header.php
Join us today at the AHM 2:30 to 3:30 for a special presentation by James Ellman on his book 'Seeds of Victory'. No reservations needed. More information see: www.americanheritagemuseum.org/event/speaker-series-seeds-of-victory-defeat-triumph-and-the-ameri... ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Don't miss our Speaker Series presentation: Seeds of Victory – Defeat, Triumph and the American Way of War by James Ellman. Tomorrow, Friday, October 3rd, 2:30 to 3:30. He will talk about pivotal conflicts including the Revolutionary War, Civil War, both World Wars, Korea, and beyond, revealing a consistent pattern: the U.S. often stumbles at the outset but adapts rapidly through superior industrial output, strategic recalibration, and national resolve. More information see: www.americanheritagemuseum.org/event/speaker-series-seeds-of-victory-defeat-triumph-and-the-ameri... ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Here is this week’s challenge for “What is it Wednesday?” - What is it?! 🤔Thanks to everyone who played last week… The answer for September 24th is the gunners controls on our M16 MGMC… see the previous post for the full details!Good luck on this week’s challenge! #americanheritagemuseum #historymuseum #visitma ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
The answer to the “What is it? Wednesday” question from September 24th is the turret controls on our M16 MGMC (Multiple Gun Motor Carriage)! This set of grips is used by the gunner to move the turret, with triggers on the back to fire the four .50 caliber machine guns! Stay tuned for the next “What is it? Wednesday” question tomorrow, October 1st at 10:00 am EST!#americanheritagemuseum #whatisitwednesday ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook

Defense of the Reich


8.8 cm Flak 36
– GER | ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUN

Sd.Kfz. 8 12 TON – GER | PERSONNEL CARRIER/PRIME MOVER

Kommandogerrat 38 – GER | FIRE CONTROL COMPUTER

Flak Battery Generator – GER | ANTI-AIRCRAFT BATTERY SUPPORT

Flak Battery Searchlight – GER | ANTI-AIRCRAFT BATTERY SUPPORT

V-1 (“JB-2 Loon” – Suspended) – GER | GUIDED MISSILE

The Defense of the Reich (also known in German as Reichsverteidigung) was the name given to the strategic defensive aerial campaign fought by the Luftwaffe air arm of the combined Wehrmacht armed forces of Nazi Germany over German-occupied Europe and Nazi Germany during World War II. Its aim was to prevent the destruction of German civilians, military, and civil industries by the Western Allied bombing campaigns. The day and night air battles over Germany during the war involved thousands of aircraft and aerial engagements to counter the Allied strategic bombing campaign. The Luftwaffe fighter force defended the airspace over German-occupied territory against attack, first by RAF Bomber Command and then against the United States Army Air Forces.

The constant night bombing by the RAF and daylight attacks by the USAAF added to the destruction of a major part of the German’s industries and cities, which caused the economy to collapse in the winter of 1944–45. It also pulled nearly two million Germans into defense of the homeland and diverted critical, dual-purpose 88 mm guns from an anti-tank role in the east against the advancing Red Army to an antiaircraft role inside Germany itself. By this time, the Allied armies had reached the German border and the strategic campaign became fused with the tactical battles over the front, while also completing a deliberate and methodical Allied campaign of punishment of all of Germany by destruction of German cities and civilian morale. The air campaign continued until April 1945, when the last strategic bombing missions were flown, ending just before the surrender of Germany on May 8th.

footer.php

EVENT TICKETS ONLY FOR SATURDAY & SUNDAY - No General Admissions available this weekend during Historic Aviation Weekend special event.

There will be no General Admissions tickets available on Saturday, September 13th and Sunday, September 14th during the Historic Aviation Weekend - all visitors on Saturday and Sunday must purchase event tickets for access to the American Heritage Museum. $30 Adults | $25 Seniors/Veterans | $20 Children 3 to 16 years old.