Public Programs
Battle Briefs
Tactical Intelligence for D-Day, 1944
with Michael Bigelow
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 | 7 p.m. ET | Virtual
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 | 12 p.m. ET | In-Person and Virtual
When looking at the intelligence aspects of the Normandy invasion, it’s typical to focus on strategic intelligence, especially the use of ULTRA, the Allies’ reading of secret German codes. However, this intelligence only generally influenced the way that the tactical intelligence officers looked at the enemy and terrain facing them on June 6, 1944. In this program, historian Michael Bigelow will explore how the division intelligence officers prepared for their landings on UTAH and OMAHA Beaches.
Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael E. Bigelow has been the Command Historian for the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command since 2006. Previously, he served as an active-duty Military Intelligence officer for 22 years. He studied military history under the late Dr. Russel F. Weigley of Temple University.
Register for the VIRTUAL Battle Brief on June 4 at 7 p.m. ET
This program is offered VIRTUALLY and IN-PERSON on Tuesday, June 11. Museum guests may attend in-person. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL Battle Brief on June 11 at 12 p.m. ET
Register for the IN-PERSON Battle Brief on June 11 at 12 p.m. ET
Shenandoah in Flames: Hunter’s Raid, 1864
Tuesday, July 2, 2024 | 7 p.m. ET | Virtual
Tuesday, July 9, 2024 | 12 p.m. ET | In-Person and Virtual
The late spring of 1864 saw Union troops advancing in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, destroying Confederate supplies and farms to cripple the South’s ability to wage war. A key part of this campaign was led by Maj. Gen. David Hunter, who not only won a key battle against the rebels in June, but also attacked Lexington, where he shelled the town and burned the state’s military academy. Join Museum’s historian and educator John Maass for a new look at “Hunter’s Raid,” and how Union forces tried to win the war in western Virginia.
Dr. John R. Maass is an education specialist at the National Museum of the United States Army. He received a Ph.D. from the Ohio State University in early U.S. history and military history. A former U.S. Army Reserve officer, his most recent book is “The Battle of Guilford Courthouse: A Most Desperate Engagement” (2020).
Register for the VIRTUAL Battle Brief on July 2 at 7 p.m. ET
This program is offered VIRTUALLY and IN-PERSON on Tuesday, July 9. Museum guests may attend in-person. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL Battle Brief on July 9 at 12 p.m. ET
Register for the IN-PERSON Battle Brief on July 9 at 12 p.m. ET
Wilson, Washington, and World War I
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 | 7 p.m. ET | Virtual
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 | 12 p.m. ET | In-Person and Virtual
The Great War, or World War I, had been raging for almost three years before U.S. Army forces began to arrive in Europe to help defeat Germany in 1917. All told over 2 million American troops served during the conflict, half of which were in combat in northern France. Follow museum educator John Maass on a virtual tour of Washington, D.C., area sites commemorating the Soldiers and events of this dreadful war.
Dr. John R. Maass is an education specialist at the National Museum of the United States Army. He received a Ph.D. from the Ohio State University in early U.S. history and military history. A former U.S. Army Reserve officer, his most recent book is “The Battle of Guilford Courthouse: A Most Desperate Engagement” (2020).
Register for the VIRTUAL Battle Brief on August 6 at 7 p.m. ET
This program is offered VIRTUALLY and IN-PERSON on Tuesday, August 13. Museum guests may attend in-person. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL Battle Brief on August 13 at 12 p.m. ET
Register for the IN-PERSON Battle Brief on August 13 at 12 p.m. ET
Sheridan’s Valley Victory: Fisher’s Hill, 1864
Tuesday, September 3, 2024 | 7 p.m. ET | Virtual
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 | 12 p.m. ET | In-Person and Virtual
On Sept. 19, 1864, just two days after his smashing victory at Winchester, Virginia, the aggressive Union Maj. Gen. Phillip Sheridan advanced his 29,000 men against a strong position held by 9,500 weary Confederate defenders under General Jubal Early on Fisher’s Hill. Learn the details of this bloody Shenandoah Valley battle during the Civil War from museum educator and historian John Maass, and the region’s pitiless destruction after the fighting was over.
Dr. John R. Maass is an education specialist at the National Museum of the United States Army. He received a Ph.D. from the Ohio State University in early U.S. history and military history. A former U.S. Army Reserve officer, his most recent book is “The Battle of Guilford Courthouse: A Most Desperate Engagement” (2020).
Register for the VIRTUAL Battle Brief on September 3 at 7 p.m. ET
This program is offered VIRTUALLY and IN-PERSON on Tuesday, September 10. Museum guests may attend in-person. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL Battle Brief on September 10 at 12 p.m. ET
Register for the IN-PERSON Battle Brief on September 10 at 12 p.m. ET
Following the French: Rochambeau’s Army in Virginia
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 | 7 p.m. ET | Virtual
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 12 p.m. ET | In-Person and Virtual
During the last major campaign of the Revolutionary War in 1781, over 8,000 French troops under Lt. Gen. Comte de Rochambeau marched from New York to Virginia to fight in the victorious siege of Yorktown led by George Washington. They marched and sailed over 400 miles alongside their American allies, then returned on foot the next year. Join museum educator John Maass on a tour of these historic sites in Virginia where the French army helped America win its independence.
Dr. John R. Maass is an education specialist at the National Museum of the United States Army. He received a Ph.D. from the Ohio State University in early U.S. history and military history. A former U.S. Army Reserve officer, his most recent book is “The Battle of Guilford Courthouse: A Most Desperate Engagement” (2020).
Register for the VIRTUAL Battle Brief on October 1 at 7 p.m. ET
This program is offered VIRTUALLY and IN-PERSON on Tuesday, October 8. Museum guests may attend in-person. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Register for the VIRTUAL Battle Brief on October 8 at 12 p.m. ET
Register for the IN-PERSON Battle Brief on October 8 at 12 p.m. ET
Explore past Battle Briefs