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Remembering Pearl Harbor Day is crucial as it marks a pivotal moment in history that shook the world and profoundly influenced global events. This day stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the lives lost during the surprise attack on December 7, 1941, a moment that thrust the United States into World War II. Reflecting on this solemn occasion honors the bravery of those who served, acknowledges the impact of war on nations and individuals, and reinforces the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and peacekeeping efforts to prevent such tragedies from occurring again. It serves as a testament to the resilience of a nation and underscores the significance of learning from the past to build a more peaceful future. ... See MoreSee Less
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Join us at the American Heritage Museum Friday, December 8th, for a compelling talk by Vernon Chandler on his epic journey through Europe as he traces the footsteps of his second cousin; Pvt. Kenneth Miller, who was killed in Germany on October 18, 1944.Starts at 2 PM. No reservations needed. ... See MoreSee Less
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How your support will help us in 2024 - We are embarking on one of the most ambitious warbird restoration projects ever with the Junkers Ju-87D-5 Stuka. This project, recovered from a freshwater lake, is under restoration to flying status with multiple workshops in Europe and will be brought to the American Heritage Museum once complete. This infamous dive bomber of WWII will become one of only three complete examples on display anywhere in the world - and is one of only two potential flying restoration projects. Learn more about the project at: ahmus.me/ju87-project and make an impact by making a gift to this project and many others in 2024 with a donation at: ahmus.me/GT2023..#ju87 #stuka #ju87stuka #wwiihistory #warbirds #avgeek #warplanes #worldoftanks #WorldWarII #luftwaffe #livinghistory #GivingTuesday #AmericanHeritageMuseum #aviationhistory ... See MoreSee Less
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How your support helped us in 2023 - Because of your donations on #GivingTuesday this past year, we were able to complete the incredible Hanoi Hilton Vietnam POW exhibit including the real, reconstructed cell from the prison... in time for opening on the 50th Anniversary of Operation Homecoming! Please give today to make an impact in 2024 - do so at: ahmus.me/GT2023..#livinghistory #vietnamwar #hanoihilton #powmia #historymuseum #militaryhistory #visitma #hudsonma #nonprofit ... See MoreSee Less
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Help the American Heritage Museum grow even more in 2024 with a donation for #GivingTuesday! Through the generosity of a group of donors, all donations made now through Midnight on Tuesday, November 28th will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. That means, by making your donation over the next two days, your impact on our mission WILL be doubled! Please make your year-end gift and donate online at: ahmus.me/GT2023 ... See MoreSee Less
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North Africa


M3 Lee
– USA | TANK

Matilda MK.II – UK | TANK

Sd.Kfz 10 1-Ton – GER | PERSONNEL CARRIER/PRIME MOVER

Leichter Panzerspähwagen SdKfz 222 – GER | SCOUT ARMORED CAR

BMW R75 & Sidecar – GER | MOTORCYCLE & SIDE CAR

7.5 cm Pak 40 – GER | ANTI-TANK GUN

The North African Campaign of the Second World War started June 10th, 1940, when Fascist Italy declared war on Britain and France. It lasted until May 13th, 1943, when the last Axis troops in Africa surrendered in Tunisia, including the defeated Afrika Korps sent by Hitler to prop up his faltering Italian ally.

The United States officially entered the war against Germany on December 11, 1941. Struggling against Japan while arming and training its brand new mass armies in haste, the United States began direct military assistance to Allied forces in North Africa on May 11th, 1942. Canada provided a small contingent of 348 officers and enlisted. Australians, Indians, and South Africans also fought under British command in Egypt and Libya, where Britain’s 8th Army and the ‘Desert Rats’ were led by General Montgomery. Meanwhile, Free French forces struck out for North Africa from deep inside West Africa, as the Allies sought to drive the Axis out of Africa as a preliminary to the invasion of Italy and Germany.

The training, build-up, and transport of green American forces took time. While tanks and troops were supplied to the British, large numbers of American troops did not arrive in North Africa to join in the Allied effort until the start of Operation Torch in November, 1942. With some American material assistance, including tanks and aircraft and intelligence assets, British and Commonwealth forces fought the Axis in campaigns in the Libyan and Egyptian deserts (Western Desert Campaign). Anglo-American landings in Morocco and Algeria (Operation Torch), as well as Tunisia (Tunisia Campaign) book-ended a coordinated Allied strategy of driving and squeezing the last Axis armies in North Africa from east and west, until their total defeat and surrender in Tunisia May 1943.

The battle for North Africa was primarily a struggle for control of the Suez Canal and access to oil from the Middle East and raw materials from Asia, but also an effort to drive Italy out of the war as a prelude to invasion of southern Europe and a planned bombing campaign against Germany. It was the place German and American armies first faced off against each other. After early and terrible losses to the Germans, soldiers from America joined the ongoing Allied effort in North Africa and helped turn the tide of war decisively against the Axis. Next would come landings in Sicily and southern Italy. Based in a secured North Africa, bombers and invading armies would next bring the war home to the heartlands of the fascist nations themselves.

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Open Friday, November 24th!

The American Heritage Museum is open Friday, November 24th, the day after Thanksgiving, from 10am to 5pm and will also be open Saturday and Sunday. Bring your family and friends who are in town for the holiday weekend!