the National Soldier's Home Historic District
A Service to the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center
Managed and funded by the West Side S.A.S.
Established 1862 - Reborn 2003 - Incorporated 2006
The West Side Soldiers Aid Society, Inc., is a research-based living history organization, a modern-day soldiers' aid society, and a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity. It was reborn in 2003 and incorporated in 2006 to promote awareness of the Wisconsin Soldiers Home/National Soldiers Home movement in Milwaukee and the lasting contribution of this movement to veterans' health care. While education of the public is our primary goal, we want our common interest and “work” to be beneficial and enjoyable for members as well.
Our core impression is of the citizens of 1864-1867 Milwaukee, most of these prominent women and men in civilian and military life. We expect a higher degree of authenticity in dress, deportment and presentation from our members and a willingness to use this level of authenticity to tell the story of the women and men who cared so much for the well-being of Civil War soldiers.
Members participate in living history events and are available for presentations at schools, civic organizations and other educational gatherings. Members will help produce and procure items for the group impression and assist in WSSAS projects.
Creating an impression involves an ever-growing knowledge of manners and mannerisms, attitude, deportment, speech patterns, news and culture of the period, including material culture. Impression is an ongoing work, aided by research, sharing and mutual encouragement.
Our West Side Victorian Dancers offer open dance sessions each month for all levels, beginning through experienced. We'd love to have you join us at Hales Corners Village Hall, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
at Hales Corners Village Hall
February 14 & 28
March 13 & 27
April 10 & 24 (National Dance Week)
May 8 & 22
June 12 & 26
July 10 & 24
August 7 & 28
September 11 & 25
October 9 & 23
November 13 & 27
December 11
January 5, 2013: Fancy Dress Ball!
We'd love to bring the spirit of the 1860s to your next meeting, event or private gathering. Contact us for details.
Research and Publications
In addition to research for living history impressions, members are actively engaged in the search for documents and artifacts related to the Northwestern Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. The Society works closely with the librarians of the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in safeguarding historical materials and in transcribing records.
Publications:
- Out at the Soldiers' Home: A Memory Book by Elizabeth Corbett, expanded edition, 2008. REDUCED PRICE! Only $10 & shipping and handling. (Originally $19.95)
- Reproduction of 1889 Souvenir Book of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers (ONLY A FEW COPIES LEFT)
- The Wisconsin Homefront: Caring for Soldiers During the Civil War (children's activity book, LIMITED NUMBER OF COPIES AVAILABLE)
- My Dear Mrs. Hewitt: Letters of Fanny Burling Buttrick (TEMPORARILY OUT OF PRINT)
