Get a glimpse inside the first tank a visitor experiences at the American Heritage Museum - the M1917 from World War I. The American M1917 was the U.S. licensed copy of the French Renault FT, a compact World War I tank that pioneered the classic turreted layout still used today. Small, light, and mechanically straightforward, it represented America’s earliest steps into armored warfare.![]()
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This tour takes you around the outside, touching on its surprisingly complex running gear, and the many differences from its French ancestor. We then go inside its tight crew compartment, showcasing the driver’s station, and the turret’s interesting weapon setup.![]()
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The American M1917 was the U.S. licensed copy of the French Renault FT, a compact World War I tank that pioneered the classic turreted layout still used toda...
- 2025 Photo Recap -![]()
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Here are a few of our favorite photos from the last year! Thank you so much to everyone who visited in 2025!![]()
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From all of us here at the American Heritage Museum, we wish you a very happy and safe new year! See you in 2026! 🥳 🎉![]()
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Photo credit to Matthew Ford, Keith Reid (@madbadger_aviationlens )
Learn about all the great stories of the past year and get a glimpse into our exciting future plans... read the 2025 American Heritage Museum and Collings Foundation Annual Magazine at the link below!
2025 American Heritage Museum / Collings Foundation Annual Magazine
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Eighty years ago, veterans of World War II were starting to come home, able to spend the holidays with their families again in peacetime. As we reflect on the happiness they experienced, let us all find peace, joy, and comfort with our loved ones as we share this precious time of year. From all of us at the American Heritage Museum, Happy Holidays and Seasons Greetings to you, wherever you are, and our best wishes for a happy and healthy 2026! ![]()
(Artwork by @djangostudios for the American Heritage Museum)
- This event has passed.
Short Film Showing: Oh, Johnny! Tale of a D-Day Veteran
June 8, 2024 @ 2:00 pm, ending 3:00 pm
Free with standard museum admission
John Santillo, a World War II D-Day survivor, travels back overseas for the 75th D-Day Anniversary to relive his time at war. Through a story that moves between the past and present, John opens up about the years he spent overseas using his unique blend of charisma, optimism and humor that captivates everyone he meets along his journey.
The film follows two narratives; John’s life as a soldier during the 1940s and his 2019 D-Day Anniversary trip to France. Through the interweaving of these two stories, the film contrasts John’s time as a young man drafted into the Army with his view on the war now as a 97-year-old veteran. While he faces haunting memories from his past, John comes to grips with how deeply the war has affected him.
