Highground opens ‘Winter in the Military’ exhibit

IN THE TRENCHES - The “Winter in the Military” exhibit includes a replica of trench used during World War I.

The Highground Veterans Memorial Museum is excited to share its new exhibit, “Winter in the Military,” a unique interactive display featuring 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 WWI trench, complete with periscope and gas bell alarm; learn about the Battle of Bastogne during WWII 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 currently open, and a visit would make a great family outing during the Christmas break.

A special exhibit open house will be held on Saturday, Jan. 4, from noon to 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 WWI trench and the WWII 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 Ft. 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. It is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, but 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.

For more information, contact Theresa Hebert at The Highground at 715-7434224, museum@thehighground.us.