MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) – History at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum doesn’t just sit behind glass; it looks back at visitors.
A new ‘Portraits of Service’ exhibit brings together the faces and stories of more than 60 Wisconsin veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Through powerful portraits and personal accounts, the exhibit aims to connect visitors not only with history, but with the people who lived it.
Behind each image is photographer James Gill, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. He spent decades documenting veterans across the state.
“I would almost always sit with them beforehand, talk with them,” Gill said. “Some of these ladies and gentlemen had never spoken about this to anyone.”
The project began as part of a PBS initiative but quickly evolved into something more personal. Gill often traveled to veterans to make it easier for them to share their stories on their own terms.
“The photography part of it was just a bonus,” Gill said.
The exhibit pairs Gill’s portraits with artifacts and recorded accounts, adding depth to the images. Items range from mud-covered boots worn in Vietnam to other personal objects tied to long-held memories.
“It just all came together, and James Gill did an incredible job capturing these veterans,” Wisconsin Veteran Museum Curator Greg Krueger said.
Organizers say the goal is to humanize the individuals behind the uniforms and give visitors a deeper understanding of their experiences.
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“I hope people can see these veterans as people,” Krueger said.
For Gill, a lifelong storyteller, the exhibit is about preserving those voices for future generations and ensuring the stories of Wisconsin veterans are never forgotten.
