MADISON, Wis. —  The Wisconsin Veterans Museum has had a long year and a half in quarantine, but now, their doors are back open.

It’s been 16 months since the Wisconsin Veterans Museum has welcomed guests through its front doors. Now, as guests come through the doors, they can find some new attractions to take a look at.

With crews working to put the final touches on, cleaning and hanging up the last new items, it was clear there was a bit of dust on the display cases.

That was something to be expected after over 400 days without guests.

Wisconsin Veterans Museum director Chris Kolakowski said the pandemic was a big challenge for the museum, but the staff took it in stride and used their time wisely to curate a new selection of stories to focus on.

“It gave us an opportunity to shine a light on some areas that needed to shine and tell some stories that we have gotten since 1993 and haven’t gotten a chance to share them. Now we can,” Kowlakowski said.

Kolakowski said the team has been hard at work curating a new collection of stories and memorabilia for people to take a look at, like the first female marine from Wisconsin.

“The first person to ever see that photograph was Roberta Wells from Wisconsin because she developed it. Wisconsin was there,” Kowlakowski said.

The museum will now also hold stories of soldiers from all different branches of the military and will place more of a focus on diversity throughout.

Wisconsinites who served our country are now being remembered for their heroic efforts.