Public Programs

History Hike

Friday, April 10, 2026, 9-11:00 a.m. ET 

2026 marks the sesquicentennial of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, in addition to the second year of America's armed struggle for liberty. 

Learn more about the memorialization of the Revolutionary War on a free 2-hour guided walk in Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) to visit graves and memorials connected to the nation's 250th anniversary of independence. 

Ability level: Moderate due to hilly terrain. 

The starting point will be at the Arlington House at 9 a.m. and the hike will end at the Memorial Amphitheater. Please allow sufficient time to arrive at the ANC Welcome Center via Metro or car, go through security, and arrive at the starting point at Arlington House. Participants can either walk to the starting point or purchase tram tickets, if desired.

 

 

 

 

Virtual Battle Brief

Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 7 p.m. ET
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

In the lead-up to the Revolutionary War, Patrick Henry of Virginia was known as a strong Patriot and advocate for independence. He is most famous for his "Give me liberty or give me death" speech in early 1775, but he also had difficult military experiences during the war. Learn about Henry's wartime efforts and challenges from military historian John Maass.

John R. Maass, Ph.D., 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. and military history. His most recent book is "From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points of the Revolutionary War." (2025).

 

 

 

 

 

In-Person Battle Brief

Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

In the lead-up to the Revolutionary War, Patrick Henry of Virginia was known as a strong Patriot and advocate for independence. He is most famous for his "Give me liberty or give me death" speech in early 1775, but he also had difficult military experiences during the war. Learn about Henry's wartime efforts and challenges from military historian John Maass.

John R. Maass, Ph.D., 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. and military history. His most recent book is "From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points of the Revolutionary War." (2025).

 

Thursday, May 21, 2026, 7 p.m. (ET) - Virtual

In "The Battle of Manila," Nicholas Sarantakes offers the first in-depth account of this crucial campaign from the American, Japanese, and Filipino perspectives. Fighting was building by building, with both sides forced to adapt to the new combat environment. None of the U.S. units that entered Manila had any previous training in urban warfare--yet, as Sarantakes shows, they learned on the fly how to use tanks, flamethrowers, air, and artillery assets in support of infantry assaults. Their effective use of these weapons was an important factor in limiting U.S. casualties, even as it may also have contributed to a catastrophic loss of civilian lives.

Nicholas E. Sarantakes, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the strategy and policy department at the U.S. Naval War College. He is the author of four books, including "Dropping the Torch: Jimmy Carter, the Olympic Boycott, and the Cold War."

Virtual We the People Talk

Thursday, May 28, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

Generations of Americans have used military service to expand notions of citizenship and advance civil rights. As a result, military service has become a tool to broaden the concept of “the people” and what it means to be an American. 

During World War I, over 200 women served the American Expeditionary Forces as telephone operators connecting calls between the front line and higher headquarters. The women, nicknamed the “Hello Girls,” worked tirelessly, under at times combat conditions as the first women to actively support combat operations.  

In this History Talk explore the commitment, sacrifices, and challenges of the Hello Girls and how their service paved the way for women’s right to vote.  

 

In-Person History Talk

Thursday, May 28, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

Generations of Americans have used military service to expand notions of citizenship and advance civil rights. As a result, military service has become a tool to broaden the concept of “the people” and what it means to be an American. 

During World War I, over 200 women served the American Expeditionary Forces as telephone operators connecting calls between the front line and higher headquarters. The women, nicknamed the “Hello Girls,” worked tirelessly, under at times combat conditions as the first women to actively support combat operations.  

In this History Talk explore the commitment, sacrifices, and challenges of the Hello Girls and how their service paved the way for women’s right to vote.  

 

 

Virtual Battle Brief

Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 7 p.m. ET
Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

Maryland-born General James Wilkinson was an experienced Revolutionary War officer who saw action at Montreal, Trenton, and Saratoga. Later, he served as the commanding general of the U.S. Army in the 1790s and early 1800s and as a field commander in the War of 1812. He was also a paid spy in the service of Spain, sold military secrets to America's enemies, and engaged in conspiracies along the Mississippi River. Theodore Roosevelt wrote that “in all our history, there is no more despicable character.” Learn from historian John Maass how this soldier, with many years of active service, betrayed his country for land and money.

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. He is the author of "George Washington's Virginia" (2017) and “From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points of the Revolutionary War” (2025).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have helped develop and defend the United States, often in the face of tremendous racial and cultural prejudice. Despite these difficulties, AAPI men and women struggled, sacrificed, and persevered to build a better life for their children and Americans. 

 
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.  

 
In this History Talk, explore the bravery, valor, and dedication of Filipino Veterans of World War II. Understand how their commitment and sacrifice demonstrated a commitment to the Army’s values of honor and duty.  

 

In-Person Battle Brief

Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

Maryland-born General James Wilkinson was an experienced Revolutionary War officer who saw action at Montreal, Trenton, and Saratoga. Later, he served as the commanding general of the U.S. Army in the 1790s and early 1800s and as a field commander in the War of 1812. He was also a paid spy in the service of Spain, sold military secrets to America's enemies, and engaged in conspiracies along the Mississippi River. Theodore Roosevelt wrote that “in all our history, there is no more despicable character.” Learn from historian John Maass how this soldier, with many years of active service, betrayed his country for land and money.

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. He is the author of "George Washington's Virginia" (2017) and “From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points of the Revolutionary War” (2025).

 

 

Generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have helped develop and defend the United States, often in the face of tremendous racial and cultural prejudice. Despite these difficulties, AAPI men and women struggled, sacrificed, and persevered to build a better life for their children and Americans. 

 
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.  

 
In this History Talk, explore the bravery, valor, and dedication of Filipino Veterans of World War II. Understand how their commitment and sacrifice demonstrated a commitment to the Army’s values of honor and duty.  

 

 

Thursday, June 18, 2026, 7 p.m. (ET) - Virtual

The Battle of Malvern Hill in 1862 marked the climax of the Seven Days' Battles around Richmond, Virginia. For the first time since the Civil War began, the full might of Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan's Union Army of the Potomac and Gen. Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia met. McClellan's Army emerged victorious, yet McClellan retreated from victory to establish a safe base. Learn about this remarkable battle from Frank O'Reilly, whose new study is the first book-length treatment of this critical and pivotal battle.

Francis A. "Frank" O'Reilly, the author of the award-winning "The Fredericksburg Campaign: Winter War on the Rappahannock" (2003), which was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. He has been a professional battlefield guide for 40 years and is a graduate of Washington and Lee University.

 

History Hike 

Saturday, June 20 2026, 10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET

In the Civil War summer of 1862, Union and Confederate forces clashed along the Orange and Alexandria railroad in what became the first battle of the bloody Second Manassas Campaign. Join the historian and site manager of Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park for a walking tour of the 140-acre battlefield in western Prince William County, Virginia.

This free 2-hour walking tour takes place at the Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park visitor center, located just off Bristow Road (Rt. 619) at the corner of Iron Bridge Unit Avenue and Tenth Alabama Way, Bristow, VA 20136. 

Ability Level: moderate due to terrain. The hike will be on unpaved trails on mostly level terrain. Participants provide their own transportation and water.

 

 

 

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.

The 6888th Central Postal Battalion was sent overseas during World War II. They faced the daunting task of sorting and delivering mail to the roughly 7 million service members stationed in the European Theater. They bravely worked through challenging conditions including the threat of enemy attack. Their work reconnected Soldiers with their families back home and improved morale. Their motto "No Mail, Low Morale" was the driving force behind their work. Learn how their actions, along with thousands of other WACs, contributed to the Allied victory. 

 

 

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.

The 6888th Central Postal Battalion was sent overseas during World War II. They faced the daunting task of sorting and delivering mail to the roughly 7 million service members stationed in the European Theater. They bravely worked through challenging conditions including the threat of enemy attack. Their work reconnected Soldiers with their families back home and improved morale. Their motto "No Mail, Low Morale" was the driving force behind their work. Learn how their actions, along with thousands of other WACs, contributed to the Allied victory. 

 

Virtual Battle Brief

Tuesday, July 7, 2026, 7 p.m. ET 
Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

In this special America 250 webinar, experts from Arlington National Cemetery, the National Museum of the United States Army, the National Park Service, and the Museum of the American Revolution will come together to explore the many legacies of the American Revolution at the property that is now Arlington National Cemetery. Topics will include the commemoration of George Washington at Arlington House, the Revolutionary War veterans reburied at Arlington National Cemetery, and the fascinating artifacts that link Arlington to the nation’s founding conflict.

 

In-Person Battle Brief

Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 12 p.m. ET

In this special America 250 webinar, experts from Arlington National Cemetery, the National Museum of the United States Army, the National Park Service, and the Museum of the American Revolution will come together to explore the many legacies of the American Revolution at the property that is now Arlington National Cemetery. Topics will include the commemoration of George Washington at Arlington House, the Revolutionary War veterans reburied at Arlington National Cemetery, and the fascinating artifacts that link Arlington to the nation’s founding conflict. 

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

 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.

 

 

 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.

 

 

 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. 

 

 

 

 

 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, July 16, 2026, 7 p.m. (ET) - Virtual

Join retired U.S. Army Col. Richard W. Stewart, Ph.D. for a look at the history of Army special operations and their missions from Desert Storm (1991) to the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan (2002), and a first-person account of experiencing conflict through the lens of a combat historian.

Richard W. Stewart retired as Chief Historian of the US Army in October 2015, after 40 years of combined service both as a civilian, in the Army Reserve, and on active duty. He received his Ph.D. from Yale University in 1986. His historical works include "War in the Persian Gulf: Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, August 1990–March 1991;" "The United States Army in Somalia, 1992–1994;" and "The U.S. Army in Afghanistan: Operation Enduring Freedom, October 2001 to March 2002."