History Talks

The Question of “What if?”: The U.S. Army During the Cold War

Wednesday, Sept 9, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual

Wednesday, Sept 16, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person

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.

Register for this VIRTUAL History Talk on Sept. 9 at 12 p.m. ET

This program is offered virtually and in-person on Wednesday, Sept 16, 2026. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. 

Register for this VIRTUAL History Talk on Sept. 16 at 12 p.m. ET

Register for this IN-PERSON History Talk on Sept. 16 at 12 p.m. ET

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250 Years of Defending and Building the Nation: The History of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: The U.S. Army During the Cold War

Wednesday, Oct 7, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person

For 250 years the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has engaged in two unique roles to defend and build the nation. First, as a source of professional engineering expertise, the Corps built coastal fortifications to defend the boundaries of a growing nation. And from that expertise, the Corps was also the obvious choice for Congress to engage in developing roads and waterways westward to the expanding frontier. Overtime those two unique missions – military construction and civil works – evolved and expanded to include flood control, disaster response, and overseas contingency operations, among others. In this History Talk, explore how the mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers changed and developed with the nation.

Register for this VIRTUAL History Talk on Oct. 7 at 12 p.m. ET

Register for this IN-PERSON History Talk on Oct. 7 at 12 p.m. ET

This program is offered virtually and in-person on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. 

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Honoring Those Who Served: A History of Veterans Benefits and the U.S. Army

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person

Since the founding of the United States Army on June 14, 1775, the United States has sought to care for its Soldiers in gratitude for their service. These honors include memorials, remembrances, and celebrations alongside tangible benefits that improve the well-being of both the Veterans and the nation they served. Learn how these various benefits, both tangible and intangible, have changed over time to expand eligibility and adapt to current needs.

In this History Talk explore the recognition bestowed upon Veterans returning from conflicts and the measure undertaken by the United States to encourage future participation in the Armed Forces. Examine the impact of these measures and identify how military service has helped pave the way for civil rights.

Register for this VIRTUAL History Talk on Nov. 4 at 12 p.m. ET

Register for this IN-PERSON History Talk on Nov.4 at 12 p.m. ET

This program is offered virtually and in-person on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. 

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