Name: Military History Through The Ages – *Replaces Battle for the Airfield due to COVID-19 Event Rules*
Start: 2020-10-10T09:00:00-04:00
End: 2020-10-11T17:00:00-04:00
Location: American Heritage Museum

It is with profound sadness that the American Heritage Museum shares the passing of our friend and colleague, Chris Cassidy, on July 12, 2026. Starting as a volunteer back in 2010, helping us with the Race of the Century as a "wrench" and a driver in his spare time, Chris eventually joined us on staff before the American Heritage Museum opened. Since then, Chris served as our automobile caretaker, mechanic, and museum maintenance supervisor. He was a master machinist, an exceptional mechanic, and the person we trusted whenever something needed to be repaired, restored, or simply made to work again. Around the museum, the saying was simple: “If it’s broken, Chris can fix it.” That statement applied to whether it was a museum vehicle or one belonging to our volunteers or staff -- he always helped, no matter what. His knowledge, patience, and craftsmanship were invaluable to the care of our historic automobiles. In preparation for the annual Father's Day event, Chris spent many nights and weekends working on everything in the car barn to get it ready for the big show. Though maintaining such a wide range of vehicles could be stressful, he always cracked jokes with a smirk when the going got tough. Chris’s talents extended far beyond the museum. He was a champion lawn tractor puller, a renowned go-kart builder and racer, and loved his R/C cars and slot cars. If it had wheels and went fast, Chris was there! His lucky number was 13 because, as he liked to say, he always finished first or third—never second. For all his accomplishments, Chris was most proud of his family. He was a devoted father and grandfather who treasured the time he spent with his beloved grandson, Jamison. He was also a trusted friend who never hesitated to lend a hand, share his knowledge, or help make someone’s day a little easier. Chris’s legacy cannot be measured only by the engines he rebuilt, the races he won, or the historic machines he preserved. It lives in the people he helped, the lessons he shared, and the example he set through hard work, kindness, and quiet generosity. Our hearts are broken by his loss, and his absence will be felt throughout the museum for years to come. Rest easy, Chris. Your work here is done, but your legacy will keep running strong for generations. ... See MoreSee Less

Military History Through The Ages – *Replaces Battle for the Airfield due to COVID-19 Event Rules*

October 10, 2020 @ 9:00 am, ending October 11, 2020 @ 5:00 pm

$15 – $25

The Collings Foundation and American Heritage Museum is hosting a living history exhibition – Military History Through The Ages. The weekend features multiple re-enactors with displays from the Revolutionary War up through the present day. All three Museums will be open: The Collings Foundation Automobile Collection, The Collings Foundation Hangar, and the American Heritage Museum. Fully restored military equipment of all kinds will be on display. Camps will be set up with authentic materials and appearance. Re-enactors act as docents who share a wealth of information about life as a military person. Veterans from all ranks and branches of service will participate in discussions around each encampment. The new American Heritage Museum will be open for the weekend. The American Heritage Museum features one of the largest collection of tanks and armor in the United States. Over 95 artifacts will be on display, including the rare WWII German Panther tank, a combat veteran Russian IS-2 tank, an Iraqi SCUD missile and the only publicly displayed M1A1 Abrams tank in the world.

COVID-19 Prevention Requirements for Visitors
This living history display replaces the annual Battle for the Airfield in 2020 to adjust to Massachusetts COVID-19 restrictions. There will not be a re-enacted battle or any performance with pyrotechnics this year due to current restrictions on performances. Visitors and staff are required to wear face masks in all indoor buildings and displays and outdoors in encampments where social distancing is not possible.

Location:
American Heritage Museum
568 Main Street
Hudson, MA 01749

WHAT YOU WILL SEE

Encampments – See the recreated encampments where Re-enactors display their equipment and living conditions of the time period and many offer the ability to fully immerse yourself in living history as you walk around.

All Three Museums Open – In addition to the great variety of encampments set up, the entire grounds will be open featuring the Classic Car Barn, Historic Aviation Hangar and the American Heritage Museum. The variety of stunning and rare automobiles, beautifully restored aircraft, armored vehicles, tanks and artifacts is astounding!

Veterans Meet and Greet – Veterans from various branches of service will be out and about talking with the public about their service and experiences.

American Heritage Museum – Featuring the Jacques M. Littlefield Collection, this new museum features over 95 restored tanks, vehicles, and artifacts in a state-of-the-art museum display including many interactive displays and videos. See our World War I trench experience, the Clash of Steel interactive battle, and many more including the only modern M1A1 Abrams on public display in the world.

Hangar – See 10 vintage light aircraft from 1909 through WWII including: 1909 Bleriot XI, 1909 Curtiss Headless Pusher, 1911 Wright Model EX “Vin Fiz”, 1914 Curtiss Model F Flying Boat, 1941 Waco UPF-7, two 1942 Boeing PT-17 Stearmans, 1943 Fieseler Storch, 1943 Cessna UC-78 Bobcat, 1944 Grumman TBM Avenger. Additionally displayed on top level (not wheelchair accessible) a variety of vintage Sprint race cars and select Indy Cars.

Car Museum – An extensive collection of 25 rare automobiles from 1901 through 1935 including a rare Duesenberg SJ Dual Cowl Phaeton and many more.

DAILY SCHEDULE

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Gates Open, Encampments Open, Hangar and Car Museum Open.

FOOD AND COMFORT NOTES

There will be food and beverages available for purchase at the event as provided by Tastings Caterers. Coolers and picnics are also permitted on a carry in/carry out policy. Porta-Potties are available throughout the event.

TANK DRIVING EXPERIENCES

Tank Driving Experiences on the WWII Vintage M24 Chaffee Light Tank and M4A3 Sherman Medium Tank will be available on both Saturday and Sunday where YOU can drive an actual tank for 20 minutes. Slots are VERY limited and we recommend reserving a slot in advance. See program details and pricing at https://www.americanheritagemuseum.org/drive

FLIGHTS ON WORLD WAR II AIRCRAFT

We regret that there will be no flights available at the event on any World War II aircraft as offered at previous events due to restrictions imposed by the town.

ADMISSION

Adults: $25.00 per person
Veterans: $20.00 per person
Seniors: $20.00 per person
Children Under 12: $15.00 per person
WWII Vets, Korean War Vets, Children Under 3: Free

ADVANCE SALE TICKETS

Save time at the entrance gate by purchasing your tickets in advance! Click the date you wish to purchase admission for below:

Tickets for Saturday, October 10, 2020 – Click Here
Tickets for Sunday, October 11, 2020 – Click Here

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Details

Start:: October 10, 2020 @ 9:00 am
End:: October 11, 2020 @ 5:00 pm
Cost:: $15 – $25
Event Categories:: 2020 Living History Events, American Heritage Museum, CF Events

Venue

American Heritage Museum; 568 Main Street
Hudson, MA 01749 United States
Phone:: 9785629182
Website:: http://www.americanheritagemuseum.org

Military History Through The Ages – Replaces Battle for the Airfield due to COVID-19 Event Rules