Get a glimpse inside the first tank a visitor experiences at the American Heritage Museum - the M1917 from World War I. The American M1917 was the U.S. licensed copy of the French Renault FT, a compact World War I tank that pioneered the classic turreted layout still used today. Small, light, and mechanically straightforward, it represented America’s earliest steps into armored warfare.![]()
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This tour takes you around the outside, touching on its surprisingly complex running gear, and the many differences from its French ancestor. We then go inside its tight crew compartment, showcasing the driver’s station, and the turret’s interesting weapon setup.![]()
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The American M1917 was the U.S. licensed copy of the French Renault FT, a compact World War I tank that pioneered the classic turreted layout still used toda...
- 2025 Photo Recap -![]()
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Here are a few of our favorite photos from the last year! Thank you so much to everyone who visited in 2025!![]()
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From all of us here at the American Heritage Museum, we wish you a very happy and safe new year! See you in 2026! 🥳 🎉![]()
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Photo credit to Matthew Ford, Keith Reid (@madbadger_aviationlens )
Learn about all the great stories of the past year and get a glimpse into our exciting future plans... read the 2025 American Heritage Museum and Collings Foundation Annual Magazine at the link below!
2025 American Heritage Museum / Collings Foundation Annual Magazine
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Eighty years ago, veterans of World War II were starting to come home, able to spend the holidays with their families again in peacetime. As we reflect on the happiness they experienced, let us all find peace, joy, and comfort with our loved ones as we share this precious time of year. From all of us at the American Heritage Museum, Happy Holidays and Seasons Greetings to you, wherever you are, and our best wishes for a happy and healthy 2026! ![]()
(Artwork by @djangostudios for the American Heritage Museum)
- This event has passed.
Battle for the Airfield 2018
October 6, 2018 @ 8:30 am, ending October 7, 2018 @ 4:30 pm
$12 – $35
The Collings Foundation is hosting a WWII reenactment and WWII Veterans round table discussion October 6th and 7th, 2018. There will be over 300 re-enactors representing several branches of Allied and Axis military participating in an amazing re-enactment. Fully restored military equipment of all kinds will be on display and participating in a dynamic educational living history event. Some of the vintage equipment includes tanks, cannons, troop carriers, half tracks, aircraft and support supplies. Allied and Axis camps were set up with authentic materials and appearance. Re-enactors act as docents who share a wealth of information about life as a WWII military person.
World War II Veterans from all ranks and branches of service will participate in a round table discussion each day of the event. Each veteran will spend time talking about his and her experiences of survival and perseverance during WWII. This is an incredible opportunity to learn first-hand from those who bravely fought.
AMERICAN HERITAGE MUSEUM PREVIEW WEEKEND
Each event ticket includes an admission ticket for the new American Heritage Museum featuring the Jacques M. Littlefield Collection of military vehicles, tanks, and armor on the Collings Foundation campus. This 78,000 square foot facility features over 85 artifacts, tanks, and vehicles from the Revolutionary War through the modern age including an extensive World War II exhibit gallery.
The American Heritage Museum will be open weekly after the event from Thursday through Sunday until November 25th for the 2018 preview season. As this is the first preview weekend of the museum, we are expecting maximum capacity – your included ticket may be redeemed at the event or at any open weekend after the event until November 25th.
More information on the American Heritage Museum will be found after we launch the new museum website in mid-September, so watch this space or “Like” the American Heritage Museum Facebook page for updates as we get closer to opening at: https://www.facebook.com/americanheritagemuseum
EVENT LOCATION AND PARKING
The Battle for the Airfield / American Heritage Museum Opening Weekend will take place at the Collings Foundation campus as in previous years, but access will be from our new access road from Main Street in Hudson, MA. Please point your GPS to:
Collings Foundation / American Heritage Museum
568 Main Street
Hudson, MA 01749
(Google Map Link Here)
NOTE: There will be NO ACCESS from Barton Road off Lake Boon.
Parking is in a grass field, so please use an appropriate vehicle to attend. There will be designated handicapped and motorcycle parking. Please note that parking tends to reach capacity around 30 minutes before each of the scheduled re-enactments, so please plan to arrive early.
DAILY EVENT SCHEDULE (October 6th and 7th)
8:30am – Gates Open – All re-enactor camps, hangar, and automobile collection open.
9:00am – American Heritage Museum open.
11:00am – First WWII Re-enactment of the day (40 minutes).
1:00pm – Veterans Roundtable and Presentation in Hangar (90 minutes).
3:00pm – Second WWII Re-enactment of the day (40 minutes).
3:30pm – Last admission into the American Heritage Museum.
4:30pm – Event ends, all buildings closed.
ADMISSION AND TICKETS
Daily admission on the day of the event is: Adults: $35.00 / Children Under 12: $20.00
The admission gate is on the access road entering the parking area. Cash is preferred.
DISCOUNTED ADVANCE SALE TICKETS – On Sale Now!
Save $5 per person by purchasing online and bringing your tickets with you!
Adults: $30.00 / Children Under 12: $15.00
>> CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE DISCOUNT ADVANCE SALE TICKETS <<
For more information call 978-562-9182.
