As we make the last preparations for this weekend's event (September 13–14), we wanted to give you all a little sneak peek at what you can expect to see!![]()
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These are only a few of the aircraft that will be used in our daily demonstrations. Others include our AT-6 Texan and PT-17 Stearman! These aircraft will be used in flying demonstrations at 1:00 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.![]()
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We also have a number of speakers who will be giving presentations throughout each day. We are thrilled to be hosting retired Army Air Force Col. Joe Peterburs—a 100-year-old WWII veteran pilot, who at 19 years old shot down a German Me 262 fighter jet!![]()
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Over the course of the weekend, there will also be tank riding and driving experiences available for an additional charge.![]()
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If any of this sounds like it's up your alley, check out our website to learn more:![]()
www.americanheritagemuseum.org/event/history-takes-flight-historic-aviation-weekend![]()
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#AmericanHeritageMuseum #airshow
Don't miss the great presentation today 1:00pm to 2:30pm, on ships and ship building during WWII by Doug Most. See: www.americanheritagemuseum.org/event/speaker-series-launching-liberty-by-doug-most/
Today, we remember the 9/11 attacks![]()
that resulted in the deaths of approximately 2,977![]()
people. ![]()
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This includes 246 passengers and crew![]()
members on the four hijacked planes, 2,606 people in![]()
the World Trade Center and surrounding areas, and![]()
125 people at the Pentagon. Among the 2,977 victims,![]()
412 were first responders—343 firefighters, 72 law![]()
enforcement officers, and 55 military personnel. The![]()
tragic loss of life on that day had profound effects on![]()
many families, communities and the country as a![]()
whole.![]()
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Our hearts go out to all those affected. And to those who risked and lost their lives in the defense of our freedom, we say thank you.![]()
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#AmericanHeritageMuseum #neverforget
Join us at the AHM tomorrow, Friday, September 12th, 1pm to 2:30pm, for an engaging talk by Doug Most titled Launching Liberty. He tells the remarkable story of how FDR partnered with private businessmen to build three thousand vital cargo freighters longer than a football field—ships he affectionately dubbed “Ugly Ducklings.” One ship could feed three million men for a day—an entire fleet could sustain troops for years.
It is going to be a great weekend at the American Heritage Museum as we present Historic Aviation Weekend! We have a great lineup of speakers and demonstrations through each day including:![]()
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9:30am - 10:15am![]()
Presentation by author Doug Hall:![]()
"Legacy of the Skies – Tribute to a Legendary Aviator"![]()
10:30am - 11:30am![]()
Presentation by Bob Sheppard![]()
"James Sheppard and the Red Tails" about the Tuskegee Airmen![]()
12:00pm - 1:00pm![]()
Presentation by Ross Sharp![]()
"First Contact – RAF Mosquito encounter with a Me262 jet"![]()
1:00pm - 2:00pm![]()
Flying Demonstrations and Aircraft Presentations:![]()
1) Waco UIC![]()
2) Tuskegee Airmen PT-17 Stearman![]()
3) L-5 Sentinel & Fieseler Fi-156 Storch![]()
4) AT-6 Texan![]()
2:30pm - 3:30pm![]()
Presentation by Col. Joe Peterburs![]()
"Against the Odds – P-51 Mustang Ace and how he shot down a German Me262 during WWII"![]()
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Get tickets today!
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History After Hours: Maj. Carpenter & “Rosie the Rocketer” with Jim Busha
May 15 @ 6:00 pm, ending 8:30 pm
$15 – $20
History After Hours is a Monthly Evening Program for American Heritage Museum Guests and Members to learn more about some of the fascinating stories surrounding the history presented in the museum. History After Hours events are 6:00pm to 8:30pm.
Our May 15, 2025 History After Hours Program features Jim Busha, noted aviation historian and journalist and author of Bazooka Charlie: The Unbelievable Story of Major Charles Carpenter and Rosie the Rocketer.
Major Charles Carpenter made headlines during the Second World War when he affixed six bazookas to his tiny Piper L-4 observation plane and began attacking German tanks – successfully destroying six German tanks and destroying or disabling several German armored vehicles. “Bazooka Charlie” and his plane “Rosie the Rocketer” were profiled in a variety of military and civilian publications, including the iconic Stars & Stripes. His efforts earned him the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
The major was a high school educator in the civilian world, teaching history and coaching football. In 1945, the dashing pilot was forced out of the cockpit and into a hospital bed by Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which was discovered in his neck. In addition to the enemy and terminal cancer, Carpenter also battled cynicism and guilt, particularly in regard to the state of his marriage, which was on the brink of failure by the time he returned home from Europe. Charles Carpenter died in 1966, having resumed his career, salvaged his marriage, and long outlived the timeline afforded him by his doctors in the initial prognosis.
This revealing biography of the famous pilot was made possible through the collaboration of Jim Busha and Carpenter’s daughter, Carol Apacki. Along with memories of her father in his postwar years, Carol provided a treasure trove of wartime correspondence between Charles and his wife, Elda Carpenter.
The actual L-4 flown by Carpenter, “Rosie the Rocketer” was found by the American Heritage Museum in 2019 and restored to flying condition. It will be on display this evening for visitors to see.
Program Admission
$15 per person advance sale online
$20 per person at the event
Admission is free for American Heritage Museum members.
(Not a member? Click here to purchase a membership and email membership@americanheritagemuseum.org
with your member ID number for the promo code for members)
Click Here to Buy Tickets to History After Hours on May 15, 2025
