DARLINGTON — The Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Society (LCHGS) has set up a special display of military uniforms from its collection in the museum at 525 Main Street in Darlington. The display will be up for the entire month of November to honor veterans. 

The public is cordially invited to see the display from noon to 4 p.m. any weekday. If additional access is needed, staff will open additional hours or days. To request access, call the museum at 608-776-8340 at least one business day in advance.

LCHGS has built the collection of military uniforms from donations of veterans and family members, in order to preserve the history they represent. There are several uniforms from Army and Navy in World War I and II, representing many different roles, types of service, and divisions. There are also one each of Air Force, WI Air National Guard, Viet Nam War and Korean War uniforms.

LCHGS would like to have every conflict and every branch of military service represented. For this reason, they ask veterans and their families to consider donating military uniforms in storage if not passed to family. The museum would like to add uniforms representing the Marines, Coast Guard, more from the Viet Nam War, and other conflicts such as Desert Storm.

Uniforms from earlier service, such as the Civil War, are very rare. But re-created historically accurate examples would also be welcome.

The clothing collection items compliment a large collection of books on military subjects donated by area veterans, diaries and letters from soldiers from the Civil War to present day. Anyone interested in learning the personal side of these conflicts is welcome to browse the collection. A visit to the museum’s veterans display pairs well with a visit to the Darlington Area Veterans Memorial located across the street. The Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Society extends heartfelt thanks to all county veterans.  

Questions or additional information can be directed to museum staff at 608-776-8340.