Military History Gallery of Crawford County
This is a Bronze Star that was donated to the Military History Gallery of Crawford County. (Photos by Ted Pennekamp)
These are just a few of the artifacts and photos that will be a part of the Military History Gallery of Crawford County in the Crawford County Administration Building.
Gallery to share story of Crawford County’s military
By Ted Pennekamp
A new permanent gallery coming to the Crawford County Administration Building will offer visitors an insight into the rich military history of the county.
The Military History Gallery of Crawford County will be set up in the hall near the Veteran’s Service Office on the first floor. It will showcase numerous artifacts, photos and stories that will help tell the history of all military conflicts fought in the county, as well as honor all the men and women from Crawford County who served in the U.S. Military.
“Hopefully, when we get it done, it will be a nice layout and you will get a sense that the military and military personnel from Crawford County played a huge part in this area’s history,” said John Mundt, a member of the Military History Gallery Committee.
Mundt said the committee has worked with the Veterans Service Office and the Prairie du Chien Armory as well as individuals and families to obtain historical photos and artifacts. He also said there will be an electronic digital display with rolling loops that can always be added to which additions can be made.
“Military history happens every day,” said Mundt, noting that the gallery, especially electronic displays, will continue to evolve over the coming years.
Mundt said there will be cases for displaying small items such as bayonets, hats, helmets, gas masks and numerous other items from all eras. Other displays will involve full uniforms, jackets and trench coats.
Still needed are hats or helmets from the pre-Civil War era, the Civil War era, World War I, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the late 20th Century and current operations. Also needed are letters from military personnel from any era, photos of Crawford County military members from any era, shot or shell casings from the Civil War era and earlier, and any other item that would help tell the story of Crawford County military history. Items from the Korean War era and the Vietnam War era have been especially hard to come by, said Mundt.
“We not only want things from Crawford County residents, we also want the story behind it,” said Mundt, who noted that artifacts and the stories behind them will more than likely be permanent parts of the gallery. Vintage photos can be scanned and displayed electronically. Some photos will be displayed as is. People can also send digital photos along with the story behind each photo.
“We will emphasize the people of the military rather than focus on the different wars,” Mundt said.
The gallery will also have artifacts and stories about English and French military personnel and conflicts that took place in Crawford County as well as the American presence.
The Military History Gallery of Crawford County will have museum quality protection of all items.
The Military History Gallery Committee began working on the project in the spring of 2015, and the gallery is now on the verge of coming to fruition. Mundt said it is hoped the gallery will be completed by the end of the summer, or perhaps in the fall. “We would love to have it up by Nov. 11,” he said, noting the significance of Veterans Day.
“With what we have now, we can tell a nice story,” said Mundt. “But, we want to tell the whole story, and we want to make it sustainable.”
Interested persons can find out more information about the gallery on Facebook at Military History Gallery of Crawford County, Wisconsin.
“We want people to call us,” said Mundt regarding the gallery acquiring more items and also so prospective donors can find out what to expect.
Mundt can be contacted at (608) 326-7399 or at contact@johnmundtesquire.com. The address of the Crawford County Administration Building is 225 N. Beaumont Rd., Prairie du Chien, WI 53821.
