Second Friday Lecture Series
The Second Friday Lecture Series is a monthly Civil War lecture program organized by the Civil War Museum of Kenosha, Wisconsin. All programs are held for an in-person audience at the museum. The lectures are recorded and posted to the museum’s YouTube channel.
The Second Friday Lectures begin at 12:00pm and there is no cost to attend. The Civil War Museum graciously thanks the Milwaukee Civil War Round Table and Iron Brigade Association for sponsoring this series of lectures.
Civil War Railroads and Their Tactics
Friday, December 12 | 12pm – 1pm | Presented by: Charlie Banks
One of the aspects that makes the American Civil War one of the first modern wars was the use of railroads. Railroads were vital lifelines for armies because they were the fastest and most efficient way to transport soldiers and supplies. Because of this, major campaigns such as Chattanooga, Atlanta, Richmond, Petersburg, and Corinth were fought within 20 miles of a rail line or major rail hub. Mr. Banks’ presentation will show how railroads brought about changes to military logistics and tactics that carried on to the major conflicts that followed the Civil War.
Charles (Charlie) Banks is a member of the Northern Illinois Civil War Round Table and a founding member of the McHenry County Civil War Round Table. He has a deep interest in the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and its subsidiaries. Besides his interests in the Civil War, he also enjoys antiquing with his wife, Mary, and building his model railroad.
Public Programs
Public programs are free to attend and pre-registration is not required unless otherwise noted.
Pearl Harbor Day
Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony
Sunday, December 7 | 11am – 1pm
Join us for a commemorative ceremony honoring the brave men and women affected by the attack on Pearl Harbor led by Navy Ship Club 40. All are welcome to attend and pay tribute to this pivotal moment in history.
Christmas at the Museums
Formerly “Victorian Christmas”
Saturday, December 6 | 10:00am – 3:00pm | Free
Celebrate the Christmas season with the Kenosha Public Museums! This dual event features activities for all ages at both the Civil War Museum and Kenosha Public Museum, including performances, crafts, trades demonstrations, a hot cocoa bar, a vendor fair, and a one-day-only pop-up women’s fashion exhibit!
Experience living history demonstrations in our main exhibit gallery, enjoy live musical performances, attend a Victorian fashion show, tour a 1-Day Only Exhibit of Civil War Era Fashion that includes hats, shoes, purses & more, make holiday crafts, play historic games, and purchase historic cakes at our bake sale!
Special Exhibition Programs
Special Exhibition programs are free to attend and pre-registration is not required unless otherwise noted.
Beyond Board Games: Historic Military Gaming
Saturday, February 22 | 10am – 4pm
Sunday, February 23 | 12pm – 4pm
Historic Miniature Gaming and the Historical Miniatures Gaming Society are coming to The Civil War Museum!
On both Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, February 23, visit the museum and explore the fascinating hobby of building, painting and sculpting terrain for gaming with historic miniatures.
Anyone interested in getting an “A+” in history should get to know the hobby and the folks at the Historic Miniature Gaming Society!
At this event, you’ll see Civil War miniature battle games that are both easy to learn and vastly rewarding.
Take command and witness how this hobby of “chess on a grand scale” uses strategy and tactics to challenge the imagination.
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