June 22nd, 1941. Operation Barbarossa begins.![]()
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Hitler's 1939 Nonaggression Pact with the Soviet Union came to abrupt but predictable end on Sunday, June 22, 1941. At dawn on that day, German forces launched Operation Barbarossa along an 1,800-mile front that ran from Leningrad to the Black Sea. The three German army groups included 150 divisions containing three million men, 3,000 tanks, 7,000 artillery pieces and 2,500 aircraft. The German forces were further strengthened by more than 30 divisions of Finnish and Romanian troops. It was in effect the largest and most powerful invasion force in history. Like previous campaigns, Barbarossa was planned as a blitzkrieg led by armored units.![]()
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The invasion took the Soviet leadership completely by surprise and caught the Red Army in an unprepared and partially demobilized state. Stalin had been informed that the Germans would invade but he did not believe the sources. Over the first few days, the German Luftwaffe destroyed more than 1,200 Soviet aircraft, many of them on the ground. By mid-July the Germans had advanced more than 400 miles and were only 200 miles from Moscow. Heavy Autumn rains would turn the Russian roads to deep mud and the sub-zero temperatures that followed in November would further stall and finally end the German advance.
3 hours ago ·
~ A new addition to this year's American Elegance performance: 1926 Chrysler Model 72 Roadster. Show starts around 1 PM Saturday and Sunday. More information see: www.americanheritagemuseum.org/event/tanks-wings-wheels-2/
5 days ago ·
Word on the streets says Al Capone will be showing up at AHM in his 1940 V-16 Cadillac on June 19th and 20th - to case the place for his new casino and speak-easy.
1 week ago ·
Visitors to the American Heritage Museum this past weekend had the opportunity to view a display of impressive artifacts from the Allied campaign to liberate Italy (1943-1945). The Allied advance through Italy produced some of the most bitter, costly fighting of the war, much of it in treacherous mountain terrain. Rome was liberated 77 years ago this month but at the time the event was completely overshadowed by the D-Day landings in Normandy.![]()
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The weekend exhibition was organized and expertly described to several hundred Museum visitors by Abigail Metheny of Concord, MA and Jesse Campana of Brick, NJ. Both are avid students of the history of the Italian Campaign as well as skilled collectors of WWII memorabilia. Abigail and Jesse appeared in US Army uniforms from the period: Abigail as a US Army Nurse and Jesse as an Army private. ![]()
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The AHM extends its appreciation to Abigail and Jesse for their wonderful commitment of their time and expertise. We look forward to welcoming them back to the Museum sometime soon.
1 week ago ·
The American Heritage Museum is running a very unique sweepstakes fundraiser "Behind Enemy Lines - WWII Tank Experience." We hope that you could share this with your friends. ![]()
Here is the link with all the details: ![]()
americanheritagemuseum.tapkat.org/behindenemylines![]()
Proceeds go to our education outreach programs and operations.
2 weeks ago ·
Race of the Century
September 11 @ 9:00 am - September 12 @ 5:00 pm
$15 – $25
It is back! See the amazing Collings Foundation and American Heritage Museum’s collection of early automobiles, aircraft and artifacts come to life in this extraordinary living history event.
Horses, bicycles, electric cars, vehicles powered by water, flying machines, all poised to solve the transportation issues of the day. The Collings Foundation and American Heritage Museum will host a most entertaining event that pits some of the greatest mobility based technological advancements against each other in Race of the Century.
During the early 1900’s transportation technologies advanced at an incredible rate. The thought of a “horseless carriage” rumbling down the path – or better yet – a “flying machine” moving through the air seemed amazing. The traditional horse and buggy quickly became history with the emergence of auto carriages like the 1905 Franklin and aircraft such as the 1909 Bleriot Type XI.
Gates open at 9:00am each day and close at 5:00pm. The Race of the Century begins at 1:00pm each day.
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.
Advance Sale and Event Day Admission Tickets
Admission for the Saturday and Sunday events are as follows:
$25 Adults | $20 Seniors/Veterans | $15 Children Under 12
Members, WWII/Korean War Veterans and Children Under 3 are Free – No ticket required.
Admission discounts can not be used for special event weekends.
Purchase your tickets online for faster processing through admission:
– Click here to Buy Tickets Online for Saturday, September 11, 2021
– Click here to Buy Tickets Online for Sunday, September 12, 2021
Tickets may be purchased the day of the event by Credit Card or Cash at the entry gate on the access road as well.
Tank Driving Experiences and Tank Rides Available
Tank Driving experiences and Tank Rides will be taking place over the weekend. You can register online, by phone, or on-site, but spaces are limited!
Tank Driving Experience Prices:
– 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)
Tank Ride Experience Prices:
– 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.
Schedule your tank driving or ride experience above or call 978-562-9182 to reserve.
