header.php
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) ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Meet the Sd.Kfz. 2 Kettenkraftrad!#AmericanHeritageMuseum #visitma #militaryhistory #historymuseum #WWII #ww2 #WorldWarII #worldwar2 #army #tanks #WorldofTanks #tanknerd #kettenkrad #motorcycle #tractor #airborne ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Let's Learn About Fire Hazards!#AmericanHeritageMuseum #visitma #militaryhistory #historymuseum #WWII #ww2 #WorldWarII #worldwar2 #army #tanks #WorldofTanks #tanknerd #LCVP #landingcraft #DDay #higginsboat #navy ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Speaker Series: Cold War Massachusetts - Tomorrow, 12/12 at 2:30.Did you know MIT in Cambridge became one of the most important research centers for U.S. Cold War defense technology, especially through its Lincoln Laboratory, founded in 1951. The lab played a major role in developing the SAGE (Semi-Automatic Ground Environment) air-defense system—one of the earliest large-scale computer networks, and a precursor to modern digital command-and-control and networking technologies. Learn more tomorrow! ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Don't miss this Friday's Speaker Series - Cold War Massachusetts: Hidden Infrastructure and the Legacy of Preparedness. Dec. 12th, 2:30 to 3:30. See: www.americanheritagemuseum.org/event/speaker-series-cold-war-massachusetts-hidden-infrastructure-... ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Loading Events

« All Events

  • This event has passed.

Speaker Series: The Six Triple Eight: All-Black, All-Female Battalion That Defied the Odds

February 28 @ 1:00 pm, ending 2:30 pm

Free with standard museum admission

Join us at the American Heritage Museum on Friday, February 28th, 1:00pm to 2:30pm for an engaging talk by Melodye Whatley on the Six Triple Eight.

During World War II, a groundbreaking unit of African American women in the U.S. Army made history while overcoming racism, sexism, and the challenges of war. The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the Six Triple Eight, was the only all-Black, all-female unit to be deployed overseas during WWII. Their mission was both crucial and daunting: to clear a massive backlog of undelivered mail that had piled up in Europe, delaying vital communication between soldiers and their loved ones.

As the war raged on, the U.S. military faced an overwhelming accumulation of undelivered mail—some estimates put it at over 17 million pieces. Recognizing the importance of morale and communication, the military turned to the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) to tackle the crisis. Under the leadership of Major Charity Adams, the first Black woman commissioned as an officer in the WAC, the Six Triple Eight was formed.

The Six Triple Eight’s story is one of perseverance, excellence, and breaking barriers. Their dedication not only ensured that millions of soldiers received messages from home but also paved the way for future generations of women in the military.

Details

Date:
February 28
Time:
1:00 pm, ending 2:30 pm
Cost:
Free with standard museum admission
Event Category:
footer.php

Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day - Open Friday through Tuesday

The American Heritage Museum is closed on Wednesday, December 24th and Thursday, December 25th for the Christmas holiday, but will be open from 10:00am to 5:00pm daily from Friday, December 26th through Wednesday, December 31st, with special opening on Monday and Tuesday during the holiday week.