History Talks

250 Years of Defending and Building the Nation: The History of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Wednesday, Oct 7, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person

For 250 years the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has engaged in two unique roles to defend and build the nation. First, as a source of professional engineering expertise, the Corps built coastal fortifications to defend the boundaries of a growing nation. And from that expertise, the Corps was also the obvious choice for Congress to engage in developing roads and waterways westward to the expanding frontier. Overtime those two unique missions – military construction and civil works – evolved and expanded to include flood control, disaster response, and overseas contingency operations, among others. In this History Talk, explore how the mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers changed and developed with the nation.

Register for this VIRTUAL History Talk on Oct. 7 at 12 p.m. ET

Register for this IN-PERSON History Talk on Oct. 7 at 12 p.m. ET

This program is offered virtually and in-person on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. 

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Honoring Those Who Served: A History of Veterans Benefits and the U.S. Army

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person

Since the founding of the United States Army on June 14, 1775, the United States has sought to care for its Soldiers in gratitude for their service. These honors include memorials, remembrances, and celebrations alongside tangible benefits that improve the well-being of both the Veterans and the nation they served. Learn how these various benefits, both tangible and intangible, have changed over time to expand eligibility and adapt to current needs.

In this History Talk explore the recognition bestowed upon Veterans returning from conflicts and the measure undertaken by the United States to encourage future participation in the Armed Forces. Examine the impact of these measures and identify how military service has helped pave the way for civil rights.

Register for this VIRTUAL History Talk on Nov. 4 at 12 p.m. ET

Register for this IN-PERSON History Talk on Nov.4 at 12 p.m. ET

This program is offered virtually and in-person on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. 

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Hardtack and Hard Times: Civil War Food and the U.S. Army

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person

Healthy Soldiers are essential for the U.S. Army to accomplish its mission. The food Soldiers eat is one way to keep a strong fighting force. The vitamins and minerals that make up a Soldier’s diet ensure that they are capable of enduring the physical and mental requirements to be successful. Since the Revolutionary War, the U.S. Army has experimented with and provided food to Soldiers based on available resources, nutrition, and current technology.

Coffee, hardtack, and salt pork comprised the majority of a Civil War Soldier’s diet. While these items may seem crude by 21st century standards, they met the nutritional needs of Soldiers at the time. The U.S. Army ration—the amount of food authorized for one Soldier per day—kept Soldiers’ stomachs full and gave them the energy to move forward.

In this History Talk, explore how the U.S. Army supplied its Soldiers during the Civil War. Learn how Soldiers supplemented their rations and, for many, learned to cook for the first time. As part of the field trip, you’ll also learn how to cook like a Civil War Soldier and make hardtack at home.

Register for this VIRTUAL History Talk on Dec. 2 at 12 p.m. ET

Register for this IN-PERSON History Talk on Dec.2 at 12 p.m. ET

This program is offered virtually and in-person on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2026. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. 

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Explore Past History Talks