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!
🎉 The new American Heritage Museum Online Gift Shop is here!![]()
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Shop exclusive AHM gear, museum favorites, gifts, collectibles, apparel, and more, with additional products being added throughout the summer.![]()
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To celebrate the launch, enjoy 10% off your order now through May 15th with promo code FIRSTIES.![]()
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Start shopping here: ahmgiftshop.org ![]()
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Great for Father’s Day, graduation gifts, or treating yourself to something with a little history behind it!
American Heritage Museum Online Gift Shop
ahmgiftshop.org
Shop the American Heritage Museum online gift shop for exclusive apparel, collectibles, books, gifts, and museum-inspired merchandise. Find unique items for history enthusiasts, veterans, families, Fa...
Link at: ahmus.me/2026uffsymrecap![]()
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The American Heritage Museum recently hosted an incredible three-day symposium in partnership with the Ukrainian Freedom Fund, bringing together Ukrainian defenders, U.S. military leaders, technology experts, civilian witnesses, and museum visitors for a powerful look at the future of modern warfare.![]()
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Held April 23–25, 2026, the event welcomed more than 100 professionals and distinguished guests, along with nearly 800 general museum guests during the two public days. Visitors heard firsthand from those living through and studying the war in Ukraine, with discussions on drones, electronic warfare, modern combat, military training, and what these lessons mean for the U.S. and allied defense planning.![]()
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Guests were also able to take part in hands-on drone flight simulation demonstrations, helping bring the realities of today’s battlefield to life.![]()
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We are grateful to the Ukrainian Freedom Fund, all of the speakers, volunteers, guests, and everyone who helped make this important event such a success.![]()
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Read the full recap and watch the recorded public sessions at the link in the comments.
- This event has passed.
Stow and Hudson Community Weekend – Free Admission for Residents
December 6, 2025 @ 10:00 am, ending December 7, 2025 @ 5:00 pm
Free with proof of residency
Voted as one of the top 10 military history museums in the world by National Geographic, the American Heritage Museum in Hudson, Massachusetts is one of the nation’s most extraordinary collections of military vehicles, aircraft, and artifacts chronicling America’s fight for freedom from the Revolutionary War through today. Operated by the Collings Foundation, the museum immerses visitors in powerful exhibits that bring history to life — from the trenches of World War I and the beaches of D-Day to the skies over Korea and the jungles of Vietnam. With more than 100 restored tanks, vehicles, and interactive displays, the museum offers a vivid, hands-on experience that educates and inspires visitors of all ages.
As part of its commitment to community engagement, the American Heritage Museum will offer free admission to all residents of Hudson and Stow on December 6th and 7th, 2025. This special weekend of appreciation invites local families, students, and veterans to explore the museum’s world-class exhibits and discover the stories of courage, innovation, and sacrifice that shaped our nation. The event is a gesture of gratitude to the museum’s hometown communities for their continued support and an opportunity to share the educational and historical value the museum brings to the region. Please bring proof of residency.
Register and Get Tickets Online
Click Here to Register for Saturday, December 6th, 2025
Click Here to Register for Sunday, December 7th, 2025
For more information visit www.AmericanHeritageMuseum.org or call 978-562-9182.
