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 I, the U.S. Army Signal Corps played a crucial part in innovating military communications. World War I was the first time that telephones were used as battlefield equipment. Soldiers laid thousands of miles of telephone and telegraph wires to connect the front lines to command centers. The Signal Corps recruited over 200 civilian telephone operators to connect these calls. Nicknamed “The Hello Girls,” the operators worked tirelessly under, at times, combat conditions.
In this We the People talk, explore the commitment, sacrifices, and challenges of the Hello Girls and the Signal Corps.
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 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.
On Dec. 27, 1917, the 369th Infantry Regiment docked at Brest, France. The 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 soldiers contributed to the Allied victory.
This program is offered virtually and in-person on Thursday, April 24. 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.
Known as Victory in Europe (V-E) Day, May 8, 1945 marked the conclusion of World War II operations in Europe. The Allied forces, through immense sacrifice and unwavering determination, liberated Europe.
It was a day of both celebration and reflection, as the world honored the bravery of those who served and remembered the countless lives lost during the conflict. As we commemorate V-E Day this May, we’ll examine the role of U.S. Army paratroopers who served in the D-Day advance operations.
Just after midnight on June 6, 1944, American paratroopers were dropped behind enemy lines to prepare for an invasion force that would arrive at dawn. The Soldiers’ mission was to capture roadways and establish river crossings to support the D-Day invasion. The use of airborne troops, a vital of part the Allies’ campaign plans, was born out of wartime necessity.
Explore how the U.S. Army developed new technology, training, and strategies to overcome challenges and accomplish the mission. Learn how Army airborne troops contributed to Allied Victory in Europe during World War II.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on May 7 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on May 14 at 12 p.m. ET.
This program is offered virtual and in-person on Wednesday, May 21. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on May 21 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on May 21 at 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 May 1861, Col. Elmer Ellsworth became the first Union officer to be killed in the Civil War. Ellsworth commanded a regiment of New York Fire Zouaves, regiments raised for volunteer Army service. His sacrifice inspired legions of U.S. Army Soldiers. Tens of thousands of Soldiers following in his footsteps, enduring hardships and challenges to preserve the Union. The items Soldiers carried into the field were invaluable to performing their duty and executing the Army’s mission.
Join us to explore the gear, weapons, and personal items that made up a Civil War Soldier’s Load.
This program is offered virtual and in-person on Thursday, May 29. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on May 29 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on May 29 at 12 p.m. ET.
Explore Past History Talks