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#AmericanHeritageMuseum #visitma #militaryhistory #historymuseum #WWII
Did you know that our TBM-3E Avenger currently on display in our annex hangar during special event weekends operated as a fire bomber / sprayer in civilian service after WWII and before we restored it from 1984-1986? Here is a photo of it in 1978 courtesy of the Warbird Information Exchange (WIX) and Warbird Resource Group as taken by Martin Kyburz - it certainly looks a lot different today! See more photos of the TBM both before and after restoration at: www.warbirdregistry.org/avengerregistry/avenger-91733.html
Today we celebrate the birthday of Harriet Quimby, one of America’s great aviation pioneers. Born on May 11, 1875, Quimby became the first American woman to earn a pilot’s license in 1911 and quickly captured national attention with her skill, courage, and unmistakable purple flying suit.![]()
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In 1912, she made history again as the first woman to fly solo across the English Channel, piloting a Blériot XI, the same type of early aircraft now on display in the American Heritage Museum’s annex hangar. Her achievement came just years after the dawn of powered flight and helped inspire generations of women in aviation.![]()
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The included photo shows Connie Tobias, pilot and Harriet Quimby re-enactor, flying the AHM Blériot 20 years ago, bringing Quimby’s remarkable legacy back to life.![]()
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#HarrietQuimby #AviationHistory #WomenInAviation #AmericanHeritageMuseum #BleriotXI #LivingHistory
On this day in 1940, Germany launched its invasion of Western Europe. Aircraft, tanks, motorized units, and communications helped change the pace of warfare in the opening phase of the Battle of France. The American Heritage Museum has several notable artifacts on display related to the Battle of France including the German Panzer 1 tank and the British Matilda Mk.II. Additionally, the museum is currently restoring an original German Junkers Ju 87D-5 Stuka in the Czech Republic and a German Heinkel He 111H-3 bomber in Florida for eventual display - both key aircraft used by Germany in its Blitzkrieg tactics. Learn more about the Battle of France by visiting us today!
On this day in 1945, Victory in Europe Day marked the end of World War II in Europe. For millions, it meant liberation, relief, grief, and the beginning of rebuilding after years of destruction. The American Heritage Museum has one of the largest collections of tanks, military vehicles, and artifacts from the European Campaign and we invite you to come and explore more!
- This event has passed.
Speaker Series: Tracing The Steps Of Father Connors, 9th Inf. Division Pastor
May 29, 2025 @ 2:30 pm, ending 3:30 pm
Free with standard museum admission
Join us on Thursday, May 29th, 2:30pm to 3:30pm for a talk by Eirinn Buckley Campaniello on her discovery and research of Father Edward Connors and his work with the 9th Infantry Division in World War II and beyond. As part of the presentation, Eirinn will have a reading from her play about Father Connors called “March to Grace.”
Father Edward T. Connors, a native of Whitinsville, Massachusetts, and a graduate of Holy Cross College’s class of 1927, served as a pivotal figure in the 9th U.S. Army Infantry Division during World War II. After his ordination, he ministered at Saint Peter’s in Worcester, Sacred Heart, and later at Saint Bernard’s in Fitchburg. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Father Connors was among the first priests from the Springfield Diocese to volunteer as an Army chaplain in early 1942. He joined the 9th Infantry Division during its reactivation and training in the Carolinas, marking the beginning of a profound association that would endure through some of the most significant campaigns of the war.
Known affectionately as the “soldier’s priest,” Father Connors provided unwavering spiritual support to soldiers of all faiths. His presence was a source of comfort and solace, often found on the front lines administering sacraments. He exemplifies the vital role of chaplains in providing spiritual guidance and emotional support during the tumult of war. His unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on the soldiers he served and the community he nurtured long after the guns fell silent.
