This November, Arlington National Cemetery’s official historians will present a series of interpretive talks. Open to the general public and ANC staff, these talks will last approximately 20 minutes each. Registration is not required.
November 9: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
In commemoration of the National Veterans Day Observance (NVDO), the ANC History Office is offering three special interpretive talks focused on the history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — the location of the annual NVDO. These talks will be held at the Tanner Amphitheater, near Sherman and Meigs Drives.
• 11:30 a.m.: “Women, Mothers and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” presented by Dr. Allison S. Finkelstein, Senior Historian, Arlington National Cemetery
For the past 101 years, women—especially mothers—have had a special relationship with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This interpretive talk explores these connections and examines the long legacy of how American women have honored the Unknown Soldier.
• 1:30 p.m.: “Silence and Respect: A History of the Tomb Guards,” presented by Tim Frank, Historian, Arlington National Cemetery
Each year, millions of visitors experience the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier conducted by the Tomb Guards of the Army’s 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). However, the Old Guard did not always watch over the Tomb. In fact, during its first four years, the Tomb was not guarded at all. In this interpretive talk, ANC Historian Tim Frank will provide a short history of the evolution of the guards, from civilian watchmen to the specialized soldiers who serve at the Tomb today.
• 2:30 p.m.: “A Brief History of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” presented by Dr. Allison S. Finkelstein, Senior Historian, Arlington National Cemetery and Tim Frank, Historian, Arlington National Cemetery
For over a century, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has served as the heart of Arlington National Cemetery. It functions as a symbolic site of memory and commemoration where visitors of all kinds—from foreign dignitaries to school groups—come to honor American service members. In this talk, you will hear a brief history of the Tomb from its dedication on November 11, 1921 to today.
If you are unable to attend these events in person, click here to listen to pre-recorded versions of these programs (and others).
November 16: Chief Plenty Coups
In commemoration of Chief Plenty Coups’ 1921 visit to Arlington National Cemetery and as part of ANC’s observance of Native American Heritage Month, Curator Rod Gainer will give a talk that explains the history, preservation and exhibition of the Chief Plenty Coups artifacts. The talk will be given in the Memorial Amphitheater Display Room and will be offered at three times (all following the hourly changing of the guard ceremony):
• 11:20 a.m.
• 12:15 p.m.
• 1:20 p.m.
Chief Plenty Coups, one of the most storied 19th-century Native American war chiefs, visited Arlington National Cemetery and participated in the burial service of the Unknown Soldier of World War I in 1921. During the funeral, Chief Plenty Coups left his war bonnet, lance and coup stick in honor of the Unknown Soldier. These remain in ANC’s collection today, along with a signal flag that belonged to Plenty Coups. ANC had these priceless treasures conserved and now proudly exhibits them in the Display Room overlooking the Tomb.
During this interpretive talk, you will hear the history of Chief Plenty Coups and see the material culture artifacts that tell the story of his experiences at ANC. This guided lecture will detail the history and preservation of these artifacts, as well as the story of the Tomb and its relation to Plenty Coups. There will be time for questions with the curator after the presentation.