June 22nd, 1941. Operation Barbarossa begins.![]()
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Hitler's 1939 Nonaggression Pact with the Soviet Union came to abrupt but predictable end on Sunday, June 22, 1941. At dawn on that day, German forces launched Operation Barbarossa along an 1,800-mile front that ran from Leningrad to the Black Sea. The three German army groups included 150 divisions containing three million men, 3,000 tanks, 7,000 artillery pieces and 2,500 aircraft. The German forces were further strengthened by more than 30 divisions of Finnish and Romanian troops. It was in effect the largest and most powerful invasion force in history. Like previous campaigns, Barbarossa was planned as a blitzkrieg led by armored units.![]()
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The invasion took the Soviet leadership completely by surprise and caught the Red Army in an unprepared and partially demobilized state. Stalin had been informed that the Germans would invade but he did not believe the sources. Over the first few days, the German Luftwaffe destroyed more than 1,200 Soviet aircraft, many of them on the ground. By mid-July the Germans had advanced more than 400 miles and were only 200 miles from Moscow. Heavy Autumn rains would turn the Russian roads to deep mud and the sub-zero temperatures that followed in November would further stall and finally end the German advance.
4 hours ago ·
~ A new addition to this year's American Elegance performance: 1926 Chrysler Model 72 Roadster. Show starts around 1 PM Saturday and Sunday. More information see: www.americanheritagemuseum.org/event/tanks-wings-wheels-2/
5 days ago ·
Word on the streets says Al Capone will be showing up at AHM in his 1940 V-16 Cadillac on June 19th and 20th - to case the place for his new casino and speak-easy.
1 week ago ·
Visitors to the American Heritage Museum this past weekend had the opportunity to view a display of impressive artifacts from the Allied campaign to liberate Italy (1943-1945). The Allied advance through Italy produced some of the most bitter, costly fighting of the war, much of it in treacherous mountain terrain. Rome was liberated 77 years ago this month but at the time the event was completely overshadowed by the D-Day landings in Normandy.![]()
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The weekend exhibition was organized and expertly described to several hundred Museum visitors by Abigail Metheny of Concord, MA and Jesse Campana of Brick, NJ. Both are avid students of the history of the Italian Campaign as well as skilled collectors of WWII memorabilia. Abigail and Jesse appeared in US Army uniforms from the period: Abigail as a US Army Nurse and Jesse as an Army private. ![]()
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The AHM extends its appreciation to Abigail and Jesse for their wonderful commitment of their time and expertise. We look forward to welcoming them back to the Museum sometime soon.
1 week ago ·
The American Heritage Museum is running a very unique sweepstakes fundraiser "Behind Enemy Lines - WWII Tank Experience." We hope that you could share this with your friends. ![]()
Here is the link with all the details: ![]()
americanheritagemuseum.tapkat.org/behindenemylines![]()
Proceeds go to our education outreach programs and operations.
2 weeks ago ·
Group Tours
SCHEDULING YOUR GROUP
The American Heritage Museum is exclusively open for group tours each week on Monday and Tuesday, but we may accommodate group tours as needed during public opening days from Wednesday through Sunday on a case-by-case basis. Group tour reservations can be made up to one year in advance and should be made at least two weeks in advance if you would like a docent / tour guide during your visitation (subject to availability). Group tours are scheduled throughout the day, so please be prepared to provide several options of times that would work for your group. Please plan between 2 to 3 hours for your visit.
Please select the type of group tour you are planning to start the reservation process:
School / Student Group Tours – Includes Schools, Home Schools, Colleges, etc.
Adult / Child Group Tours – Includes Clubs, Fraternal Organizations, Scouts, ROTC, CAP.
Senior Group Tours – Includes Senior Centers, Communities, Assisted Living, and Clubs
PAYMENT
The American Heritage Museum accepts credit cards, company checks and cash. We do not provide direct billing or receive purchase orders for payment. Deposits are not required. Tickets must be purchased together as a single transaction. Upon arrival and after payment has been received, tickets will be provided.
PARKING
Buses may unload in front of the American Heritage Museum at the entry vestibule on the North side of the building off the access road entering from 568 Main Street. Bus parking is allowed on the West side of the museum building.
For more information about group tours, contact groupsales@collingsfoundation.org or 978-562-9182.
