History Takes Flight – Historic Aviation Weekend

The American Heritage Museum in Hudson, Massachusetts, boasts an impressive aviation collection that captivates enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Among our highlights are the L-5 Stinson OY-1 Sentinel Okinawa campaign medical evacuation plane, Bazooka Charlie’s famous L-4 Grasshopper “Rosie the Rocketer”, the German Fieseler Fi156 Storch reconnaissance aircraft and the Vietnam War F-105 Thunderchief. The museum also features early aircraft such as the 1909 Curtiss Pusher, representing the pioneering era of flight. Visitors can explore aircraft from various periods, including World War I and II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Our immersive exhibits and authentic aircraft displays offer a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of aviation history firsthand.

On September 13th and 14th we will showcase several of the American Heritage Museum’s most rare aircraft as part of our History Takes Flight aviation weekend. This is a great event where you will see several rare historic aircraft take to the skies during the exhibition. Hear incredible stories about the pilots and amazing history behind each aircraft from aviation experts and veterans. Get a close look at the aircraft that defined the brave pilots who flew them.

• The flying exhibition will start around 1pm.
  
  Schedule:
  9:30 to 10:15 – Presentation by author Doug Hall: Legacy of the Skies – Tribute to a Legendary Aviator.
  10:30 to 11:30 – Presentation by Bob Sheppard: James Sheppard and the Red Tails
  12:00 to 1:00 – Presentation by Ross Sharp: First Contact – RAF Mosquito encounter with a Me262 jet.
  1:00 to 2:00 – Flying demonstrations and presentations: 1) WACO UIC, 2) PT-17 Stearman, 3) L-5 Sentinel and Fi156 Fieseler Storch, 4) T-6 Texan.
  2:30 to 3:30 – Talk by Joe Peterburs: Against the Odds – P-51 Mustang Ace and how he shot down a German Me262 during WWII.

All three museums will be open: The American Heritage Museum, The Historic Aviation Hangar and Classic Automobile Barn. This is a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s most rare aircraft, extraordinary American classic automobiles, historic tanks, armored vehicles, military artifacts and much more. There is over 100,000 square feet of space within the American Heritage Museum and Hangar combined.

Food and beverage will be available for purchase on site and picnics are allowed.

Event Day Admission Tickets

Admission for the Saturday and Sunday events are as follows:
$30 Adults  |  $25 Seniors/Veterans  |  $20 Children 16 yrs. and younger
Members, WWII/Korean War Veterans and Children Under 3 are Free – No ticket required. Admission discounts can not be used for special event weekends.

Your ticket includes admission for all museums, no additional tickets for the American Heritage Museum necessary.

Click Here to Buy Tickets for Saturday, September 13th, 2025

Click Here to Buy Tickets for Sunday, September 14th, 2025

Admission for AHM / CF Members

This is a Members Free Event Weekend:  one (1) free admission per day for Individual and Participating Members, two (2) free admissions per day for Dual Members, and two (2) adult and two (2) child free admissions per day for Family Members. No advance ticket purchase required, just bring your VALID membership card or recent membership receipt to the entry gate for proof. You may buy tickets online or at the gate for any additional people in your party.

Tank Rides and Driving Experiences Available

Tank Driving experiences and Tank & Half Track Rides will be taking place over the weekend. You can register online, by phone, or on-site, but spaces are limited! All donations for ride or drive experiences are tax-deductible donations as the American Heritage Museum is a 501c3 non-profit foundation.

Tank Rides Available:

– M36 Jackson Tank Destroyer (10 minute ride) – $195 per PERSON. Maximum of five (5) seated riders aboard.

– M24 Chaffee (10 minute ride) – $595 per GROUP OF THREE (3) persons – two in the turret, one in the bow gunner position.

– M4 Sherman (10 minute ride) – $595 per GROUP OF TWO (2) persons – one in the turret, one in the bow gunner position.

Tank Driving Experiences Available:

– M24 Chaffee Light Tank (20 minutes driving the tank) – $995.00 donation (tax deductible)

– M4 Sherman Medium Tank (20 minutes driving the tank) – $1495.00 donation (tax deductible)

Schedule your tank  driving or ride experience above or call 978-562-9182 to reserve.