September 19, 2026
The Essential History Expeditions Newsletter
Dr. Brian DeToy takes an EHE Guest to where he served in Vietnam
Dak To, Vietnam
July 22, 2026
Krinkelt Woods, Battle of the Bulge
Hollerath, Germany
Essential History Expeditions proudly supported a 10-day organizational expedition, touching five countries, for University of Notre Dame undergraduates covering the Battle of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. Review this article from the Office of Military and Veteran Affairs at Notre Dame.
“Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.”
~ Zora Neale Hurston, author
For me, one of the great privileges of an EHE expedition is the chance to research, or “deep dive”, into the history of someone associated with our trips. Sometimes it’s a veteran, usually WWII or Vietnam, but more often, it’s the son, daughter, or grandchild of a veteran.
Earlier this year, I was honored to do so for two Vietnam veterans. I was able to find information and photos on the men’s units, base camps, and actions while in Vietnam. We stood on the exact ground at Dak To in the Central Highlands where one of them had served. As we stood there, he was able to tell us, “My hooch was here, and we got mortared right there,” and more about his experience. It was emotional for all of us hearing these accounts.
Part of my role with EHE is to help our guests discover and learn about their family members' service through our expeditions. I am currently researching the service of men who served at Pearl Harbor, in the Atlantic and the Pacific, and in Italy – all for upcoming expeditions. It is always worthwhile and incredibly meaningful to discover these stories – it makes the expeditions more memorable to everyone on the trip.
As always, travel with purpose!
Brian DeToy, PhD
CEO
Approach the invasion of Fortress Europe as the allies did by starting this 8-day, fully guided, immersive, and luxury expedition in England. Visit Southwick House where Ike made the "Go" decision, cross the English Channel, and explore the beaches of Normandy in this expert-led tour.
2027 is within the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Join this 8-day, fully guided, immersive, and luxury expedition from Boston and the first shots, to the turning point at Saratoga, and the key battles of the mid-Atlantic. Celebrate America's independence in this expert-led tour.
Unable to make the open expedition you really want to join? Need a more personalized experience? Want to travel with just family or friends? We custom design private expeditions so that you can still travel with purpose in a way that works for you.
The Essential History Expeditions Blog
Tom Hanks’ new World War Two series on the History Channel had us enthralled this past weekend. While I had family members serve in Europe in both World Wars, our family in large part is more one of Pacific service.
Battle of Harlem Heights, September 16, 1776
Engraving published in Harper’s Weekly in September 1876
"We are now encamped with the main body of the army on the Heights of Harlem, where I should hope the enemy would meet with a defeat in case of an attack.”
~ General George Washington to John Hancock, Continental Congress President, Sep. 16, 1776
250 years ago this week, in the fight above New York City, Washington won his first victory in the Revolutionary War. After weeks of being outmaneuvered—at Jamaica Pass, Brooklyn, and Kip’s Bay—Washington and his men proved they could stand toe-to-toe with the enemy’s best. The Americans were elated they had forced the British to flee before them. One American general explained to his wife, "You can hardly conceive the change it has made in our Army.”
The critical New York campaign did not end the war. But it shaped what was to come. Winston Churchill later said of an important early victory in WWII: “Now, this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”
We will follow the northern portion of the American Revolution in early October 2027, from Boston to Philadelphia.
Somme Battlefield
Thiepval, France
A letter from Captain Charlie May, a young British officer, to his wife in June 1916:
“I must not allow myself to dwell on the personal — there is no room for it here. Also it is demoralising. But I do not want to die. Not that I mind it for myself. If it be that I am to go, I am ready. But the thought that I may never see you or our darling baby again ... well, I cannot think of it with even the semblance of equanimity.
My one consolation is the happiness that has been ours. Also, my conscience is clear that I have always tried to make life a joy for you. I know at least that if I go you will not want. That is something. But it is the thought that we may be cut off from each other which is so terrible and that our Babe may grow up without my knowing her and without her knowing me. It is difficult to face. And I know your life without me would be a dull blank. Yet you must never let it become wholly so. For to you will be left the greatest charge in all the world; the upbringing of our baby. God bless that child, she is the hope of life to me.
My darling, au revoir. It may well be that you will only have to read these lines as ones of passing interest. On the other hand, they may well be my last message to you. If they are, know through all your life that I loved you and baby with all my heart and soul, that you two sweet things were just all the world to me.
I pray God I may do my duty, for I know, whatever that may entail, you would not have it otherwise.”
~ Capt. Charlie May was killed on the morning of July 1, 1916, leading his men into action on the first day of the Battle Of The Somme. 110 years ago.
Nearly 20,000 British soldiers perished that day. Another 40,000 wounded. The battle would last until November 18, nearly another five months.
The Great War, 1914-18, has echoes that reach us yet today.
While we have planned open expeditions for the next several years, we finalize pricing for each expedition up to 24 months before its start date. You can reserve a space on any open expedition right now with a $1,000 deposit per person. We will refund your deposit if you cancel once final pricing is available.
Essential Vietnam: History and Culture
Feb. 16-26 2028
A Mighty Endeavor: D-Day 1944, From England to Normandy
Jun. 17-24, 2028
The Great War: Americans in World War I
May 8-17, 2028
Road to Rome: The Liberation of Sicily & Italy in WWII, 1943-44
Sep. 9-17, 2028
Essential Korea: Seoul, Culture & The Korean War
Sep. 9-19, 2028
Essential South Africa: History, Culture & Safari
Dec. 29, 2028 - Jan. 10, 2029
The unsung codebreaker of Midway: Joseph Rochefort