A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK
The Milwaukee Soldiers Home
The Milwaukee Soldiers Home - located on the grounds of the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, overlooking American Family Field - is a National Historic Landmark, and one of Wisconsin's most important historic assets. For over 150 years, this campus has been a place of healing and hope for our nation's heroes. Time has taken its toll on several of its historic buildings, and they now stand at a crossroads. With your support, we can restore these irreplaceable landmarks so they can continue to serve those who have served us.
HOW IT BEGAN
Every Hero Deserves a Home
In 2021, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and a public-private coalition of hundreds of donors and volunteers, we celebrated a major victory as veterans were welcomed home to Old Main and five other historic buildings - creating 101 supportive housing units.
WHAT'S NEXT
Continued Commitment, Lasting Community
Now that veterans once again call the Soldiers Home their home, the focus shifts to creating spaces for community. We've set our sights on three additional historic buildings - Ward Memorial Theater, the Soldiers Home Chapel, and the Governor's Mansion - for supportive services and opportunities to build community.
This whole project enables all of us to feel like we have a home... It's a second lease on life.
- Nic Dietzler
[ RESIDENT OF MILWAUKEE SOLDIERS HOME ]
WHAT YOUR GIFT RESTORES
Three Historic Buildings
Ward Memorial Theater
Opened in 1881, Ward Memorial Theater once gave residents a place for concerts, performances, and community life. After decades of silence, the curtain will rise again - hosting veteran theatrical performances, lectures, and community programming that uplift, connect, and inspire.
Soldiers Home Chapel
Serving as a place of prayer, refuge, and patriotism from 1889 to 1996, the Chapel will once again offer what it was built to provide - a sacred, multi-denominational space for reflection, healing, and connection for veterans of all faiths.
Governor's Mansion
Built in 1868, this historic residence will be transformed into a dedicated supportive services center - operated by the Center for Veterans Issues - providing veterans with the care, guidance, and resources they need to rebuild their lives.
THE CAMPAIGN
A $5 Million Campaign
The $5M campaign supports critical capital improvements to these three buildings and establishes a lasting endowment to serve those who have served us.
YOUR GIFT HELPS CREATE COMMUNITY
DONATE TODAY
Every gift moves us closer to creating community for veterans in need. All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Gifts are directed to the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, a registered 501(c)(3) organization.