Public Programs

History Talks

We The People – The Harlem Hellfighters in World War I

Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person

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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 Dec. 27, 1917, the 369th Infantry Regiment docked at Brest, France. The regiment, comprised of men from Harlem, New York, and surrounding cities, was assigned to the Service of Supplies – unloading ships and building roads and railroads. Three months later, the regiment was transferred to the French Army and earned a new nickname: “Hellfighters.” In the 191 days the men spent on the front lines, no ground was lost, and no man was captured.

Learn how their actions, along with thousands of other Soldiers, contributed to the Allied victory.

This program is offered virtually and in-person on Thursday, April. 30. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. 

Register for this VIRTUAL History Talk on Thursday, April 30 at 12 p.m. ET

Register for this IN-PERSON History Talk on Thursday, April 30, at 12 p.m. ET


From Combat to Commemoration: The U.S. Army and America’s Overseas Cemeteries

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person

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World War I forced the United States and the Army to confront two unprecedented questions: how to care for more than 80,000 American war dead overseas, and how to memorialize a conflict fought far from home. From this challenge emerged the Battle Monuments Board—an Army-led effort that evolved into the modern American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC).

In this History Talk, trace the Army’s foundational role in American memorialization, from General John J. Pershing’s influence and the symbolism of white marble crosses to debates over repatriation and permanent overseas burial. Follow the transition from a military program to a civilian agency, the expansion of memorial efforts after World War II, collaboration with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, and modern-day Memorial Day commemorations worldwide.

Together, these stories reveal how the Army helped shape not only how America fights wars, but how it remembers them.

This program will be presented by Benjamin D. Brands, Ph.D., Historian, and Liz DeLucia, Training and Education Officer, at the American Battle Monuments Commission.

This program is offered virtually and in-person on Thursday, May 6, 2026. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. 

Register for this VIRTUAL History Talk on May 6 at 12 p.m. ET

Register for this IN-PERSON History Talk on May 6 at 12 p.m. ET


We The People – The Hello Girls in World War I

Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person

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Generations of Americans have used military service to expand notions of citizenship and advance civil rights. As a result, military service has become a tool to broaden the concept of “the people” and what it means to be an American.

During World War I, over 200 women served the American Expeditionary Forces as telephone operators connecting calls between the front line and higher headquarters. The women, nicknamed the “Hello Girls,” worked tirelessly, under at times combat conditions as the first women to actively support combat operations.

In this History Talk explore the commitment, sacrifices, and challenges of the Hello Girls and how their service paved the way for women’s right to vote.

This program is offered virtually and in-person on Thursday, May 28, 2026. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. 

Register for this VIRTUAL History Talk on Thursday, May 28 at 12 p.m. ET

Register for this IN-PERSON History Talk on Thursday, May 28, at 12 p.m. ET


Duty to Country: Filipino Soldiers in World War II

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person

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Generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have helped develop and defend the United States, often in the face of tremendous racial and cultural prejudice. Despite these difficulties, AAPI men and women struggled, sacrificed, and persevered to build a better life for their children and Americans.

During World War II, over 250,000 Filipino Soldiers fought under the American flag to protect and defend the United States. Filipinos fought alongside and as an integral part of the U.S. Armed Forces in a dual mission to protect and defend the Philippines while also liberating and defending U.S. territories. These Soldiers served in different capacities – the Philippine Commonwealth Army, the Philippine Scouts, the guerrilla movement, and the Regular U.S. Army – all with a common mission. Together their service was instrumental in the liberation of the Philippines and the eventual surrender of the Japanese Army in 1945.

In this History Talk, explore the bravery, valor, and dedication of Filipino Veterans of World War II. Understand how their commitment and sacrifice demonstrated a commitment to the Army’s values of honor and duty.

Register for this VIRTUAL History Talk on June 3 at 12 p.m. ET

Register for this VIRTUAL History Talk on June 10 at 12 p.m. ET

This program is offered virtually and in-person on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. 

Register for this VIRTUAL History Talk on June 17 at 12 p.m. ET

Register for this IN-PERSON History Talk on June 17 at 12 p.m. ET


We The People – The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion

Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person

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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.

The 6888th Central Postal Battalion was sent overseas during World War II. They faced the daunting task of sorting and delivering mail to the roughly 7 million service members stationed in the European Theater. They bravely worked through challenging conditions including the threat of enemy attack. Their work reconnected Soldiers with their families back home and improved morale. Their motto “No Mail, Low Morale” was the driving force behind their work. Learn how their actions, along with thousands of other WACs, contributed to the Allied victory.

This program is offered virtually and in-person on Thursday, June 25, 2026. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. 

Register for this VIRTUAL History Talk on Thursday, June 25 at 12 p.m. ET

Register for this IN-PERSON History Talk on Thursday, June 25, at 12 p.m. ET


Battle Marks: Soldier Graffiti and the U.S. Army

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person

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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 Operation. 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.

This program is offered virtually and in-person on Wednesday, July 8 and Wednesday, Aug 5, 2026. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. 

Register to attend this VIRTUAL History Talk on Wednesday, July 8 at 12 p.m. ET

Register to attend this IN-PERSON History Talk on Wednesday, July 8 at 12 p.m. ET

Register to attend this VIRTUAL History Talk on Wednesday, August 5 at 12 p.m. ET

Register to attend this IN-PERSON History Talk on Wednesday, August 5 at 12 p.m. ET


Military Gold: Army Athletes on the World Stage

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person

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Soldiers are warriors both on and off the battlefield.

Many Soldiers have applied the same dedication, teamwork, and patriotism required to accomplish their mission to athletic competition. Since 1948, over 400 Soldiers have represented the United States at the Olympics. One hundred Soldiers have earned medals in a variety of sports, including boxing, wrestling, pentathlon, and bobsled. Before official record-keeping, many American Olympians enlisted in the Army during World War II to protect and defend the United States. Today, this tradition of athletic accomplishment continues in the Army’s World Class Athlete Program, which trains Soldiers to perform at the highest level in their sports.

In this History Talk, learn more about the commitments, sacrifices, and accomplishments of these Soldier Olympians.

This program is offered virtually and in-person on Wednesday, July 15 and Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. 

Register for this Virtual History Talk on July 15 at 12 p.m. ET

Register for this In-person History Talk on July 15 at 12 p.m. ET

Register for this Virtual History Talk on August 12  at 12 p.m. ET

Register for this In-person History Talk on August 12 at 12 p.m. ET


Tails of Valor: Animals in the U.S. Army

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person

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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.

This program is offered virtually and in-person on Wednesday, July 22 and Wednesday, Aug 19, 2026. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. 

Register to attend this VIRTUAL History Talk on Wednesday, July 22 at 12 p.m. ET

Register to attend this IN-PERSON History Talk on Wednesday July 22 at 12 p.m. ET

Register to attend this VIRTUAL History Talk on Wednesday, August 19 at 12 p.m. ET

Register to attend this IN-PERSON History Talk on Wednesday, August 19 at 12 p.m. ET


Explore Past History Talks