Beyond the Trenches: Stealing the Kaiser's Ashtray

Join us for an intriguing exploration of a unique historical event! 🕵️‍♂️

In January 1919, eight U.S. National Guard soldiers ventured across snow-covered terrain to a 17th-century castle in neutral Holland, where Kaiser Wilhelm II was exiled. Although they never encountered the Kaiser, they left with a remarkable souvenir: an engraved ashtray. This audacious act of attempted kidnapping made headlines and thrust Colonel Luke Lea into the spotlight, nearly derailing discussions surrounding the Treaty of Versailles.

Military historian Nikki Dean will delve into what this stolen ashtray reveals about wartime vigilantism and its strategic implications.

How to Participate:
🗓️ Date: Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026
🕑 Time: 2 p.m. (Central)
💻 Platform: Zoom Conference
🎟️ Cost: Free with RSVP
Register here