On Dec. 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright flew their heavier-than-air machine, over 100 feet in 12 seconds at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This flight, the first of three that day, marked the world’s first powered, sustained and controlled airplane flight. During those three short test flights, the aerial age was born.
The Army has frequently been a leader in recognizing and developing new technology and inventions to improve its effectiveness on the battlefield. Following the Wright Brothers’ success, the Army challenged the inventors to provide an aircraft that would carry two passengers, fly 40 miles per hour, and remain airborne for an hour. The result, the Wright Model A, was tested and accepted by the Army in 1909 at Fort Myer, Virginia. The purchase constituted the Army’s first air force.
Discover how the Wright brothers countered the problems of control and balance through experimentation to achieve success. Discover how the U.S. Army harnessed this new technology to improve readiness and learn how, in turn, that technology impacted civilian life.
This program is offered virtual and in-person on Wednesday, August 6. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on August 6 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on August 6 at 12 p.m. ET.
Laughter, celebrities, and frivolity are the sounds and images most closely associated with the United Services Organizations (USO) and, more specifically, the “Camp Show.” These professional-quality variety shows featured America’s most popular comedians, vocalists, and actors, including Bob Hope, Lena Horne, Judy Garland, and Lucille Ball, to some of World War II’s most uncertain battlefields. The shows brought Soldiers a brief respite from the uncertainty that lay ahead and an outlet for stress associated with wartime service.
While the lively nature of the “Camp Shows” stand out in American memory, the USO provided both places of lively social activity and quiet contemplation to Soldiers seeking a morale boost, religious comfort, or a distraction. The USO was incorporated on Feb. 4, 1941, to provide recreational opportunities and resources for World War II service members. The organization combined six social organizations into one formidable group that operated over 3,000 recreational clubs across the globe to provide Soldiers with lodging, food, resources, and entertainment.
Learn how the Army values of selfless service and duty were channeled by civilians to support and uplift Soldiers during one of the darkest times in American history. Identify how those values have been carried on since World War II to support Soldiers through times of war and peace.
This program is offered virtual and in-person on Wednesday, August 13. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on August 13 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on August 13 at 12 p.m. ET
Join us to learn more about the U.S. Army during the Cold War.
During World War II, the Soviet Union and the United States worked together to fight a common enemy; after the war, that relationship fell apart. Trust between the former allies broke down, and fear took hold in its place. This mutual mistrust led the two countries to confront the looming question of “what if?” That question would color the relationship between the two for the next 50 years. As a result, the Army developed new technology, equipment, and training to better protect Americans from the possibilities and threats posed by the “what if?”
Learn how Soldiers worked together to keep the “what if?” from becoming a reality during the Cold War.
This program is offered virtual and in-person on Wednesday, August 20. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on August 20 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on August 20 at 12 p.m. ET
Celebrities are more than entertainers – in some cases they are veterans.
From World War II to modern day, famous actors, musicians, and public figures have served in the Army before, during, or after their rise to fame. Elvis Presley, Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, and Ice T are just some of the many celebrities who have donned an Army uniform. Regardless of their celebrity status, all of these Soldiers showed commitment to duty, rose to meet new challenges, and sacrificed on behalf of their mission. In many cases, their military service influenced their life and career when they returned home.
In this History Talk, learn more about the commitment, challenges, and sacrifices of the many Hollywood Soldiers.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on September 3 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on September 10 at 12 p.m. ET.
This program is offered virtual and in-person on Wednesday, September 17. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on September 17 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on September 17 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.
During World War I, nearly 12,000 Indigenous Soldiers served in the armed forces with distinction. Their actions to protect the nation focused attention on disparities among Indigenous Americans and paved the way for all Indigenous people to enjoy the promise of American citizenship.
Learn how their actions, along with thousands of American Soldiers, contributed to the Allied victory.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on September 25 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on September 25 at 12 p.m. ET.
During World War II, the drawing of a man with a long nose peeking over something accompanied by the words “Kilroy was here” surfaced on ships, vehicles, walls, and even enemy territory. The image spread to wherever American Soldiers were stationed in both the European and Pacific Theaters of Operations. Its prevalence came to symbolize the presence, perseverance, and commitment of the American military during the conflict.
Kilroy wasn’t the first nor the last example of Soldier graffiti. Soldiers have left their mark in various forms on furniture, equipment, and walls since the Revolutionary War. Their messages capture the basic human need to mark their existence and connect with others. Today, their messages serve as poignant reminders of their sacrifices and commitment to their country.
In this History Talk, explore the realities of wartime life and service through the lens of Soldier graffiti. Discover how their artwork offers an unfiltered window into the realities of wartime life and reflects broader themes of identity, resistance, and remembrance.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on October 1 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on October 8 at 12 p.m. ET.
This program is offered virtual and in-person on Wednesday, September 17. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on October 15 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on October 15 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.
On July 28, 1866, a Congressional Act created six new regiments of all-Black enlisted men who would become known as the “Buffalo Soldiers.” These Soldiers played a decisive role in the U.S Army on the western frontier.
Learn how their actions contributed to the settlement of the American frontier.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on October 30 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on October 30 at 12 p.m. ET.
Since the Army’s founding, animals have been a part of the Soldier’s experience in times of both war and peace. Animals have been used during mounted attacks, as transportation, for communication, and for bomb and other hazardous detection.
Not only have animals played key roles as warriors and workers, but they’ve also served as companions and mascots. Whether a dog, horse, bird, bear, or some other creature, animals provide much-needed distraction, comfort, and companionship, and have even been considered bearers of good luck.
In this History Talk, explore the service of animals in the U.S. Army and the timeless and enduring relationship between Soldiers and animals.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on Nov. 5 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on Nov.12 at 12 p.m. ET.
This program is offered virtually and in-person on Wednesday, Nov. 19. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on Nov. 19 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on Nov. 19 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 2016, the 65th Infantry Regiment, nicknamed the “Borinqueneers,” received the Congressional Gold Medal for the contributions “made by hundreds of thousands of brave and patriotic United States citizens from Puerto Rico” who served the U.S. Army “from World War I to the most recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.” Explore the commitment, challenges, and bravery of the Borinqueneers from their early roots through the Korean War.
Learn how their actions, along with those of thousands of other Army Soldiers, contributed to the Army’s mission.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on November 20 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on November 20 at 12 p.m. ET.