Battle Briefs

In Pursuit of Lee: The 1863 Battle of Williamsport and the Gettysburg Campaign, with John Maass

Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026 | 7 p.m. ET | Virtual

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-person

The Battle of Williamsport, Maryland, took place from July 6 to July 16, 1863, during the U.S. Civil War. It marked the perilous retreat of General Robert E. Lee’s Confederate army after their defeat at Gettysburg, when a flooded Potomac River trapped the rebels on the northern banks as they tried to cross into Virginia. Learn how Union forces under Maj. George G. Meade tried to crush Lee’s troops, and how a slow pursuit failed to bag Lee and frustrated the President of the United States.

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 November 3 here

This program is offered VIRTUALLY and IN-PERSON on Tuesday, November 10, 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 November 10 here

Register for IN-PERSON Battle Brief on November 10 here

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Ten Crucial Days: The Trenton/
Princeton Campaign, 1776-77

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026 | 7 p.m. ET | Virtual

Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-person

From the winter crossing of the icy Delaware River on Christmas night, 1776, to Gen. George Washington’s crucial victory at Princeton, New Jersey, ten days later, American fortunes in the Revolutionary War changed from almost hopeless to suddenly promising. Learn from historian John Maass how Washington and his freezing, ragged troops defeated their British and Hessian enemies in three battles that marked a major turning point in the war, and helped lead to American independence seven years later.

Dr. John Maass is an education specialist at the National Museum of the United States Army. He received a B.A. in history from Washington and Lee University, and a Ph.D. from the Ohio State University in early U.S. history and military history.

Register for VIRTUAL Battle Brief on December 1 here

This program is offered VIRTUALLY and IN-PERSON on Tuesday, December 8, 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 December 8, 2026 here

Register for IN-PERSON Battle Brief on December 8, 2026 here

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