National Museum of the United States Army

Since the Army’s founding, animals have been a part of the Soldier’s experience in times of both war and peace. Animals have been used during mounted attacks, as transportation, for communication, and for bomb and other hazardous detection.
Not only have animals played key roles as warriors and workers, but they’ve also served as companions and mascots. Whether a dog, horse, bird, bear, or some other creature, animals provide much-needed distraction, comfort, and companionship, and have even been considered bearers of good luck.
In this History Talk, explore the service of animals in the U.S. Army and the timeless and enduring relationship between Soldiers and animals.

Local Event: History Talk - Tails of Valor: Animals in the U.S. Army

Fairfax County

Greater Alexandria

Virginia

History Talk - Tails of Valor: Animals in the...

Since the Army’s founding, animals have been a part of the Soldier’s experience in times of both war and peace. Animals have...

History Talk - Tails of Valor: Animals in the U.S. Army

During World War II, the drawing of a man with a long nose peeking over something, accompanied by the words “Kilroy was here,” surfaced on ships, vehicles, walls, and even enemy territory. The image spread to wherever American Soldiers were stationed in both the European and Pacific Theaters of Operation. Its prevalence came to symbolize the presence, perseverance, and commitment of the American military during the conflict.
Kilroy wasn’t the first nor the last example of Soldier graffiti. Soldiers have left their mark in various forms on furniture, equipment, and walls since the Revolutionary War. Their messages capture the basic human need to mark their existence and connect with others. Today, their messages serve as poignant reminders of their sacrifices and commitment to their country.
In this History Talk, explore the realities of wartime life and service through the lens of Soldier graffiti. Discover how their artwork offers an unfiltered window into the realities of wartime life and reflects broader themes of identity, resistance, and remembrance.

Local Event: History Talk - Battle Marks: Soldier Graffiti and the U.S. Army

History Talk - Battle Marks: Soldier Graffiti...

During World War II, the drawing of a man with a long nose peeking over something, accompanied by the words “Kilroy was here,”...

History Talk - Battle Marks: Soldier Graffiti and the U.S. Army

In the hot summer of 1862 in the Northern Virginia piedmont region, Union General John Pope took command of scattered Yankee forces guarding Washington, D.C. The boastful Pope soon adopted an offensive strategy against the opposing Confederate Army. Learn from Museum educator John Maass how Pope’s command fared on the battlefields around Manassas, fighting against two of the South’s best generals.
John R. Maass is a historian and educator at the National Museum of the U.S. Army. He received a BA in history from Washington &amp; Lee University, and a PhD in early U.S. history from the Ohio State University. He served as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve (80th Division). His most recent book is “The Battles of Spencer’s Ordinary and Green Spring, 1781” (2025).

Local Event: Battle Brief - “Return to Bull Run: The Second Manassas Campaign (pt. 1)” with John Maass

Battle Brief - “Return to Bull Run: The Second...

In the hot summer of 1862 in the Northern Virginia piedmont region, Union General John Pope took command of scattered Yankee...

Battle Brief - “Return to Bull Run: The Second Manassas Campaign (pt. 1)” with John Maass

Soldiers are warriors both on and off the battlefield.
Many Soldiers have applied the same dedication, teamwork, and patriotism required to accomplish their mission to athletic competition. Since 1948, over 400 Soldiers have represented the United States at the Olympics. One hundred Soldiers have earned medals in a variety of sports, including boxing, wrestling, pentathlon, and bobsled. Before official record-keeping, many American Olympians enlisted in the Army during World War II to protect and defend the United States. Today, this tradition of athletic accomplishment continues in the Army’s World Class Athlete Program, which trains Soldiers to perform at the highest level in their sports.
In this History Talk, learn more about the commitments, sacrifices, and accomplishments of these Soldier Olympians

Local Event: History Talk - Military Gold: Army Athletes on the World Stage

History Talk - Military Gold: Army Athletes on...

Soldiers are warriors both on and off the battlefield.
Many Soldiers have applied the same dedication, teamwork, and patriotism...

History Talk - Military Gold: Army Athletes on the World Stage

“The Airborne Mafia” explores how a small group of World War II airborne officers took control of the US Army after World War II. This powerful cadre cemented a unique airborne culture that had an unprecedented impact on the Cold War US Army and beyond. With a deft touch, deep research, and an unwavering eye for the human stories behind organizational change, Robert Williams helps explain the existence and importance of the paratrooper mystique that remains within the military still today.
Robert F. Williams is a historian with the Army University Press and Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. A former airborne infantry non-commissioned officer, he has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Local Event: Book Talk - The Airborne Mafia: The Paratroopers Who Shaped America’s Cold War Army 

Book Talk - The Airborne Mafia: The...

“The Airborne Mafia” explores how a small group of World War II airborne officers took control of the US Army after World War...

Book Talk - The Airborne Mafia: The Paratroopers Who Shaped America’s Cold War Army 

Occupied by Union forces on May 24, 1861, Alexandria became the Confederacy’s longest-occupied city. Strategically positioned across the Potomac River from Washington, it functioned as a massive Union supply depot, medical hub, and sanctuary for freedom seekers until the war’s end. With its port and rail connections, Alexandria was transformed into a major logistical center. Dozens of public buildings, churches, and private homes were commandeered to serve as military barracks, prisons, and hospitals. Spend two hours on a walking tour of Old Town Alexandria with Museum educators Kenna Howat Felix and John Maass to learn about the city’s Civil War past.
This walking tour will begin and end in Old Town Alexandria. Ability Level: moderate due to terrain. The tour will be over partly uneven brick and stone walkways.
John R. Maass is a historian and educator at the National Museum of the U.S. Army. He received a Ph.D. in early U.S. history from the Ohio State University. His most recent book is “The Battles of Spencer’s Ordinary and Green Spring, 1781” (2025).
Kenna Howat Felix is a Museum Educator at the National Museum of the U.S. Army. She received a master’s degree in history from George Mason University. She has over 12 years’ experience working in museums throughout the Washington, D.C. area.

Local Event: Civil War Alexandria: A Walking Tour

Civil War Alexandria: A Walking Tour

Occupied by Union forces on May 24, 1861, Alexandria became the Confederacy’s longest-occupied city. Strategically positioned...

NMUSA Programs and Education

Washington Metropolitan Area

Patch AM Team

Fort Hunt

Hybla Valley

Groveton

Mount Vernon

Huntington

Hayfield

Rose Hill

Kingstowne-Rose Hill

Alexandria city

Michelle Witte

Old Town Alexandria

Fort Belvoir

Little Theatre of Alexandria

Frank Abagnale Jr. forged millions, fooled the FBI, and did it all before his 21st birthday. Based on the incredible true story, Catch Me If You Can is a high-flying, fast-talking musical set to an irresistible score. One of the most entertaining nights of the season! Show runs July 18 to August 8, 2026
Thursdays - Saturdays at 8:00 PM
Sunday Matinees at 2:00 PM
Ticket: $40 (includes fees)

Local Event: Catch Me If You Can

Alexandria

Catch Me If You Can

Frank Abagnale Jr. forged millions, fooled the FBI, and did it all before his 21st birthday. Based on the incredible true...

3110 Fairview Park Dr Ste 500, Falls Church, VA 22042

At Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS), one of the region’s largest and most established human services nonprofits, we believe every child deserves to walk into the classroom on the first day of school feeling confident, prepared, and ready to learn. But for many local families, the excitement of a new school year is overshadowed by the financial stress of buying school supplies. By helping families meet this essential need, we can ease financial pressure and give students the tools they need to succeed from day one.
This summer, NVFS is bringing together individuals, businesses, and community partners from across Northern Virginia, to provide new backpacks and essential school supplies to more than 1,500 local students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Together, we're helping children feel prepared for the school year ahead while easing the financial burden on families working toward greater stability.
You can help families start the school year with confidence. Whether you donate, host a supply drive, or spread the word, every contribution helps equip students for success in the classroom, and strengthens families across our community.
Help us reach our goal. There are several ways you can help.
<ul><li>Donate to our Back2School Fund online, and we'll shop for the most-needed supplies on your behalf: <a href="https://nvfs.link/b2sdonate" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">nvfs.link/b2sdonate</a></li></ul>
<ul><li>Shop our Amazon Wish List by July 22: <a href="https://nvfs.link/b2s2026amazon" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">nvfs.link/b2s2026amazon</a></li></ul>
<ul><li>Host a school supply drive or learn more about how you can support the campaign: <a href="https://nvfs.link/b2s" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">nvfs.link/b2s</a></li></ul>
The new school year will be here before we know it. Together, we can make back-to-school season a time to help more than 1,500 local students start the school year strong and give families one less worry as they work toward a brighter future.

Local Event: Join Northern Virginia Family Services in Helping 1,500 Local Students Start the School Year Strong

Falls Church

Join Northern Virginia Family Services in...

At Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS), one of the region’s largest and most established human services nonprofits, we...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Posting Activity

History Talk - Tails of Valor: Animals in the U.S. Army

JUL

22

12:00 PM

National Museum of the United States Army, 1775 Liberty Dr, Fort Belvoir, VA

History Talk - Battle Marks: Soldier Graffiti and the U.S. Army

AUG

5

12:00 PM

National Museum of the United States Army, 1775 Liberty Dr, Fort Belvoir, VA

Battle Brief - “Return to Bull Run: The Second Manassas Campaign (pt. 1)” with John Maass

AUG

11

12:00 PM

National Museum of the United States Army, 1775 Liberty Dr, Fort Belvoir, VA

History Talk - Military Gold: Army Athletes on the World Stage

AUG

12

12:00 PM

National Museum of the United States Army, 1775 Liberty Dr, Fort Belvoir, VA

Book Talk - The Airborne Mafia: The Paratroopers Who Shaped America’s Cold War Army

AUG

20

7:00 PM

National Museum of the United States Army, 1775 Liberty Dr, Fort Belvoir, VA

Civil War Alexandria: A Walking Tour

SEP

24

9:00 AM

Greater Alexandria, VA

Civil War Alexandria: A Walking Tour

SEP

26

9:00 AM

Greater Alexandria, VA

Catch Me If You Can

Join Northern Virginia Family Services in Helping 1,500 Local Students Start the School Year Strong