During World War II, a team of historians, museum professionals, scholars, architects, and archivists came together to protect European cultural sites from war damage. Known as the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives section, the team spread out throughout Europe and the Pacific to ensure that sites of cultural significance would be preserved and protected for future generations. This work earned them the nickname the Monuments Men.
As the war progressed, their mission evolved to include locating, recovering, and reconstituting works of art that had been looted by the Nazis. Through careful intelligence work, the Monuments Men uncovered thousands of stolen artworks across Germany and Austria hidden in salt mines, castles, and other hidden bunkers. Their service prevented the destruction of some of the world’s most famous artworks, including Jan Van Eyck’s “Ghent Altarpiece,” Johannes Vermeer’s “The Astronomer,” and Michelangelo’s “Madonna and Child.”
In this History Talk, learn more about the commitment, accomplishments, and sacrifices of the Monuments Men. Understand how their determination and dedication to duty protected and secured European and Japanese culture, history, and heritage during World War II.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on April 1 at 12 p.m. ET
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on April 8 at 12 p.m. ET
This program is offered virtually and in-person on Wednesday, April. 15. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on April 15 at 12 p.m. ET
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on April 15 at 12 p.m.
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
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. 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
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