Today, March 25th, is National Medal of Honor Day. In honor of this, we would like to take the opportunity to honor MoH recipient Colonel John Riley “Killer” Kane. “Killer” Kane was a B-24 Liberator pilot who led the 98th Bomb Group in Operation Tidal Wave; a large-scale bombing raid on German run oil refineries in Ploesti, Romania on Aug. 1st, 1943. Thanks to the generous donation of Mr. Curtis Burton, we have the honor and privilege of displaying Col. Kane’s Medal of Honor here at the American Heritage Museum as part of our Italian Campaign gallery. ![]()
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You can read more about Col. John “Killer” Kane at: bit.ly/4iVKYaq![]()
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#americanheritagemuseum #medalofhonor #moh #usaaf #ploesti #operationtidalwave #wwii #wwiihistory #worldwarii #worldwar2 #b24liberator
Today is Rosie the Riveter Day, honoring the iconic symbol of female empowerment during WWII. Rosie represented the millions of women who entered industrial jobs, proving their strength and capability. Despite facing discrimination, they paved the way for workplace rights and gender equality. Rosie’s legacy lives on in today’s fight for equal pay, representation, and opportunity—reminding us: “We Can Do It!”![]()
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Read our full article about today's importance at: bit.ly/4hDJaly![]()
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#americanheritagemuseum #rosietheriveter #rosietheriveterday #celebratewomen #womenshistorymonth #inspiringwomentoday #worldwarii #wwii #arsenalofdemocracy
One of the goals of the American Heritage Museum is to encourage our visitors to learn about the veterans in your own family and reflect on the experiences they went through during their service. When we first started, our focus was on our World War II veteran community, but sadly, many of our WWII veterans are no longer with us and many family members only learned about their service after their passing. Think of the WWII veteran that was in your life... family or friend. What is the one question you'd ask them today if they were still with us? Such questions may inspire others who have veterans in their life to ask the same and keep their stories alive. ![]()
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Please share your questions in the comments. ![]()
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Photo of WWII B-24 pilot Frank Tedesco (1921-2020), 451st BG and friend of the Collings Foundation via Emily Clark - Wicked Local (2013)![]()
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#WWII #Veterans #WWIIveteran #veteranlife #AmericanHeritageMuseum
Read the full post at: bit.ly/3FkwQZM![]()
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That old saying “the devil is in the details” certainly holds true for the ongoing restoration of Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina BuNo 2459 in New Smyrna Beach, FL at American Aero Services. Though the exterior restoration is mostly complete, the interior restoration to bring the aircraft back to accurate 1942 wartime configuration has been an enormous task that has tested the skills of the restoration crew led by project manager Casey Littrell. Because the aircraft arrived from Europe with little original equipment, nearly all of the interior components have either had be found or fabricated. And considering the early vintage of this PBY, original equipment is scarce… so just sourcing the materials is a monumental task in its own right. And for items that need to be fabricated, finding original drawings or photos to accurately reconstruct items is an additional challenge... (continued)![]()
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Please read the full update with a gallery of photos at: bit.ly/3FkwQZM![]()
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#PBYCatalina #PBY5A #FlyingBoat #USNavy #NavalAviation #AvGeek
The American Heritage Museum is pleased to announce the launch of our first BSA Merit Badge Program for Scouting America for the American Heritage Merit Badge. Learn More at: bit.ly/43DVnDd![]()
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Every Scout swears to an oath that includes duty to their country. The American Heritage Merit Badge encourages a better understanding of American heritage, learn the ways in which the past has lead to our present nation, and truly knowing what it means to be an American.![]()
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The American Heritage Merit Badge at the American Heritage Museum is a three-hour long program, which includes museum admission and a guided tour for scouts and leaders. By the end of the program (prerequisites required) the scout will have completed all requirements to earn the merit badge. The program is conducted by a registered BSA Merit Badge Councilor. A minimum of 10 scouts and 2 BSA registered adults is required per session and adults may be asked to assist.![]()
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The program cost is $40 per Scout and BSA registered adults are free. To learn more about the program and to schedule, see: bit.ly/43DVnDd
“America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.”
-Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States
The story of America is one of resilience, courage, and a steadfast willingness to step forward in times of great need. Time and again, when called upon, ordinary citizens have shown extraordinary generosity—of their time, talents, and resources. In the same spirit that our forefathers once rallied for their country, we ask you to join us in preserving their stories and sacrifices by supporting the American Heritage Museum during this season of giving.
From the Revolutionary War, when farmers and tradesmen answered the call to arms, to World War II, when millions of Americans left the safety of their homes to fight tyranny on a global scale, the American spirit has always been one of voluntary service. The same impulse moved first responders and ordinary citizens to act heroically during the tragic events of 9/11, rushing toward danger to protect their fellow citizens. These defining moments remind us of the power of America’s collective will and selflessness.
A living tribute
Today, we stand on the shoulders of these giants, charged with ensuring that their stories continue to inspire future generations. The American Heritage Museum is not just a repository of artifacts; it is a living tribute to the sacrifices made for freedom. From the tanks that rolled across Europe during D-Day to the planes that patrolled our skies in defense of liberty, our museum brings history to life.
But just as our nation’s freedom was secured by the hands of many, so too is the future of this museum. Without support by any national, state, or local government or any branch of the armed forces, we rely on the voluntary generosity of donors like you to keep our exhibits vibrant, our collections growing, and educational programs thriving. In this way, you are continuing the legacy of those who stepped forward when their country needed them.
On the eve of an historic milestone
This is especially important as we enter the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II and the 250th Anniversary of the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. Programs to honor and celebrate these historically significant events are part of our core mission and will require more support from donors like you to accomplish.
Your contribution to our Annual Fund helps ensure that we preserve these stories of valor, expand our educational outreach, and inspire the next generation to understand and cherish the freedoms that are so dearly won.
Will you step forward this year and support this mission with a gift to our Annual Fund?
By making a tax-deductible donation today, you become an essential part of keeping the American spirit alive within these museum walls, where history is not just remembered, but felt, honored, and passed on.
Just as our forefathers stepped up in the face of adversity, your generosity today allows us to honor the past and safeguard our future. Thank you for standing with us and ensuring that these vital stories of courage and sacrifice are never be forgotten.
Thank you for stepping forward and standing with us.
Our growth depends on your generosity, select from the options below to give today.
Make a General Donation to the Annual Fund OnlineMake a donation online to our Annual Fund to make an immediate impact with the American Heritage Museum and Collings Foundation. |
Make a Memorial or Honored DonationMake a donation to the American Heritage Museum and Collings Foundation in memory of a loved one or in honor of someone special. |
Make a Donation by Mail / CheckIf you would rather make a donation by check through the mail, please click here to print a donation form to mail in to support the American Heritage Museum and Collings Foundation. |
Other Ways to Donate!Make a donation of stocks or securities, from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or Donor Advised Fund (DAF) or donate crypto currency… learn more at this link. |
