Upcoming Events
Veterans Day Film Festival 2025
On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, communities across Minnesota will come together for the Statewide Veterans Day Film Festival — a free event honoring the service and sacrifice of Minnesota’s veterans. Presented in partnership with Lakeland PBS, Pioneer PBS, and the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum, the festival will feature special matinee screenings that salute the stories, courage, and legacy of those who have served. Full details, including participating locations and featured films, will be announced by September 15.
MN Remembers VJ Day
On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Minnesota’s military and veteran community will be joined by the public to commemorate two significant milestones in American history.
At 11:00 a.m., the ceremonial removal of the USS Ward gun will take place outside the Veterans Service Building in St. Paul. This historic naval gun—manned primarily by St. Paul-based Naval Reservists—announced the United States’ entry into World War II when it sank a Japanese midget submarine near Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The gun will be carefully removed, restored, and permanently installed at the new Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum near Camp Ripley, scheduled to open in late summer 2026.
Immediately following the brief ceremony, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs will host a formal event on the 5th floor of the Veterans Service Building recognizing the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in Tokyo Bay, which took place on September 2, 1945.
The location of the USS Ward Gun is located on the west side of the Veterans Services Building between Lot H and Lot I. 101 West 12th Street Saint Paul, MN, 55155
Up Close Program: WWII German Small Arms
Saturday, August 30 at 1pm | Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum Library
Long-time volunteer and resident weapons expert John Deuhs presents “The Other German Pistol”—an in-depth look at the WWII P-38 pistol. As always, John’s popular talks will also highlight other German small arms of the era.
John is a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Artillery branch, including a tour in Germany, and he has shared his expertise with the museum for many years.
📚 Don’t miss the book sale, happening from 1–3 p.m. alongside the program!
UP CLOSE - The "Jumbo" Sherman
Saturday, May 31 from 1-3 pm | In-Person Program
Our host will be long-time UP CLOSE presenter Dan Reed from Buffalo, MN. A former tanker, Dan will be giving an in-depth talk on our iconic "Jumbo" Sherman tank.
This free event runs alongside our always-popular book sale, and new this year, we’ll also be offering a surplus sale featuring military equipment and uniforms during each UP CLOSE program this summer.
Planning Your Visit?
While this event is free and open to the public, we invite you to explore the museum’s powerful exhibits while you're here. General admission tickets to the museum can be purchased here.
United in Service Premiere Screening Event
Thursday, May 15 at 6 pm | In-Person Program
Join PBS North and the Museum for a special screening event on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Zeitgeist Arts Building, in Duluth, MN. This event will feature an exclusive premiere screening of the PBS North documentary United in Service: Military History from America's Northland, followed by a short discussion with the creators. Doors open at 6:00 PM, screening starts at 6:30 PM. Light refreshments will be provided.
VE-DAY ANNIVERSARY
Thursday, May 8 at 7 pm | Virtual Program
Join us for a free, virtual program to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Victory in Europe and hear an account of someone who lived it. Decorated WWII veteran Don Halverson will share his recollections via Zoom this Thursday evening. Mr Halverson previously honored us at our new museum groundbreaking. The Harold C Deutsch WWII Roundtable will continue this conversation at their May 13 program in St Paul.
America 250
Join us for a free, virtual program to explore The Year That Made America (1775-76): From Rebellion to Independence with Tom McMillan. The program kicks off our commitment to explore the American Revolution and celebrate the nation's 250th in 2026. Tom will speak about his book on the topic published just this week.
Minnesota Remembers The Battle of The Bulge
December 17, 7:00 PM
FREE - Virtual Event
Settle into the rich storytelling of Alex Kershaw and hear his accounts of specific Minnesotans who fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
Army Navy Official Watch Party & Celebration
December 14, 2:00 PM
FREE - In Person Event
Come join us for the official Minnesota watch party for the Army-Navy Football Game on Saturday, December 14. at the James Ballentine Uptown VFW Post 246. All ages are welcome and admission is free with registration. Kick-off is at 2 p.m.
GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY!
GO ARMY! BEAT NAVY!
Presented By Minnesota's General John W. Vessey Jr. Chapter, AUSA in conjunction with Navy League of the United States, Minnesota Council and The Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum.
Minnesota Remembers Pearl Harbor
December 7, 1:00 PM
FREE - Virtual Event
Join us online, via Zoom, to remember those Minnesota service members lost on Dec 7, 1941 and in the months that followed.