First Division Museum at Cantigny

06/18/2026

History Connections: Smells Like History
June 19 | 10 am – 1 pm
First Division Museum Lobby
Free with paid parking

History leaves more than artifacts behind. Sometimes it leaves a scent. Join us for a hands-on family activity and see if you can match familiar smells to moments from the past. It’s a different way to explore history—and a reminder that understanding the past engages more than just your eyes.

More History Connections!
June 19 – Smells Like History
June 26 – Combat Canines
July 10 – Helmet Evolution
July 17 – Combat Communications
July 24 – Smells Like History
July 31 – Combat Canines
August 7 – Helmet Evolution

06/17/2026

Private First Class Raymond L. Figenscher served with the 5th Field Artillery, “Hamilton’s Own,” during World War II. In a V-Mail letter dated March 20, 1943—just days before the Battle of El Guettar in Tunisia—he wrote home to his brother Charles. Three days later, the 5th Field Artillery helped secure a key Allied victory in North Africa.

In World War II, the military used rail, truck, ship, and aircraft to transport mountains of vital cargo overseas. To save valuable space, letters were photographed onto microfilm. 150,000 letters weighed approximately 2,575 pounds and occupied a lot of cargo space. The same number of letters, converted to V-Mail, weighed only 45 pounds and could be placed in one mail sack. V-Mail (Victory Mail) was a brilliant logistical solution used during WWII to save vital cargo space.

Read Raymond’s letter and explore America 250 through the story of the Army’s oldest unit serving in its oldest division: Hamilton’s Own, the 5th Field Artillery of the 1st Infantry Division. Now on display at the First Division Museum. Free registration is required: https://bit.ly/4muhSBY

06/17/2026

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

06/17/2026