History Talks

D-Day at 80: A Panel Discussion on Remembrance

Thursday, October 24, 2024 | 7 p.m. ET | Virtual

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.

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Defining “American”: Native American Soldiers in World War I and the Path to Citizenship

Wednesday, November 6, 2024 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual

Wednesday, November 20, 2024 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person

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.

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The “Problem of Flight”: The Wright Brothers and the U.S. Army

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual

Wednesday, December 11, 2024 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person

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.

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