WWII in the Pacific Re-Enactment Weekend – Okinawa Campaign

Infantry representing Japanese and American forces will clash in this extraordinary living history event. Camps will be set up with authentic gear and appearance. WWII aircraft will fly in the battle (weather permitting).

The Okinawa campaign, fought from April to June 1945, was one of the bloodiest battles of World War II and the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific Theater. Located just 350 miles from mainland Japan, Okinawa was seen as a critical stepping stone for a potential invasion of Japan itself. The campaign involved intense fighting between U.S. forces and the Japanese Imperial Army, including kamikaze attacks, entrenched resistance, and fierce ground combat. Over 12,000 American troops were killed, and Japanese military and civilian casualties were staggering, with estimates reaching over 100,000. The battle highlighted the devastating cost of war and influenced the U.S. decision to use atomic bombs in hopes of avoiding a similarly deadly invasion of Japan.

Pacific war camps and aircraft will be set up and on display through the day. The battle re-enactment starts around 1 PM.

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.

Event Schedule

9:00am – 5:00pm
Gates Open – All museum buildings and grounds open to visitors.
All re-enactor camps open to visitors with discussions and living history demonstrations all day.

9:00am – 3:00pm (Saturday Only)
Massachusetts Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter  – Runway North End
Saturday only – The MA NG’s 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment will be displaying their UH-60 Blackhawk for visitors to learn more about their role in various missions, including disaster response, medevac, and troop transport (Weather permitting).

9:30am – 4:30pm
World War II Tank & Half Track Rides & Driving – Tank Driving Area
Tank Driving Experiences and Tank Rides aboard the M4 Sherman, M24 Chaffee, & M36 Jackson WWII tanks and WWII M3 Half Track will be taking place all day! Details on pricing available in the center of this program.

10:00am – 4:00pm
War Gaming Demonstrations – Aircraft Hangar
Guides will be demonstrating tabletop strategy war gaming in the aircraft hangar through the day, explaining how games are played and how you can get a start in this unique hobby.

10:00am – 4:00pm
Paint-A-Tank – Inside Aircraft Hangar
For kids of all ages – come to the Paint-a-Tank area in the hangar to get a 3D printed tank to paint in the battle colors YOU choose! $5 donation per tank.

1:00pm – 2:00pm
Battle of Okinawa WWII Pacific Battle Re-Enactment – Runway and Re-Enactment Field
A daily battle re-enactment between American and Imperial Japanese forces on the runway and performance field area. Battle will also feature aircraft demonstrations (weather permitting)

2:30pm – 3:30pm
Presentation: Hell at RP-1: Picket Ships off of Okinawa – Historic Aircraft Hangar
The US Navy suffered more casualties off Okinawa than in any other battle of the war. Nearly 10,000 personnel were killed, wounded, or missing before the Kamikaze onslaught ended. Why were there so many casualties? What did the Navy do to counter this unique aerial threat? We’ll answer these questions and take a closer look at one particular engagement that happened on April 6, 1945 at Radar Picket Station 1. The presentation will be followed by a short question and answer period.

5:00pm – All museum grounds and buildings close for the day.

Event Day Admission Tickets

Admission for the Saturday and Sunday events are as follows:
$30 Adults  |  $25 Seniors/Veterans  |  $20 Children 16 yrs. and younger
Members, WWII/Korean War Veterans and Children Under 3 are Free – No ticket required. Admission discounts can not be used for special event weekends.

Your ticket includes admission for all museums, no additional tickets for the American Heritage Museum necessary.

Click Here to Buy Tickets for Saturday, July 12th, 2025

Click Here to Buy Tickets for Sunday, July 13th, 2025

Admission for AHM / CF Members

This is a Members Free Event Weekend:  one (1) free admission per day for Individual and Participating Members, two (2) free admissions per day for Dual Members, and two (2) adult and two (2) child free admissions per day for Family Members. No advance ticket purchase required, just bring your VALID membership card or recent membership receipt to the entry gate for proof. You may buy tickets online or at the gate for any additional people in your party.

Tank Rides and Driving Experiences Available

Tank Driving experiences and Tank & Half Track Rides will be taking place over the weekend. You can register online, by phone, or on-site, but spaces are limited! All donations for ride or drive experiences are tax-deductible donations as the American Heritage Museum is a 501c3 non-profit foundation.

Tank Rides Available:

– M36 Jackson Tank Destroyer (10 minute ride) – $195 per PERSON. Maximum of five (5) seated riders aboard.

– 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.

Tank Driving Experiences Available:

– 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)

Schedule your tank  driving or ride experience above or call 978-562-9182 to reserve.