Public Programs

Virtual Battle Brief

Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 7 p.m. ET 
Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 12 p.m. ET

Soon after World War I, the U.S. government promised its servicemen bonuses for their time in uniform, beginning in 1945. When the American stock market crashed in 1929, however, out of work veterans living through the Great Depression became desperate for relief, and by 1932 loudly demanded that their bonuses be paid immediately. Learn from historian John R. Maass how thousands of veterans marched on Washington, D.C., to plea for their pensions, and the violent reaction their protest provoked.

Dr. John R. Maass is an education specialist and historian at the National Museum of the United States Army. He received a Ph.D. from the Ohio State University in early U.S. history and military history. His most recent book is “From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points of the Revolutionary War” (2025).

Virtual History Talk

Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 12 p.m. ET
Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 12 p.m. ET
Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 12 p.m. ET

Before the American Revolution, a different conflict divided the colonies and set the stage for tension between the colonies and Great Britain. Originally a land struggle between European powers, the French and Indian War provoked resentment toward Great Britain. In this History Talk, visitors will investigate the long-reaching effects of the French and Indian War in order to better understand its powerful relationship to the Revolutionary War.

In-Person Battle Brief

Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 12 p.m. ET

Soon after World War I, the U.S. government promised its servicemen bonuses for their time in uniform, beginning in 1945. When the American stock market crashed in 1929, however, out of work veterans living through the Great Depression became desperate for relief, and by 1932 loudly demanded that their bonuses be paid immediately. Learn from historian John R. Maass how thousands of veterans marched on Washington, D.C., to plea for their pensions, and the violent reaction their protest provoked.

Dr. John R. Maass is an education specialist and historian at the National Museum of the United States Army. He received a Ph.D. from the Ohio State University in early U.S. history and military history. His most recent book is “From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points of the Revolutionary War” (2025).

Thursday, December 11, 2025, 7 p.m. (ET) - Virtual

On the 75th anniversary of the legendary Battle of Chosin Reservoir, Steve Vogel tells the little-known story of the Army soldiers who gave all during the Korean War’s most consequential battles and then were denigrated for their sacrifice. "A Task Force Called Faith" delivers a fresh perspective on Chosin, where 150,000 Chinese soldiers trapped 20,000 U.S. Marines and soldiers in the frozen mountains of North Korea in November and December of 1950. 

Steve Vogel is a historian and former military correspondent for the Washington Post. His coverage of the US war in Afghanistan was part of a package of Washington Post stories selected as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2002. He reported on the US war with Iraq in 2003 as an embedded journalist with an Army airborne brigade. Based in Germany from 1989 through 1994 and reporting for the Washington Post and Army Times, he covered the fall of the Berlin Wall and the first Gulf War, as well as military operations in Somalia, Rwanda, and the Balkans. He is the author of two other acclaimed histories, "Betrayal in Berlin: The True Story of the Cold War's Most Audacious Espionage Operation" and "Through the Perilous Fight: Six Weeks That Saved the Nation."

In-Person History Talk

Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 12 p.m. ET

Before the American Revolution, a different conflict divided the colonies and set the stage for tension between the colonies and Great Britain. Originally a land struggle between European powers, the French and Indian War provoked resentment toward Great Britain. In this History Talk, visitors will investigate the long-reaching effects of the French and Indian War in order to better understand its powerful relationship to the Revolutionary War.

Virtual History Talk

Thursday, December 18, 2025, 12 p.m. ET

Generations of Americans have honorably served their country in the military. We the People celebrates Americans who have served, telling their stories, past, present, and future, because every Soldier has a story. 

During World War II, over 250,000 Filipino Soldiers fought under the American flag to protect and defend the United States. Filipinos fought alongside and as an integral part of the U.S. Armed Forces in a dual mission to protect and defend the Philippines while also liberating and defending U.S. territories. These Soldiers served in different capacities – the Philippine Commonwealth Army, the Philippine Scouts, the guerrilla movement, and the Regular U.S. Army – all with a common mission. Together, their service was instrumental in the liberation of the Philippines and the eventual surrender of the Japanese Army in 1945. 

Learn how their actions, along with thousands of other Army Soldiers, contributed to the Allied victory in the Pacific. 

In-Person History Talk

Thursday, December 18, 2025, 12 p.m. ET

Generations of Americans have honorably served their country in the military. We the People celebrates Americans who have served, telling their stories, past, present, and future, because every Soldier has a story. 

During World War II, over 250,000 Filipino Soldiers fought under the American flag to protect and defend the United States. Filipinos fought alongside and as an integral part of the U.S. Armed Forces in a dual mission to protect and defend the Philippines while also liberating and defending U.S. territories. These Soldiers served in different capacities – the Philippine Commonwealth Army, the Philippine Scouts, the guerrilla movement, and the Regular U.S. Army – all with a common mission. Together, their service was instrumental in the liberation of the Philippines and the eventual surrender of the Japanese Army in 1945. 

Learn how their actions, along with thousands of other Army Soldiers, contributed to the Allied victory in the Pacific. 

Virtual Battle Brief

Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 7 p.m. ET
Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

As part of the 1864 Overland Campaign in Virginia during the Civil War, Union forces under Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant faced off against a smaller but determined Confederate army led by General Robert E. Lee at Cold Harbor. Despite the strong entrenchments defended by Lee's troops, Grant ordered repeated assaults against the Rebels from May 31 to June 3. None of the attacks were successful and resulted in heavy casualties among the Northern troops. Learn from Museum educator John Maass how Grant's attacks were born of weeks of frustrating attempts to bring the Confederate army to battle and a determined Yankee strategy of destroying Lee's command.

Dr. John R. Maass is an education specialist and historian at the National Museum of the United States Army. He received a Ph.D. from the Ohio State University in early U.S. history and military history. His most recent book is “From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points of the Revolutionary War” (2025).

Virtual History Talk

Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 12 p.m. ET
Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 12 p.m. ET
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

During World War II, the drawing of a man with a long nose peeking over something, accompanied by the words "Kilroy was here," surfaced on ships, vehicles, walls, and even enemy territory. The image spread to wherever American Soldiers were stationed in both the European and Pacific Theaters of Operation. Its prevalence came to symbolize the presence, perseverance, and commitment of the American military during the conflict. 
 
Kilroy wasn't the first nor the last example of Soldier graffiti. Soldiers have left their mark in various forms on furniture, equipment, and walls since the Revolutionary War. Their messages capture the basic human need to mark their existence and connect with others. Today, their messages serve as poignant reminders of their sacrifices and commitment to their country. 
 
In this History Talk, explore the realities of wartime life and service through the lens of Soldier graffiti. Discover how their artwork offers an unfiltered window into the realities of wartime life and reflects broader themes of identity, resistance, and remembrance.

In-Person Battle Brief

Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

As part of the 1864 Overland Campaign in Virginia during the Civil War, Union forces under Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant faced off against a smaller but determined Confederate army led by General Robert E. Lee at Cold Harbor. Despite the strong entrenchments defended by Lee's troops, Grant ordered repeated assaults against the Rebels from May 31 to June 3. None of the attacks were successful and resulted in heavy casualties among the Northern troops. Learn from Museum educator John Maass how Grant's attacks were born of weeks of frustrating attempts to bring the Confederate army to battle and a determined Yankee strategy of destroying Lee's command.

Dr. John R. Maass is an education specialist and historian at the National Museum of the United States Army. He received a Ph.D. from the Ohio State University in early U.S. history and military history. His most recent book is “From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points of the Revolutionary War” (2025).

Thursday, January 15, 2026, 7 p.m. (ET) - Virtual

How did Gettysburg become the most famous battle of the American Civil War and one of the most consequential in world history? Why is it the most visited American battlefield, the place where veterans came in the greatest numbers, where Presidents pay homage, and millions of families have vacationed? What was it about this three-day struggle in July 1863 that made it seem like the "turning point of the war," or the "high-water mark" of the Confederate rebellion? Join Dr. Adam I.P. Smith for a look at the famous battle and its importance.

Adam I. P. Smith read History at the University of Oxford before going on to do postgraduate work at Sheffield, Cambridge, and Harvard Universities. He taught at University College London before being appointed Edward Orsborn Professor of U.S. Politics and Political History at Oxford. His previous books have included "The Stormy Present: Conservatism and the Problem of Slavery in Northern Politics" (2017).

In-Person History Talk

Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

During World War II, the drawing of a man with a long nose peeking over something, accompanied by the words "Kilroy was here," surfaced on ships, vehicles, walls, and even enemy territory. The image spread to wherever American Soldiers were stationed in both the European and Pacific Theaters of Operation. Its prevalence came to symbolize the presence, perseverance, and commitment of the American military during the conflict. 
 
Kilroy wasn't the first nor the last example of Soldier graffiti. Soldiers have left their mark in various forms on furniture, equipment, and walls since the Revolutionary War. Their messages capture the basic human need to mark their existence and connect with others. Today, their messages serve as poignant reminders of their sacrifices and commitment to their country. 
 
In this History Talk, explore the realities of wartime life and service through the lens of Soldier graffiti. Discover how their artwork offers an unfiltered window into the realities of wartime life and reflects broader themes of identity, resistance, and remembrance.

Virtual History Talk

Thursday, January 29, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

Generations of Americans have honorably served their country in the military. We the People celebrates Americans who have served, telling their stories, past, present, and future, because every Soldier has a story. 

In 2016, the 65th Infantry Regiment, nicknamed the “Borinqueneers,” received the Congressional Gold Medal for the contributions “made by hundreds of thousands of brave and patriotic United States citizens from Puerto Rico” who served the U.S. Army “from World War I to the most recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.” Explore the commitment, challenges, and bravery of the Borinqueneers from their early roots through the Korean War. 

Learn how their actions, along with those of thousands of other Army Soldiers, contributed to the Army’s mission.

In-Person History Talk

Thursday, January 29, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

Generations of Americans have honorably served their country in the military. We the People celebrates Americans who have served, telling their stories, past, present, and future, because every Soldier has a story. 

In 2016, the 65th Infantry Regiment, nicknamed the “Borinqueneers,” received the Congressional Gold Medal for the contributions “made by hundreds of thousands of brave and patriotic United States citizens from Puerto Rico” who served the U.S. Army “from World War I to the most recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.” Explore the commitment, challenges, and bravery of the Borinqueneers from their early roots through the Korean War. 

Learn how their actions, along with those of thousands of other Army Soldiers, contributed to the Army’s mission.

Virtual Battle Brief

Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 7 p.m. ET
Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

In the Spring of 1778, Continental Army commander George Washington entrusted the young Marquis de Lafayette with a strong detachment of his forces at Valley Forge to gather information about the British Army in the Philadelphia area. Learn from Museum historian John Maass how the French general conducted his first independent operation and how he narrowly avoided disaster at Barren Hill, along the banks of the Schuylkill River.

Dr. John R. Maass is an education specialist at the National Museum of the United States Army. He received a Ph.D. from the Ohio State University in early U.S. history and military history. His most recent book is “From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points of the Revolutionary War” (2025).

Virtual History Talk

Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 12 p.m. ET
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 12 p.m. ET
Wednesday, February 18, 2025, 18 p.m. ET

Soldiers are warriors both on and off the battlefield. 

Many Soldiers have applied the same dedication, teamwork, and patriotism required to accomplish their mission to athletic competition. Since 1948, over 400 Soldiers have represented the United States at the Olympics. One hundred Soldiers have earned medals in a variety of sports, including boxing, wrestling, pentathlon, and bobsled. Before official record-keeping, many American Olympians enlisted in the Army during World War II to protect and defend the United States. Today, this tradition of athletic accomplishment continues in the Army's World Class Athlete Program, which trains Soldiers to perform at the highest level in their sports. 

In this History Talk, learn more about the commitments, sacrifices, and accomplishments of these Soldier Olympians. 

In-Person Battle Brief

Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

In the Spring of 1778, Continental Army commander George Washington entrusted the young Marquis de Lafayette with a strong detachment of his forces at Valley Forge to gather information about the British Army in the Philadelphia area. Learn from Museum historian John Maass how the French general conducted his first independent operation and how he narrowly avoided disaster at Barren Hill, along the banks of the Schuylkill River.

Dr. John R. Maass is an education specialist at the National Museum of the United States Army. He received a Ph.D. from the Ohio State University in early U.S. history and military history. His most recent book is “From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points of the Revolutionary War” (2025).

In-Person History Talk

Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

Soldiers are warriors both on and off the battlefield. 

Many Soldiers have applied the same dedication, teamwork, and patriotism required to accomplish their mission to athletic competition. Since 1948, over 400 Soldiers have represented the United States at the Olympics. One hundred Soldiers have earned medals in a variety of sports, including boxing, wrestling, pentathlon, and bobsled. Before official record-keeping, many American Olympians enlisted in the Army during World War II to protect and defend the United States. Today, this tradition of athletic accomplishment continues in the Army's World Class Athlete Program, which trains Soldiers to perform at the highest level in their sports. 

In this History Talk, learn more about the commitments, sacrifices, and accomplishments of these Soldier Olympians. 

Thursday, February 19, 2026, 7 p.m. (ET) - Virtual

Was it April 9, at Appomattox, where Lee surrendered to Grant in Wilmer McLean's parlor? Or was it ten weeks afterward, in Galveston, where a federal commander proclaimed Juneteenth the end of slavery? Or perhaps in August of 1866, when President Andrew Johnson simply declared “the insurrection is at an end"? Hear from acclaimed historian Michael Vorenberg about the struggle for peace and emancipation in the wake of the Civil War.

Michael Vorenberg received his PhD at Harvard University and now teaches at Brown University. He is the author of "Final Freedom: The Civil War, the Abolition of Slavery, and the Thirteenth Amendment," which was a finalist for the Lincoln Prize and was used as the basis for the screenplay of Stephen Spielberg's 2012 film, "Lincoln."

Virtual History Talk

Thursday, February 26, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

Generations of Americans have honorably served their country in the military. We the People celebrates Americans who have served, tells their stories, past, present, and future, because every Soldier has a story. 

Following the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States mobilized for war. The Women’s Army Corps brought women into the effort. Recognizing their valuable service, military leaders lobbied Congress to make it permanent. In 1948, President Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act. The Act granted women the right to serve as permanent, regular members in all four branches of the military. 

Learn how their actions, along with thousands of American Soldiers, contributed to the Allied victory. 

In-Person History Talk

Thursday, February 26, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

Generations of Americans have honorably served their country in the military. We the People celebrates Americans who have served, tells their stories, past, present, and future, because every Soldier has a story. 

Following the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States mobilized for war. The Women’s Army Corps brought women into the effort. Recognizing their valuable service, military leaders lobbied Congress to make it permanent. In 1948, President Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act. The Act granted women the right to serve as permanent, regular members in all four branches of the military. 

Learn how their actions, along with thousands of American Soldiers, contributed to the Allied victory. 

Virtual History Talk

Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 12 p.m. ET
Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 12 p.m. ET
Wednesday, March 18, 2025, 18 p.m. ET

Since the Army’s founding, animals have been a part of the Soldier’s experience in times of both war and peace. Animals have been used during mounted attacks, as transportation, for communication, and for bomb and other hazardous detection. 

Not only have animals played key roles as warriors and workers, but they’ve also served as companions and mascots. Whether a dog, horse, bird, bear, or some other creature, animals provide much-needed distraction, comfort, and companionship, and have even been considered bearers of good luck. 

In this History Talk, explore the service of animals in the U.S. Army and the timeless and enduring relationship between Soldiers and animals. 

In-Person History Talk

Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

Since the Army’s founding, animals have been a part of the Soldier’s experience in times of both war and peace. Animals have been used during mounted attacks, as transportation, for communication, and for bomb and other hazardous detection. 

Not only have animals played key roles as warriors and workers, but they’ve also served as companions and mascots. Whether a dog, horse, bird, bear, or some other creature, animals provide much-needed distraction, comfort, and companionship, and have even been considered bearers of good luck. 

In this History Talk, explore the service of animals in the U.S. Army and the timeless and enduring relationship between Soldiers and animals. 

Thursday, March 19, 2026, 7 p.m. (ET) - Virtual

For the doomed stand American forces made in the Philippines at the start of World War II, two generals received their country's highest military award, the Medal of Honor. One was the controversial Douglas MacArthur, whose orders forced him to leave his Soldiers on the islands to starvation and surrender. The other was the gritty Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright, who became a hero to the troops whose fate he insisted on sharing, even when it meant becoming the highest-ranking American prisoner of the Japanese. Join Jonathan Horn to learn the incredible story of these two generals and their Soldiers in the Philippines.

Jonathan Horn is an author and former White House presidential speechwriter whose books include "Washington's End" and "The Man Who Would Not Be Washington." He has written for outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Times Disunion series, and has appeared on CBS Sunday Morning, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and PBS NewsHour. 

Virtual History Talk

Thursday, March 26, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

Generations of Americans have honorably served their country in the military. We the People celebrates Americans who have served and tells their stories, past, present, and future, because every Soldier has a story. 

Second-generation Japanese Americans, known as Nisei, demanded the right to join the armed forces during World War II. On February 9, 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt ordered the relocation of Japanese Americans living on the West Coast. 122,000 men, women, and children were sent to incarceration camps throughout the United States. Further, the government classified males of Japanese ancestry as enemy aliens. This classification disqualified them from military service. The Army later loosened this restriction in June 1942. Despite the odds, thousands of Nisei Soldiers bravely served in World War II. 

Learn how their actions, along with thousands of American Soldiers, contributed to the Allied victory. 

In-Person History Talk

Thursday, March 26, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

Generations of Americans have honorably served their country in the military. We the People celebrates Americans who have served and tells their stories, past, present, and future, because every Soldier has a story. 

Second-generation Japanese Americans, known as Nisei, demanded the right to join the armed forces during World War II. On February 9, 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt ordered the relocation of Japanese Americans living on the West Coast. 122,000 men, women, and children were sent to incarceration camps throughout the United States. Further, the government classified males of Japanese ancestry as enemy aliens. This classification disqualified them from military service. The Army later loosened this restriction in June 1942. Despite the odds, thousands of Nisei Soldiers bravely served in World War II. 

Learn how their actions, along with thousands of American Soldiers, contributed to the Allied victory.