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Each week a small segment of Vernon County history is published in the county papers.
For the week of 8/2/2026
by Kristen Parrott, curator
Researching ancestors who served in the military will be the topic of the next genealogy class. On Thursday, August 13, at 10AM, guest speaker Russell Horton will present a program called, “Finding Those Who Serve: Military Genealogy” at the Vernon County Museum and History Center. Russell is the archives collection manager at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum in Madison. His focus is on records and photographs related to Wisconsin’s veterans.
The Wisconsin Veterans Museum was begun by Civil War veterans in 1901, and is celebrating its 125th birthday this year. It is under the jurisdiction of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. The museum’s excellent website is currently offline, but you can still access their online collections database.
Maybe you are looking for an ancestor who served in the Civil War, or someone who was in the army during World War I, or a person who might have served in the navy many years ago. Come learn how to research those who were in the military, and discover new resources for your family history work.
Everyone is welcome to attend the genealogy classes. Vernon County Historical Society members attend for free, and non-members are asked to pay $5 per class session. Classes are held in the first-floor, wheelchair-accessible conference room.
You can further explore military topics by touring the “Fur, Feathers, and Fidelity: Military Mascots” traveling exhibit at the museum between now and August 27. The exhibit is provided courtesy of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, and is funded in part by Wisconsin Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Military mascots help rally troop morale, provide a sense of respite, and serve as symbols of pride and unity. This engaging exhibit explores the history of these remarkable companions, featuring mascots dating back to the Civil War and highlighting the deep connection between humans and animals in times of service and sacrifice.
Other military exhibits can be found around the museum, including one about the ship the U.S.S. Wisconsin and several local men who served on it, and one focused on the decorated WWII fighter pilot Joshua Sanford of Hillsboro. Also on display is an exhibit about the Black Hawk War, which ended here in Vernon County in early August of 1832.
Come tour all the museum exhibits during our regular public hours, which in August are Monday through Friday, 11AM to 4PM, and Saturday, 10AM to 2PM.
For the week of 7/26/2026
by Kristen Parrott, curator
As we commemorate the U.S. 250th this summer, several branches of the U.S. military are also commemorating 250 years. The Revolutionary War began in April of 1775, and three branches of the military were formed shortly thereafter. The army was established on June 14, 1775; the navy on October 13, 1775; and the marines on November 10, 1775. The U.S. declared its independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776.
In honor of all of these anniversaries, we are pleased to bring to the museum a traveling exhibit about military mascots. The “Fur, Feathers, and Fidelity: Military Mascots” traveling exhibit from the Wisconsin Veterans Museum features mascots and their important service in the military. This special exhibit will be at the Vernon County Museum and History Center, 410 S. Center Ave. in Viroqua, from Saturday, August 1, through Thursday, August 27. Public hours at the museum in August are Monday through Friday, 11AM to 4PM, and Saturday, 10AM to 2PM.
A variety of mascots dating back to the Civil War are featured throughout the exhibit. You might have heard the story of Old Abe, the War Eagle, who was the mascot of the 8th Wisconsin Infantry during the Civil War. This very special bald eagle was carried on a tall perch into battle many times, inspiring Wisconsin soldiers. He survived the war and lived the rest of his long life at the state capitol.
Dogs are a favorite military mascot, and the stories of several are featured in the exhibit, as well as the stories of a monkey and a lion. “Fur, Feathers, and Fidelity” shines a light on the human side of military service and engages animal lovers of all ages. The exhibit is provided courtesy of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, located in downtown Madison. It is funded in part by the Wisconsin Humanities Council with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Here are some other dates for your August calendar: On Thursday, August 13, at 10AM, the genealogy class will meet at the history center for a session about using military records in your research. On Sunday, August 23, at 4PM, there will be a cemetery walk at the South West Prairie Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Viroqua. And on Saturday, August 29, from 4 to 7PM, the annual Pork Chop Dinner will be held in the parking lot of the history center. More details to come!
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