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 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 cultural history and heritage during World War II.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on October 2 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on October 9 at 12 p.m. ET.
This program is offered virtually and in-person on Wednesday, October 16. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on October 16 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on October 16 at 12 p.m. ET.
This year’s 80th anniversary of D-Day commemorations has focused the public’s attention on the historic 1944 invasion of France during World War II and its legacy. Join us to look at how museums and historical organizations interpret and remember D-Day’s meaning, importance, and legacy. Panelists will include John Long of the National D-Day Memorial, Benjamin Brands of the American Battlefields Monument Commission, and Peter Crean of the National WWII Museum.
Register for virtual History Talk on Oct 24, 2024.
From the Revolutionary War through the present day, American Indians have proudly served the U.S. Army often without recognition or the benefits of citizenship.
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.
In this History Talk, explore the commitment, challenges, and bravery of Native American Soldiers during World War I. Learn how their actions led to citizenship for all Native people and helped lay the groundwork for voting rights.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on November 6 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on November 13 at 12 p.m. ET.
This program is offered virtually and in-person on Wednesday, November 20. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
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.
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.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on December 4 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on December 11 at 12 p.m. ET.
This program is offered virtually and in-person on Wednesday, December 18. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on December 18 at 12 p.m. ET.
Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on December 18 at 12 p.m. ET.