It is with profound sadness that the American Heritage Museum shares the passing of our friend and colleague, Chris Cassidy, on July 12, 2026.![]()
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Starting as a volunteer back in 2010, helping us with the Race of the Century as a "wrench" and a driver in his spare time, Chris eventually joined us on staff before the American Heritage Museum opened. Since then, Chris served as our automobile caretaker, mechanic, and museum maintenance supervisor. He was a master machinist, an exceptional mechanic, and the person we trusted whenever something needed to be repaired, restored, or simply made to work again. Around the museum, the saying was simple: “If it’s broken, Chris can fix it.” That statement applied to whether it was a museum vehicle or one belonging to our volunteers or staff -- he always helped, no matter what. ![]()
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His knowledge, patience, and craftsmanship were invaluable to the care of our historic automobiles. In preparation for the annual Father's Day event, Chris spent many nights and weekends working on everything in the car barn to get it ready for the big show. Though maintaining such a wide range of vehicles could be stressful, he always cracked jokes with a smirk when the going got tough. ![]()
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Chris’s talents extended far beyond the museum. He was a champion lawn tractor puller, a renowned go-kart builder and racer, and loved his R/C cars and slot cars. If it had wheels and went fast, Chris was there! His lucky number was 13 because, as he liked to say, he always finished first or third—never second.![]()
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For all his accomplishments, Chris was most proud of his family. He was a devoted father and grandfather who treasured the time he spent with his beloved grandson, Jamison. He was also a trusted friend who never hesitated to lend a hand, share his knowledge, or help make someone’s day a little easier.![]()
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Chris’s legacy cannot be measured only by the engines he rebuilt, the races he won, or the historic machines he preserved. It lives in the people he helped, the lessons he shared, and the example he set through hard work, kindness, and quiet generosity.![]()
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Our hearts are broken by his loss, and his absence will be felt throughout the museum for years to come.![]()
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Rest easy, Chris. Your work here is done, but your legacy will keep running strong for generations.
Let's Tour the American M18 Hellcat in 60 Seconds!![]()
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#AmericanHeritageMuseum #visitma #MilitaryHistory #historymuseum #WWII
July 4th, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the formation of the United States of America, marking our independence from the British Empire. ![]()
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Happy Birthday, USA! 🎈🎉🎂![]()
You don't look a day over 200.![]()
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#AmericanHeritageMuseum #visitma #4thofJuly #usa #tanks
Meet the German PaK 40!![]()
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#AmericanHeritageMuseum #visitma #MilitaryHistory #historymuseum #WWII
We are open Friday, July 3rd through Sunday, July 5th - 10am-5pm Daily in celebration of Independence Day and America's 250th Anniversary! Come learn about our military heritage from 1776 through today! All in air conditioned comfort! Tickets at:
Purchase Tickets Online - The American Heritage Museum
www.americanheritagemuseum.org
Purchase Your General Admission Tickets Online and Save Time and Money!* Online tickets are $2 off in-person tickets! The American Heritage Museum is open every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, ...Event Rentals & Meetings
Conveniently located between the Boston, Massachusetts and Worcester, Massachusetts metro areas, and nestled in the rural landscape of Stow, Massachusetts, the American Heritage Museum and facilities of the Collings Foundation are a unique venue for meetings and events for many local, national and international businesses. Our facilities can accommodate a wide variety of gatherings. We currently have the following venues available:
American Heritage Museum Main Galleries
For a memorable event surrounded by history, it is hard to beat the American Heritage Museum main galleries. Guests can interact with our exhibits featuring tanks, military vehicles, and aircraft spanning nearly 100 years under one roof. An installed screen and projector on the East side of the gallery is available for formal programs and presentations.
Capacity: Up to 200 seated dinner, 300 cocktail / appetizer format.
Availability: Daytime Events (9am-5pm) Mondays and Tuesdays only. Evening Events (5pm-11pm) 7 days a week. Year-Round.
American Heritage Museum Conference Room
More intimate gatherings, our conference room with post & beam decor and a glass top table made from the uncovered wing of a WWII biplane trainer is perfect for small meetings and luncheons. Features a 70″ LCD screen with HDMI ports for presentations. Can be combined with discounted admissions tickets for guided tours of the American Heritage Museum.
Capacity: Up to 14 at table. Up to 10 additional seats along walls could be accommodated.
Availability: Daytime Events (9am-5pm) 7 days a week. Evening Events (5pm-11pm) 7 days a week. Year-Round.
Seasonal Aircraft Hangar
Available in fair weather seasons, our Aircraft Hangar is available for informal gatherings and catered events for up to 200 persons. Featuring aircraft and race cars from 1909 through the 1940’s, our seasonal hangar is a fun gathering space that affords visitors the ability to see artifacts not on current display in the American Heritage Museum. The large hangar doors can be opened to expand interior space out to our grass runway.
Capacity: Up to 200 seated, 400 cocktail / appetizer format.
Limitations: Hangar is not climate controlled and subject to changing temperatures. No internal restroom facilities (portable restroom rentals required). Mezzanine levels are not ADA compliant. Lighting for evening events is limited – additional lighting rentals required.
Availability: Daytime Events (9am-5pm) 7 days a week from May through October. Evening Events (5pm-11pm) 7 days a week from May through October.
Outdoor Events
Our expansive outdoor grounds are available for outside events in fair weather seasons, for up to 500 persons in tented or open environments. The flat turf of our grass runway is bordered by tall, mature trees and overlooks parts of the Assabet River. For more intimate gatherings, a pergola garden covered by lush seasonal flora is perfect for outdoor functions of 20-30 persons. An open field with separate access to our entrance road can accommodate parking for up to 300 cars.
Capacity: Up to 300 seated, 400 cocktail / appetizer format.
Limitations: Subject to weather. No permanent restroom facilities (portable restroom rentals required). Tent rentals not included in facility rental.
Availability: Daytime Events (9am-5pm) 7 days a week from May through October. Evening Events (5pm-11pm) 7 days a week from May through October.
Types of Events
Our spaces are ideal for conferences, fundraisers, receptions, private parties, sales meetings and company outings. At this time, the American Heritage Museum does not book weddings.
Contact Us Today!
Our staff will work with you from beginning to end to plan and host your event and can provide recommended caterers and vendors with experience in our facilities to help your planning process. Please contact Ryan Keough, Director of Development, Membership, and Corporate Events at rkeough@collingsfoundation.org or 978-562-9182 to inquire.
