, it preserves one of the nation’s most expansive Civil War battle flag collections, along with thousands of other objects, photos and other archives from the Civil War to present. Admission to the Museum’s galleries and Research Center is free.

Visitors to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum can experience a variety of “hands-on” history opportunities. The museum’s Research Center is filled with diaries, letters, photographs and other important documents, preserving the stories of Wisconsin’s men and women- dating back to the Civil War! A call to the reference archivist at (608) 267-1790 will ensure that the proper materials are available for your visit.

The galleries are full of lifelike murals and rare artifacts. Each exhibit is based on Wisconsin’s role in America’s military past, and the murals are real images of true Wisconsin heroes. Examine one of the museum’s rare Civil War battle flags, and then use the interactive database to find the Civil War records of people from your hometown. After leaving the 19^th Century Gallery, look for the World War I soldiers celebrating with a nurse, as they learn of the war’s end, and soldiers facing combat in both jungles and snow- the two fronts of World War II. Look up to see a Sopwith Camel bi-plane, a Huey Helicopter, and a P51 Mustang, all suspended from the ceiling of the 20th Century Gallery. Finally, imagine life in a submarine as you use a periscope to view Downtown Madison.

If you call visitor services in advance at (608) 264-6086, a free, one-hour guided tour can be scheduled. Otherwise, enjoy wandering the museum’s three galleries on your own, or with the assistance of an audio tour- led by actor Gregory Peck and historian Stephen Ambrose.

Educators appreciate the museum’s collection of oral histories- interviews recorded with veterans beginning with World War I. The museum’s travel trunk collections are also popular. The trunks correspond to historic conflicts- beginning with the Civil War- and ending (currently) with Vietnam. Each trunk contains uniforms, battle gear, photos, letters, lesson plans and more! They can be used in a classroom- or in a smaller group setting- but must be reserved in advance. Shipping and/or rental fees also apply.

In addition to its exhibits and research materials, the Museum offers lectures, educational programs, and the “Talking Spirits: Forest Hill Cemetery Tour.” The cemetery tour uses professional actors to portray real Madison citizens who were active during times of military conflict. More than 1,000 people enjoy this program annually.

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum strives to be politically neutral- while preserving the true stories of Wisconsin’s men and women. Contact us today for help preparing an age-appropriate history experience for your child or classroom. For more information, go to www.museum.dva.state.wi.us

Catholic Charities serves as a visible presence of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Madison by providing services that effectively address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and families. Our programs are designed to help the individual develop self-sufficiency while protecting, preserving and promoting the individual's dignity. Throughout southern Wisconsin, people of all faiths utilize our services. We offer over 40 programs, in five program service areas, plus our new All Saints Retirement Neighborhood.

Adoption Services

426 South Yellowstone Drive, Suite 100
Madison, WI  53719
Phone:  (608) 833-4800
Toll Free:  1-888-485-7385
Fax:  (608) 833-7897

Catholic Charities has been building families through adoption since 1946.  We are a state licensed child-placing agency accredited through the Council on Accreditation (COA).  We serve people of all faiths and beliefs residing in the Diocese of Madison.  Our adoption programs and services are listed below.

Birth Parent Services
Free pregnancy counseling to women and men faced with an unplanned pregnancy.  Referrals to community resources.  Support with creating an adoption plan, if desired. Licensed infant foster care homes are available, if desired.

Domestic Infant Adoption Program
Currently accepting applications. We assist potential adoptive couples throughout the Madison Diocese in the adoption process by studying and licensing their home, providing training, placing the infant, supervising the placement and assisting with the legalization process.  This includes both independent and interstate adoptions.

International Adoption Services
We conduct home studies for those who are adopting internationally.  We work in cooperation with the international child placement agency to provide required post placement services.

Step Parent and Relative Adoption Home Studies
We conduct home studies for both relative and step parent adoptions.       

Post Adoption Resource Center (PARC)
PARC offers comprehensive information, referral, support services and social activities for adoptive families in Adams, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Juneau, Lafayette, Richland, Rock and Sauk counties. Educational presentations are also provided for schools and community groups. For any questions, or to be added to the PARC mailing list, please e-mail us at postadoption@tds.net.

Adoption Services Team

Jerilyn Robinson, LCSW
jrobinson2@tds.net
Ext. 104
    Director of Child and Family Services 
    Domestic Infant Adoption Program
    International Adoption Services

Amy Steuer, CSW
postadoption@tds.net
Ext. 122
    Post Adoption Resource Center (PARC)
    Relative Adoption Home Studies
    Adoptive Parent Training

Trish Grant, MSSW
trish.grant@tds.net  
Ext. 109
    Birth Parent Services
    Step Parent Adoption Home Studies
    Outreach and Community Education