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Here is this week’s challenge for “What is it Wednesday?” - What is it?!Thanks to everyone who played last week… the answer for April 23rd is the boat hook from our PT-76B… see the previous post for the full details!Good luck on this week’s challenge! #americanheritagemuseum #historymuseum #visitma ... See MoreSee Less
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The answer to the “What is it? Wednesday” question from April 23rd is the boat hook from our Soviet PT-76B! The PT-76B is an amphibious light tank that can travel at up to 6.5 mph in the water! Got boat hooks for your water toys? 🛥️ Let's hear it!Stay tuned for the next “What is it? Wednesday” question tomorrow, April 30th at 10:00 am EST!#americanheritagemuseum #whatisitwednesday ... See MoreSee Less
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What is your favorite WWI era tank? Is it the small but mighty Renault FT? Or do you prefer the massive 29 ton British Mk.V? Join the conversation and share your thoughts! 💭 Each week, We're posing a question about historical military vehicles, and we want YOU to weigh in. Whether you’re a history buff, or just curious—we want to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below to cast your vote! 👇#history #shareyourthoughts ... See MoreSee Less
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Here is this week’s challenge for “What is it Wednesday?” - What is it?!Thanks to everyone who played last week… the answer for April 16th is a section of spare tracks from our M5A1 Stuart… see the previous post for the full details!Good luck on this week’s challenge! #americanheritagemuseum #historymuseum #visitma ... See MoreSee Less
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The answer to the “What is it? Wednesday” question from April 16th is spare tracks mounted to the back left side of our M5A1 Stuart! Have any of you ever changed tank tracks?Stay tuned for the next “What is it? Wednesday” question tomorrow, April 23rd at 10:00 am EST!#americanheritagemuseum #whatisitwednesday ... See MoreSee Less
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Defense of the Reich


8.8 cm Flak 36
– GER | ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUN

Sd.Kfz. 8 12 TON – GER | PERSONNEL CARRIER/PRIME MOVER

Kommandogerrat 38 – GER | FIRE CONTROL COMPUTER

Flak Battery Generator – GER | ANTI-AIRCRAFT BATTERY SUPPORT

Flak Battery Searchlight – GER | ANTI-AIRCRAFT BATTERY SUPPORT

V-1 (“JB-2 Loon” – Suspended) – GER | GUIDED MISSILE

The Defense of the Reich (also known in German as Reichsverteidigung) was the name given to the strategic defensive aerial campaign fought by the Luftwaffe air arm of the combined Wehrmacht armed forces of Nazi Germany over German-occupied Europe and Nazi Germany during World War II. Its aim was to prevent the destruction of German civilians, military, and civil industries by the Western Allied bombing campaigns. The day and night air battles over Germany during the war involved thousands of aircraft and aerial engagements to counter the Allied strategic bombing campaign. The Luftwaffe fighter force defended the airspace over German-occupied territory against attack, first by RAF Bomber Command and then against the United States Army Air Forces.

The constant night bombing by the RAF and daylight attacks by the USAAF added to the destruction of a major part of the German’s industries and cities, which caused the economy to collapse in the winter of 1944–45. It also pulled nearly two million Germans into defense of the homeland and diverted critical, dual-purpose 88 mm guns from an anti-tank role in the east against the advancing Red Army to an antiaircraft role inside Germany itself. By this time, the Allied armies had reached the German border and the strategic campaign became fused with the tactical battles over the front, while also completing a deliberate and methodical Allied campaign of punishment of all of Germany by destruction of German cities and civilian morale. The air campaign continued until April 1945, when the last strategic bombing missions were flown, ending just before the surrender of Germany on May 8th.

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OPEN ALL WEEK FOR SPRING BREAK - Including Patriot's Day on Monday 4/21 and Tuesday 4/22

We will be open all week for MA Spring Break Week from Monday, April 21st through Sunday, April 27th from 10am to 5pm each day. A great opportunity for families to visit on the school break. Buy tickets at the Admissions Desk or save $2 per ticket by buying online!