Battle Briefs

American Scoundrel: General James Wilkinson and the Early Republic

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | 7 p.m. ET | Virtual

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-person

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).

Register for VIRTUAL Battle Brief on June 2 here

This program is offered VIRTUALLY and IN-PERSON on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Museum guests may attend in-person. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register for VIRTUAL Battle Brief on June 9 here

Register for IN-PERSON Battle Brief on June 9 here

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Remembering the Revolution at Arlington National Cemetery: A Panel Discussion

Tuesday, July 7, 2026 | 7 p.m. ET | Virtual

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-person

In this special America 250 webinar, experts from Arlington National Cemetery, the National Museum of the United States Army, the National Park Service, In this Special America 250 webinar, experts from Arlington National Cemetery, the National Museum of the United States Army, and the National Park Service 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.

Register for the VIRTUAL Battle Brief on July 7 here

This program is offered VIRTUALLY and IN-PERSON on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Museum guests may attend in-person. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register for the VIRTUAL Battle Brief on July 14 here

Register for the IN PERSON Battle Brief on July 14 here

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“Return to Bull Run: The Second Manassas Campaign (pt. 1)” with John Maass

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 7 p.m. ET | Virtual

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-person

In the hot summer of 1862 in the Northern Virginia piedmont region, Union General John Pope took command of scattered Yankee forces guarding Washington, D.C. The boastful Pope soon adopted an offensive strategy against the opposing Confederate Army. Learn from Museum educator John Maass how Pope’s command fared on the battlefields around Manassas, fighting against two of the South’s best generals.

John R. Maass is a historian and educator at the National Museum of the U.S. Army. He received a BA in history from Washington & Lee University, and a PhD in early U.S. history from the Ohio State University. He served as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve (80th Division). His most recent book is “The Battles of Spencer’s Ordinary and Green Spring, 1781” (2025).

Register for VIRTUAL Battle Brief on August 4 here

This program is offered VIRTUALLY and IN-PERSON on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Museum guests may attend in-person. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register for VIRTUAL Battle Brief on August 11 here

Register for IN-PERSON Battle Brief on August 11 here

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