Let's Learn About Interior Lights!![]()
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#AmericanHeritageMuseum #visitma #militaryhistory #historymuseum #WWII
Did you know that our TBM-3E Avenger currently on display in our annex hangar during special event weekends operated as a fire bomber / sprayer in civilian service after WWII and before we restored it from 1984-1986? Here is a photo of it in 1978 courtesy of the Warbird Information Exchange (WIX) and Warbird Resource Group as taken by Martin Kyburz - it certainly looks a lot different today! See more photos of the TBM both before and after restoration at: www.warbirdregistry.org/avengerregistry/avenger-91733.html
Today we celebrate the birthday of Harriet Quimby, one of America’s great aviation pioneers. Born on May 11, 1875, Quimby became the first American woman to earn a pilot’s license in 1911 and quickly captured national attention with her skill, courage, and unmistakable purple flying suit.![]()
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In 1912, she made history again as the first woman to fly solo across the English Channel, piloting a Blériot XI, the same type of early aircraft now on display in the American Heritage Museum’s annex hangar. Her achievement came just years after the dawn of powered flight and helped inspire generations of women in aviation.![]()
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The included photo shows Connie Tobias, pilot and Harriet Quimby re-enactor, flying the AHM Blériot 20 years ago, bringing Quimby’s remarkable legacy back to life.![]()
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#HarrietQuimby #AviationHistory #WomenInAviation #AmericanHeritageMuseum #BleriotXI #LivingHistory
On this day in 1940, Germany launched its invasion of Western Europe. Aircraft, tanks, motorized units, and communications helped change the pace of warfare in the opening phase of the Battle of France. The American Heritage Museum has several notable artifacts on display related to the Battle of France including the German Panzer 1 tank and the British Matilda Mk.II. Additionally, the museum is currently restoring an original German Junkers Ju 87D-5 Stuka in the Czech Republic and a German Heinkel He 111H-3 bomber in Florida for eventual display - both key aircraft used by Germany in its Blitzkrieg tactics. Learn more about the Battle of France by visiting us today!
On this day in 1945, Victory in Europe Day marked the end of World War II in Europe. For millions, it meant liberation, relief, grief, and the beginning of rebuilding after years of destruction. The American Heritage Museum has one of the largest collections of tanks, military vehicles, and artifacts from the European Campaign and we invite you to come and explore more!
School Tours and Lesson Plans
SCHEDULING YOUR SCHOOL GROUP
The American Heritage Museum is open for school group tours Wednesday through Sunday. School tour reservations can be made up to one year in advance and should be made at least two weeks in advance if you would like a docent / tour guide during your visitation. Please plan between 2 to 3 hours for your visit.
Please fill out this short form if you are planning to start the reservation process or have questions (click on link below):
School / Student Group Tours – Includes Schools, Home Schools, Colleges, etc.
PAYMENT
The education rate is $8 per student and $15 per chaperone. The American Heritage Museum accepts credit cards, company checks and cash. We do not provide direct billing or receive purchase orders for payment. Deposits are not required. Tickets must be purchased together as a single transaction.
PARKING
Buses may unload in front of the American Heritage Museum at the entry vestibule on the North side of the building off the access road entering from 568 Main Street. Bus parking is allowed on the West side of the museum building.
For more information about group tours, contact groupsales@collingsfoundation.org or 978-562-9182.
LESSON PLANS:
You are welcome to utilize any of these lesson plans as stand-alone activities or during your field trip. Click on title to download PDF:
The Rise of Fascism and Beginnings of WWII
Arsenal of Democracy – Homefront War Effort
WWII Normandy Landings / D-Day
Clash of Steel – Major WWII tank battles between Russia and Germany
Allied Forces Crossing the Rhine River
WWII Battle for Berlin – Defense of the Reich
