Welcome to the Third Annual
Flint Hills Military History Symposium
"Alliance and Coalition Warfare"
IMPORTANT DATES:
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Call for Papers Opens. Feb 27
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Proposal Deadline May 8
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Acceptance Notification Jun 12
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Registration Opens Jun 12
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Paper Deadline Aug 28
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Registration Closes Sep 17
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Symposium Begins Sep 25
military struggles broadens historians’ understandings of how cooperation has shaped military history. The inclusion of social science methods contributes to the expanded knowledge of the aspects of collaboration in war time.
This year our non-refundable registration fee is $25. If you have any questions please reach us through our website www.flinthillsmilitary.com or email us directly at contactus@flinthillsmilitary.com
Kansas State University Department of History is proud to host our annual Flint Hills Military History Symposium for 2026. We are again partnering with the Dwight Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum. This year’s conference will be held September 25-27, 2026. Events will be held at both the Kansas State University campus and at the Dwight Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.
Our theme this year is Alliance and Coalition Warfare. Coalition warfare has been around since ancient times. Understanding the dynamics of these relationships is crucial for any conception of warfare. Cooperation between allied nations or differing military branches can bring about success in military conflicts. Specifics on these dynamics have varied over time and in different contexts. Examination of the diplomatic, intelligence, military capabilities, and economic factors that have determined the outcome of
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Symposium Registration Now Open
Join us for the Flint Hills Military History Symposium, where military professionals, academics and military history enthusiasts gather in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Experience engaging discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities that will ignite your passion for military history.
We'll see you in Kansas September 25-27, 2026!
Symposium
2026 Program
Presenter
Biographies
Registration is $25 per person (non-refundable) for one or all days and includes: continental breakfast each day, two catered lunches, two receptions and chartered bus transportation from Manhattan to Abilene
(on a space available basis).
Flint Hills Military History Symposium
Located at both the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
& the Kansas State University Campus
Building Community
Strengthening Partnerships
Bridging the Gap Between Classroom and Battlefield
The Kansas State University History Department, in partnership with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum, is pleased to present the Flint Hills Military History Symposium 2026. This year’s theme, Alliance & Coalition Warfare: Enduring Challenges in Multinational Campaigns, will examine persistent issues such as mismatched capabilities, divergent national priorities, command complexities, burden-sharing disputes, and the challenge of building consensus across different military cultures and political motivations.
Last year’s symposium was a strong success despite the government shutdown, which required a last-minute move of our Friday venue from Abilene to Manhattan. We are especially grateful to K-State Hale Library for stepping in on short notice and helping create a meaningful experience for attendees. Participant feedback confirmed the symposium’s value as an affordable fall gathering at a time when fewer international history conferences are available.
Our goal is to bring together historians, military professionals, interdisciplinary scholars, and community members to network and share research in a focused and welcoming setting. Building on last year’s momentum, we look forward to expanding and enhancing the program in 2026. We cordially invite you to join us September 25–27, 2026, for the Flint Hills Military History Symposium.
Local Hotel Information
& Reservations
Symposium 2026
Program
Keynote Speaker
Sep 26
FEATURED SPEAKER
John Curatola, PhD
Samuel Zemurray Stone Senior Historian
Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy
National WWII Museum, New Orleans, Louisiana
John Curatola, PhD
John Curatola is the Samuel Zemurray Stone Senior Historian at the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy. A Marine Corps officer of 22 years, he graduated from the University of Nebraska and is a veteran of Operation Provide Hope in Somalia, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the 2005 Indian Ocean tsunami relief effort. He holds master's degrees in both American and military history. With a PhD from the University of Kansas, John’s research focuses upon World War II, airpower, and the early Cold War period. Previously, he taught history at the US Army’s Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. His first two books, Bigger Bombs for a Brighter Tomorrow and Autumn of Our Discontent, addressed post-war American atomic capabilities, planning, and national security development., His latest book, Armies Afloat, covers how the United States developed amphibious capabilities in the European Theater in World War II. Additionally, his works are available in compendium books, popular magazines, and academic journals, with his many presentations available for viewing on History Channel, A+E Networks, C-SPAN and YouTube.
Site Maps
The Venues
Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum
Abilene, Kansas
Welcome to the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home. In person or on the web, visitors can explore the extraordinary life and legacy of the 5-star General who became the 34th President of the United States.
The Eisenhower Presidential Library is home to a world-class research facility that caters to scholars and history enthusiasts from around the world.
Kansas State University Department of History
Manhattan, Kansas
On July 2, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the Morrill Act, which allowed for the creation of land-grant colleges in eligible U.S. territories. On Feb. 16, 1863, Bluemont Central College in Manhattan, Kan., became Kansas State Agricultural College, the first operational school created under the Morrill Act. The university, now known as Kansas State University continues to thrive.
Designed to be broad, the history major requires students to take classes that vary widely across time and place. Particular strengths and interest areas of the department are military, science, technology, medicine and environment, and gender history.
Local Hotels (Adjacent to Campus)
Transportation & Dining
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Bus Transportation to/from Eisenhower Presidential Library event on Friday (September 25) is provided on a space available basis. Please ensure you request this on your Symposium Registration form.
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Events on Saturday/Sunday (September 26 & 27) are on the K-State Campus (K-State Student Union), a short walk from the hotels listed above.
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Parking is FREE on WEEKENDS ONLY in the K-State Student Union Parking Garage. Don't forget to pay for weekday parking on campus!
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Hungry? Check out these local favorites according to TripAdvisor
Eisenhower
Welcome
Reception
September 25, 2026
Eisenhower Presidential Library
4pm-5pm
FHMHS Reception September 26, 2026, 6pm-8pm
Wabash Cannon Bowl
Lower Level
K-State Student Union
Our Partners
SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS
Platinum Sponsors:
Silver Sponsors:
Publishers Expo
September 26, 2026
10:00am - 3:30pm
KState Student Union
Second Floor Lobby
*Table Display Only