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(608) 868-7772

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    • Home
    • Civil War Days
    • Tours
    • Signature Event
    • Special Events
    • Tour Pricing
    • 360° Tour
    • Educational Resources
    • Individual Support
    • Business Support
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Tomah Room Rentals
    • Archives & Genealogy
    • Staff and Board
    • Milton House in the Media
    • Milton House History
    • Online Gift Shop
Milton House Museum

(608) 868-7772


  • Home
  • Civil War Days
  • Tours
  • Signature Event
  • Special Events
  • Tour Pricing
  • 360° Tour
  • Educational Resources
  • Individual Support
  • Business Support
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Tomah Room Rentals
  • Archives & Genealogy
  • Staff and Board
  • Milton House in the Media
  • Milton House History
  • Online Gift Shop
May 15-17, 2026

Civil War Living History Days

Experience the Civil War through interactive stations and engaging reenactments by soldiers, medical personnel, and everyday people who lived through one of the most transformative times in American history.

May 16th and 17th, 2026

Volunteers needed for Civil War Days event

Join us in bringing history to life at the Milton House Museum’s Civil War Living History Days! We’re looking for volunteers to help make this exciting event a success


Click the button below to view available opportunities and sign up to be part of this memorable weekend! 

Volunteer

Register for CWD School Day 2026

Immersive History Experience for students

This event is designed for students 6-12 grades, although students of all ages will enjoy the day.


Students of school age are $5 per student and adult chaperones are $1 per adult (all children must be accompanied by an adult).  Non-school age siblings of students are able to attend at no cost.


Once you submit a request by clicking on the button below, you will be emailed a link to register and pay for the event.


Email is monitored by volunteers, so please be patient. 

Company K 2nd WI Volunteer Infantry

18 S Janesville St, Milton, WI 53563, US

companykschoolday@gmail.com

School Day Date and Hours

Friday May 15th, 2026

Check in begins at 8:00 am

Event ends at 3:00 pm


During the event students have the opportunity to visit over 20 different stations depicting different aspects of 19th century life. 

Registration Information

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Weekend Event Listing and Map

This map is designed to help you get the most out of your time at the Civil War Living History Days event. 


The first page is a map of the grounds, showing the general vicinity of where different activities will be located during the event.


The second page is a timed schedule of events for both Saturday and Sunday. This includes the times for all four talks, playing rounders, artillery firings, speeches by Lincoln, soldiers church service, tours of the Milton House Museum and the Pints with Lincoln event on Saturday evening.


*Please note that while the overall event is free, there is a cost to take a tour of the Milton House Museum, to attend any of the four talks, and to attend Pints with Lincoln. Tickets for all of these may be purchased at the front desk of the Milton House Museum.

Download PDF

Hops & History: Civil War Days Edition

Pints with Lincoln

 Join the Milton House Museum on Saturday, May 16th at 6 pm in the taproom of Goodworks Brewing for a unique opportunity to have "Pints with Lincoln" as part of the Milton House Civil War Living History Days.


Step back in time and meet the legendary Abraham Lincoln in an intimate setting, where you can enjoy great conversation and ask him all the questions you've ever had about his life, leadership, and legacy, all while enjoying a delicious local brew. 


Whether you're a history buff or just curious about one of America's most iconic presidents, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience.


For just $25, you'll not only get to interact with Honest Abe, but you'll also receive a special commemorative pint glass to take home as a keepsake (only if you register in advance). Be sure to register in advance to secure your spot and claim your glass. Space is limited and this event does sell out, so don’t wait on buying your ticket(s) because you do not want to miss out on this fun and historical event. 


Get your tickets today, and let’s raise a pint to history!

Purchase Tickets

Special Presentations

The Extended History of Reconstruction and its Contested Public Memory

This presentation by Education Department of America's Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM) will cover the immediate impact of the Civil War during the period known as Reconstruction. 


Learn more about the sociopolitical and legal history of the era and how the time period is interpreted at historic sites across the country, including ABHM's brick and mortar museum and their virutual museum. 


This presentation is perfect for anyone wanting a better understanding of the impact of the Civil War after the guns went silent. 


When: Saturday May 16th, 2026 @ 11:00 am

Where: Tomah Room (second floor of the Milton House Museum) 

Cost: $10 per person

Purchase Tickets

From Chemistry to Image: The Wet Plate Process Revealed

Step into the world of 19th-century photography, with wet plate photographer, David Rambow, as he introduces the collodion process, an early photographic method that produces one-of-a-kind images on metal or glass using silver nitrate and light. 


 Blending historical artifacts with live demonstration, Rambow walks viewers through each step of the wet plate process. The result is a deeper appreciation for the deliberate craft, physical materials, and enduring beauty of this historic process, offering a striking contrast to today’s fast-paced digital world. 


This presentation is perfect for anyone who enjoys photography .


When: Saturday May 16th, 2026 @ 1:00 pm

Where: Tomah Room (second floor of the Milton House Museum)

Cost: $10 per person

Purchase Tickets

Choosing Freedom, Creating a Legacy: The Journey of Andrew Pratt, Freedom Seeker

Join us during Civil War Days for this insightful presentation by Kari Klebba, historian and former Milton House Museum Executive Director about Andrew Pratt, the only freedom seeker known by name to have sought shelter at the Milton House Museum. 


As the foremost expert on Pratt’s life and his time in Milton, Kari brings a deeply researched and personal perspective to this remarkable story of courage and resilience. 


This talk is perfect for anyone wanting a deeper insight into the life and times of a freedom seeker.


When: Saturday May 16th @ 3:00 pm

Where: Tomah Room (second floor of the Milton House Museum) 

Price: $10 per person

Purchase Tickets

Common Civil War Weapons & Their Impact

Join the Milton House Museum during Civil War Days for an engaging talk that brings the American Civil War to life in a whole new way. 


Civil War scholar Jerry Hunter will dive into the weapons that shaped the conflict, with several real examples on display so you can see them up close. He’ll share the stories behind these weapons, the battles they influenced, and the very real impact they had on soldiers. 


This talk is perfect for anyone with an interest in weapons or history, offering an easygoing but fascinating look at the past. 


When: Sunday May 17th @ 12:30 pm

Where: Tomah Room (second floor of Milton House Museum)

Price: $10 per person. 

Purchase Tickets

2026 Presenting Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

The Mallon Group (TMG) is a multi-faceted organization overseeing a diverse portfolio of entities, including The Mallon Family and Culver’s of Janesville and Evansville. TMG focuses on strategic real estate development, with a specialized emphasis on affordable housing, and is deeply committed to community stewardship and supporting local

The Mallon Group (TMG) is a multi-faceted organization overseeing a diverse portfolio of entities, including The Mallon Family and Culver’s of Janesville and Evansville. TMG focuses on strategic real estate development, with a specialized emphasis on affordable housing, and is deeply committed to community stewardship and supporting local philanthropic initiatives. 


We are proud to recognize The Mallon Group as a 2026 Presenting sponsor for the 2026 Civil War Living History Days. 


Their support helps keep this event low cost, allowing all members of the community the opportunity to connect with history in a memorable way. 

Presenting Sponsor

Culver’s, founded in Sauk City, Wisconsin, is a family-owned restaurant brand known for its Butter Burgers, Fresh Frozen Custard, and commitment to genuine hospitality. With locations across the country, including Janesville and Evansville Culver’s remains dedicated to supporting the communities it serves through local partnerships and ph

Culver’s, founded in Sauk City, Wisconsin, is a family-owned restaurant brand known for its Butter Burgers, Fresh Frozen Custard, and commitment to genuine hospitality. With locations across the country, including Janesville and Evansville Culver’s remains dedicated to supporting the communities it serves through local partnerships and philanthropic efforts. 


We are proud to recognize Culver's as a 2026 Presenting Sponsor for the 2026 Civil War Living History Days event. 


Their  support helps make this event possible, ensuring we can provide engaging, educational experiences for visitors of all ages. 

2026 Day Sponsors

School Day Sponsor

 Milton Propane has long been a trusted local provider, serving Milton and the surrounding communities with reliable propane services and a strong commitment to customer care.


 As a locally focused business, they take pride not only in keeping homes and businesses running efficiently, but also in giving back to the community they serve thr

 Milton Propane has long been a trusted local provider, serving Milton and the surrounding communities with reliable propane services and a strong commitment to customer care.


 As a locally focused business, they take pride not only in keeping homes and businesses running efficiently, but also in giving back to the community they serve through ongoing support of local events and initiatives. 


We are proud to recognize Milton Propane as the 2026 School Day Sponsor for our Civil War Living History Days event. 


Their support plays a vital role in making this educational experience accessible to students from across the region, helping bring history to life through immersive, hands-on learning. 

Saturday Sponsor

Blending Northleaf’s winemaking heritage with Rubber Ducky’s playful spirit, this local destination represents a bold new chapter rooted in history, resilience, and community.  More than just a winery, Rubber Duck Winery offers a full experience from wine tastings to live music and more. 


We are proud to recognize Rubber Duck Winery as the

Blending Northleaf’s winemaking heritage with Rubber Ducky’s playful spirit, this local destination represents a bold new chapter rooted in history, resilience, and community.  More than just a winery, Rubber Duck Winery offers a full experience from wine tastings to live music and more. 


We are proud to recognize Rubber Duck Winery as the Saturday Sponsor for the 2026 Civil War Living History Days event. 


We are grateful for their support in helping make Saturday’s events engaging and memorable for all who attend. 

2026 Activity Sponsors

Lincoln & Soldiers

For more than 65 years, Frank Silha & Sons Excavating has proudly served the Janesville community and the greater Southern Wisconsin region with integrity and dedication. Since the 1950s, they have built lasting partnerships with local contractors and businesses, all while supporting community efforts and area residents.


We are proud to re

For more than 65 years, Frank Silha & Sons Excavating has proudly served the Janesville community and the greater Southern Wisconsin region with integrity and dedication. Since the 1950s, they have built lasting partnerships with local contractors and businesses, all while supporting community efforts and area residents.


We are proud to recognize Frank Silha and Sons Excavation as the 2026 Lincoln and Soldiers sponsor For our Civil War Living History Days event. 


Their support reflects a deep connection to the region they call home, and we are thankful for their partnership.

Pints with Lincoln

Charter Next Generation is a leading manufacturer of sustainable specialty films and materials, serving a wide range of industries with innovative, high-performance solutions. 


With a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community engagement, Charter Next Generation continues to make a meaningful impact both within their in

Charter Next Generation is a leading manufacturer of sustainable specialty films and materials, serving a wide range of industries with innovative, high-performance solutions. 


With a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community engagement, Charter Next Generation continues to make a meaningful impact both within their industry and in the communities they call home. 


We are proud to recognize Charter Next Generation as the 2026 sponsor of “Pints with Lincoln” during our Civil War Living History Days event. 


Their support helps make this unique and engaging program possible, and allows the community to connect with history.

Medical Tent

Medical Tent

Through their respective offices both Cari Henning of Edward Jones and Derek Henze of Edward Jones, and their teams, are dedicated to helping individuals, families, and small businesses build financial strength through personalized investment strategies and thoughtful, one-on-one service. 


We are proud to recognize Cari Henning of Edward J

Through their respective offices both Cari Henning of Edward Jones and Derek Henze of Edward Jones, and their teams, are dedicated to helping individuals, families, and small businesses build financial strength through personalized investment strategies and thoughtful, one-on-one service. 


We are proud to recognize Cari Henning of Edward Jones and Derek Henze of Edward Jones as the 2026 sponsors of the Medical Tent during our Civil War Living History Days Event event. 


Thanks to the support of both Cari and Derek, our medical tent will once again offer visitors a hands-on look at Civil War-era medicine. 

General Event Sponsors

General Sponsor

General Sponsor

General Sponsor

As a locally rooted community bank, Bank of Milton has long been dedicated to serving individuals, families, and businesses throughout the Milton area.  


We are grateful to Bank of Milton for their support as a General Sponsor of the 2026 Civil War Living History Days event. 

General Sponsor

General Sponsor

General Sponsor

First Community Bank is a locally focused financial institution dedicated to providing personalized banking services while investing in the growth and well-being of the communities they serve.


 We are grateful to First Community Bank for their support as a General Sponsor of the 2026 Civil War Living History Days event. 

General Sponsor

Good Works Brewing Company is a locally rooted craft brewery dedicated to creating quality, small-batch beers while giving back to the community it serves. With a focus on hospitality, connection, and local engagement, Good Works Brewing Company is committed to supporting events and organizations that enrich the cultural life of the regio

Good Works Brewing Company is a locally rooted craft brewery dedicated to creating quality, small-batch beers while giving back to the community it serves. With a focus on hospitality, connection, and local engagement, Good Works Brewing Company is committed to supporting events and organizations that enrich the cultural life of the region. 


We are proud to recognize Good Works Brewing Company as a General Sponsor of the 2026 Civil War Living History Days event. 

General Sponsor

Coldwell Banker Realty is a trusted leader in real estate, dedicated to helping individuals and families find not just houses, but homes. With a strong commitment to professionalism, local expertise, and personalized service, Coldwell Banker Realty works to strengthen the communities it serves while guiding clients through every step of t

Coldwell Banker Realty is a trusted leader in real estate, dedicated to helping individuals and families find not just houses, but homes. With a strong commitment to professionalism, local expertise, and personalized service, Coldwell Banker Realty works to strengthen the communities it serves while guiding clients through every step of their real estate journey.


We are proud to recognize Coldwell Banker Realty as a General Sponsor of the 2026 Civil War Living History Days event.

In-kind Sponsors

JAX Custom Printing

The Milton House Museum extends its sincere thanks to Jax Custom Printing for their generous in-kind sponsorship of our Civil War Living History Days. Their support in printing our School Day maps and weekend schedules at no cost helps ensure a smooth and engaging experience for our visitors. 

We are grateful for their partnership and commitment to supporting local history. 

Gray Brewing Company

The Milton House Museum thanks Gray Brewing Company of Janesville for once again supporting our Civil War Living History Days through their donation of their old fashioned style sodas to the event. 

We truly appreciate their continued partnership and commitment to bringing history to life in our community. 

Goodrich Antiques and Vintage Uniques

The Milton House Museum extends its gratitude to Goodrich Antiques and Vintage Uniqes for helping to host reenactors during our Civil War Living History weekend. We truly appreciate their continued support and partnership. 

See what the fun is all about

Check out this great video of Civil War Living History Days 2021 put together by Drywater Productions

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