APRIL 14, 2026 — The National Museum of the United States Army and The Army Historical Foundation will open a special augmented reality exhibition and host a series of events and programs to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The commemorations come as the Museum announces Mr. Paul Morando, the Museum’s first Chief Curator, as its new Director. Mr. Morando is an Army veteran and former director of multiple military museums. For the last eight years, he oversaw the curation of artifacts and production of original exhibits for the National Army Museum, which opened in 2020.
Upcoming commemorations include:
April 25: Augmented Reality Exhibition Opening
Beginning Saturday, April 25, Museum visitors can explore “American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition,” produced by French technology company, Histovery, and presented by The Army Historical Foundation. The family-friendly experience uses augmented reality and portable tablets to drop visitors into 360-degree realistic recreations of key historical moments that helped forge American democracy 250 years ago. Visitors can also use their tablets to travel across centuries, comparing scenes of the Revolution to what these sites look like today. Included with Museum’s FREE admission.
April 28: Last Look at Yorktown Surrender Sword
Visitors can have one last look at the sword presented to General George Washington at the British surrender at Yorktown until April 30. The sword is part of the landmark collection of period artifacts on display in “CALL TO Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War,” open through June 2027. Recent additions to the collection include General Washington’s pistols and a pocket watch belonging to the Marquis de Lafayette. The items were exchanged as gifts between the Revolutionary War leaders and are displayed together for the first time. Included with Museum’s FREE admission.
April 29 – 30: Washington’s War Tent display
Museum visitors can explore a replica of General George Washington’s Revolutionary War tent. The Army Historical Foundation is partnering with the Museum of the American Revolution to display the hand-stitched replica of Washington’s office and sleeping quarters while commanding the Continental Army. This outdoor display includes costumed interpreters, associated replica tents and camp furnishings. Included with Museum’s FREE admission. General Washington’s original sleeping and office tent from the Revolutionary War is on permanent display at the Museum of the American Revolution in historic Philadelphia.
May 8: Revolutionary War Symposium
The Museum will host Revolutionary War 250: Struggle for Independence, 1777-1779, a full-day symposium with renowned historians presenting on the victories and defeats of the Revolutionary War’s pivotal middle years. (No fee; registration required)
May 9: Walking Tour of General Washington’s Alexandria
An expert-led walking tour will trace Old Town Alexandria’s connections to America’s first Commander-in-Chief. (No fee; registration required)
May 30 – 31: Tour Southeastern Virginia’s Revolution Sites
The Army Historical Foundation will take participants on a two-day tour of American Revolution sites in southeastern Virginia with historian guides. (Fee and registration required)
June 6: Army Birthday 6.14K Race
The Army Historical Foundation will celebrate the Army Birthday with a 6.14K run that starts and ends at the Museum. (Fee and registration required)
The Museum will continue its ongoing series of history talks, book discussions, and family activities each week. Check the Museum’s online events calendar for the latest.
About the National Museum of the United States Army
The National Museum of the United States Army provides the only comprehensive portrayal of Army history and traditions through the eyes of the American Soldier. By preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting invaluable artifacts, the National Army Museum creates learning opportunities for all visitors and bonds the American people to their oldest military service. We are America’s Army Museum. The U.S. Army owns and operates the Museum. The Army Historical Foundation continues its fundraising role in support of the Museum and manages all retail, catering, and special events. For more information on the National Museum of the United States Army, visit www.theNMUSA.org.
About The Army Historical Foundation
The Army Historical Foundation establishes, assists, and promotes programs and projects that preserve the history of the American Soldier and promote public understanding of and appreciation for the contributions by all components of the U.S. Army and its members. The Foundation serves as the Army’s official fundraising entity for the Capital Campaign for the National Museum of the United States Army. The award-winning, LEED-certified Museum opened on November 11, 2020, at Fort Belvoir, Va., and honors the service and sacrifice of all American Soldiers who have served since the Army’s inception in 1775. For more information on the Foundation and the National Museum of the United States Army, visit www.armyhistory.org.