July 1, 1863, may have been the most chaotic day in the history of Union Army forces in the Civil War’s Eastern Theater. The Army of the Potomac had a new commander; its most capable corps commander had been killed early that day in the fighting west of Gettysburg, and not all of the Army’s troops were on the battlefield by evening. And yet, even with scanty intelligence on Confederate forces and movements, and suffering a sound defeat that day, Union forces commanded by Maj. Gen. George G. Meade barely held on east of the crossroads town. Learn from historian and museum educator John Maass how the beleaguered Federal troops averted disaster on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg.
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. His most recent book is “From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points of the Revolutionary War”(2025).
Register for the VIRTUAL Battle Brief on March 3 here
This program is offered VIRTUALLY and IN-PERSON on Tuesday, March 10, 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 March 10 here
Register for the IN-PERSON Battle Brief on March 10 here
The Society of the Cincinnati is the nation’s oldest patriotic organization, founded in 1783 by officers of the Continental Army who served together in the War of the American Revolution. These men and their French counterparts sought to support the families of those officers killed and wounded during the long conflict with Great Britain. Learn from the organization’s Historical Programs Manager, Andrew Outten, about its modern mission to promote knowledge and appreciation of the achievement of American independence.
Andrew M. Outten is the Historical Programs Manager for the American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati in Washington, D.C. He was previously Director of Education & Museum Services at Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates, and remains on its board. He is a 2011 graduate of Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg.
Register for the VIRTUAL Battle Brief on April 7 here
This program is offered VIRTUALLY and IN-PERSON on Tuesday, April 14, 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 April 14 here
Register for the IN-PERSON Battle Brief on April 14 here
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).
Register for the VIRTUAL Battle Brief on May 5 here
This program is offered VIRTUALLY and IN-PERSON on Tuesday, May 12, 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 May 12 here
Register for the IN-PERSON Battle Brief on May 12 here
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