New Highground museum display shows war in winter

The Highground Museum is excited to share its new exhibit “Winter in the Military.” This unique interactive exhibit features notable winter experiences from many military eras.

Visit a to-scale cutaway of a Revolutionary War soldier’s hut with bunks; take a walk through a large construction of a World War I trench, complete with periscope and gas bell alarm; learn about the Battle of Bastogne during World War II and the Chosin Reservoir campaign of the Korean War; view a life-sized diorama of a WWII radio shack in a bombed out building; and more. The exhibit is open currently, and a visit would make a great family outing during the Christmas break.

A special exhibit open house will be held on Jan. 4 from noon-3 p.m. The public can meet the talented and informative volunteers who designed and constructed the accurate displays.

The Revolutionary War soldier’s hut was constructed by Walt Westerman and Barb Shain of Chili. The World War I trench and the World War II radio shack were constructed by Troy Buddenhagen of La Crosse. Cedar Direct LLC of Dodgeville donated a large aged whiskey barrel and Ward Zischke from Fort McCoy and Skip Klabon of Colby loaned military items to be used in the exhibit. During the open house, Buddenhagen will also be available to answer questions on many facets of WWI and WWII winter fighting conditions. The Highground Museum is located at W7031 Ridge Rd., Neillsville WI 54456. It is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily and will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. The exhibit is handicapped accessible, including the WWI trench display, and will run until Jan 29.