On Dec. 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright flew their heavier-than-air machine, over 100 feet in 12 seconds at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This flight, the first of three that day, marked the world’s first powered, sustained, and controlled airplane flight. During those three short test flights, the aerial age was born.
The Army has frequently been a leader in recognizing and developing new technology and inventions to improve its effectiveness on the battlefield. Following the Wright Brothers’ success, the Army challenged the inventors to provide an aircraft that would carry two passengers, fly 40 miles per hour, and remain airborne for an hour. The result, the Wright Model A, was tested and accepted by the Army in 1909 at Fort Myer, Virginia. The purchase constituted the Army’s first air force.
Discover how the Wright brothers countered the problems of control and balance through experimentation to achieve success. Discover how the U.S. Army harnessed this new technology to improve readiness and learn how in turn that technology impacted civilian life.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on December 4 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on December 11 at 12 p.m. ET.
This program is offered virtually and in-person on Wednesday, December 18. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on December 18 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on December 18 at 12 p.m. ET.
Explores the role that Jewish American Soldiers played in liberating Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Beginning in the spring of 1945, the U.S. Army began uncovering these camps, revealing the horrific realities of the Holocaust. These Soldiers, many of whom were fluent in Yiddish, were not only witnesses to the atrocities but also the first to offer solace and a sense of community to the survivors. The presentation will highlight their unique position as both liberators and members of the Jewish community, emphasizing their ability to communicate with survivors and provide immediate support and understanding amidst the chaos and devastation.
Through personal accounts, historical context, and visual documentation, “Restoring Humanity” sheds light on the harrowing experiences of the Holocaust, the liberation process, and the critical role of Jewish American Soldiers in restoring humanity to those who had suffered unimaginable horrors. It underscores the importance of remembrance and the enduring impact of these liberators in shaping the post-war understanding of the Holocaust.
Michael Rugel is the Director of Programs and Content at the National Museum of American Jewish Military History. In this role, he develops and oversees educational and public programs aimed at preserving and sharing the history of Jews in the American military. He received a Bachelor’s degree in history from the College of William and Mary and a Master’s degree in Museum Studies from George Washington University.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on January 22 at 12 p.m. ET.
This program is offered virtually and in-person on Wednesday, January 22 In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on January 22 at 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.
African Americans have served their country since the Revolutionary War, many serving in segregated units and not always given the respect and honor due to them. Although African Americans fought with distinction in World War II, they returned home to a segregated America. In 1948, President Harry Truman issued Executive Order 9981, which called for equal opportunity for all members of the Armed Forces. The segregated Army became a thing of the past and the segregation of American society began to crumble.
In this History Talk, explore how African American Soldiers’ journey for equal rights expanded what it means to be an American.
This program is offered virtually and in-person on Thursday, January 30. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on January 30 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on November 20 at 12 p.m. ET.
Generations of African Americans have fought for the protection of the United States, but it would not be until the Civil War that they would serve in an official capacity. Due to their exemplary service, a Congressional Act passed on July 28, 1866, created six new regiments comprised of all Black enlisted men with predominately white officers. Later condensed to four regiments, they would come to be known as the “Buffalo Soldiers.”
These Soldiers played a decisive role in the U.S. Army on the western frontier. The courage and determination of the Soldiers in spite of segregation at home would pave the way towards achieving integration and full civil rights in the future.
In this History Talk, examine the commitment, challenges, and sacrifices of Buffalo Soldiers immediately following the Civil War in the American west. This Virtual Field Trip is supported by the U.S. Army Women’s Museum and the Frontier Army Museum.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on February 5 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on February 12 at 12 p.m. ET.
This program is offered virtually and in-person on Wednesday, February 19. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on February 19 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on February 19 at 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.
The 6888th Central Postal Battalion was the first and only all-Black unit 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. Learn how their actions, along with thousands of other Black WACs, contributed to the Allied victory.
In this History Talk, examine the legacy of their service and its impact on the civil rights movement.
This program is offered virtually and in-person on Thursday, January 30. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on February 27 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on February 27 at 12 p.m. ET.
Women have served the U.S. Army since its founding. Women’s service was often confined to unofficial capacities as volunteer nurses, seamstresses, and cooks for troops in camp. While the U.S. Army established contracts with female nurses during the Civil War those were annulled at the war’s conclusion.
In 1898, the United States declared war on Spain. In a short time, the U.S. Army grew from 28,000 Soldiers to over 300,000 men. The influx of Soldiers strained the Army’s resources and led to crowded camps that lacked supplies and resources. Diseases spread through camps and led to the recruitment of thousands of trained female contract nurses to provide medical support. Nurses dressed wounds, carried out sanitation procedures, and prepared meals. The selfless service of Spanish American War nurses forced the U.S. Army to acknowledge the women’s contributions. Three years later, the Nurses Corps was established as a permanent part of the U.S. Army.
In this History Talk, explore the contributions of U.S. Army Nurses during the Spanish-American War. Learn how their commitment, challenges, and sacrifices created new professional opportunities for women both in the Army and civilian medical facilities.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on March 5 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on March 12 at 12 p.m. ET.
This program is offered virtually and in-person on Wednesday, March 19. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on March 19 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on March 19 at 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. Nicknamed the “Hello Girls,” the women 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.
This program is offered virtually and in-person on Thursday, March 27. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on March 27 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on March 27 at 12 p.m. ET.
Over 200,000 Americans served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. These diverse individuals eventually came together to form a functioning and professional Army. Join us to explore how American patriots worked together to create the Continental Army by examining the uniforms, equipment, and weapons of Revolutionary War Soldiers.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on April 2 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on April 9 at 12 p.m. ET.
This program is offered virtually and in-person on Wednesday, April 16. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on April 16 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on April 16 at 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.
On Dec. 27, 1917, the all-Black 369th Infantry Regiment docked at Brest, France. The all-Black regiment, comprised of men from Harlem, New York and surrounding cities, were assigned to the Service of Supplies – unloading ships and building roads and railroads. Three months later, the regiment was transferred to the French Army and earned a new nickname: “Hellfighters.” In the 191 days the men spent on the front lines no ground was lost and no man was captured. Learn how their actions along with the thousands of other Black World War I veterans contributed to the Allied victory.
In this History Talk, examine the legacy of their service and its impact on the civil rights movement.
This program is offered virtually and in-person on Thursday, March 27. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on April 24 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on April 24 at 12 p.m. ET.
Explore Past History Talks