Civil War Museum
Workshops

In-Person Workshops

Along the Keenesaw Line

Saturday, January 17 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | Presented by: Mr. Dave Powell | $20 ($25 for non-members) | Register Here

This class will examine the fighting at Kennesaw Mountain between June 21 and June 27, 1864, including the battles of Kolb’s Farm, June 22, and the Federal attacks against Pigeon and Cheatham Hills on June 27. Both actions are easily misunderstood as to intentions, planning, and execution. Johnston took a significant risk in transferring Hood’s Corps from the right to the left before the fight at Kolb’s farm, while Sherman’s intent on June 27 has never been fully explored.

David A. Powell is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute (1983) with a BA in history. He has published numerous articles in various magazines, and more than fifteen historical simulations of different battles. For many years David’s focus has been on the epic battle of Chickamauga, and he is nationally recognized for his tours of that important battlefield and for publishing six books on that campaign, including The Chickamauga Campaign Trilogy completed in 2016. Dave has also written on the battle of New Market, co-authored The Tullahoma Campaign with renowned historian Eric Wittenberg, and published The Impulse of Victory: Ulysses S. Grant at Chattanooga. Both the latter two books appeared in 2020. His current project is a five-volume study of the Atlanta Campaign. The Atlanta Campaign, Volume One: Dalton to Cassville, May 1-19, 1864 was published in July 2024, with Volume 2 following in October 2025.

The Civil War Museum After Dark Tours

The Civil War Museum After Dark: Wide Awakes

Wednesday, October 30 | 7:00pm – 8:00pm | Presenter: Doug Dammann | $16 ($20 for non-members) | Register Here

Who were the Wide Awakes and why did they participate in nighttime torch-lit parades wearing special costumes? Why did the wounds of some soldiers glow after the Battle of Shiloh? Did Mary Todd Lincoln attend seances at the White House?

Curator Doug Dammann will lead a lantern-lit tour of the Civil War Museum’s Fiery Trial gallery that explores these and other strange and odd stories of the Civil War.

Walking Tour of the Grounds of the Milwaukee Soldier’s Home

Saturday, May 6 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | $12 ($15 non-members) Register Here

Participants must provide their own transportation to the site.

The Civil War Museum, in collaboration with volunteers from the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, is excited to offer a walking tour of the buildings and grounds of the newly rehabbed Milwaukee Soldiers Home. Highlights of the tour include the interior of Old Main and the building’s history exhibit as well as exterior stops at the Home’s historic Theater, Church, Library, and Cemetery. Our guides will also concentrate on the personal stories of the Civil War veterans who made the Soldier’s Home their home after the war.

The group will meet at the grounds at 10am to begin the walking tour. Parking is available.

A portion of the proceeds from the tour will be donated to the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance.

Virtual Workshops

The Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858

Tuesdays, February 17 – March 3 | 6pm – 8pm | Presented by: Mr. Steve Rogstad | $48 ($60 for non-members) | Register Here

Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas were political adversaries for nearly 30 years in Illinois and argued the issue of American slavery in the crucible of public debate. The 1858 senatorial Lincoln-Douglas debates have been held up as the quintessential example of American public debate style. This course will closely examine the political context for the debates, identify the various Illinois voters, discuss the topics both candidates introduced into the debates, and study the rhetorical ploys used by both Lincoln and Douglas to further their political positions. Many maintain that the ideas expressed by Abraham Lincoln before and during the debates foreshadowed the Civil War and threatened American social order. Learn what is the myth of the seven debates, and how they differ from history.

Participants will be sent a link the day-of to access this live virtual workshop at their home computers.

Cancellations and Refunds

A full refund will be issued if the Kenosha Public Museum, Dinosaur Discovery Museum, or Civil War Museum cancels a workshop or camp.

All refunds requested within 72 hours of the program are subject to a $10 processing fee.

No refunds are offered on or after the day a workshop or camp begins.

Class cancellations can happen if enrollment minimums are not met two days prior to the event. You will be contacted via phone or email if your event is canceled.

If unforeseen circumstances (i.e. weather, power outages, instructor illness) occur within 72 hours of the workshop or camp and the program must be canceled, the museum will do its best to reschedule or provide a voucher to take a program of a similar or same cost.