Today, March 25th, is National Medal of Honor Day. In honor of this, we would like to take the opportunity to honor MoH recipient Colonel John Riley “Killer” Kane. “Killer” Kane was a B-24 Liberator pilot who led the 98th Bomb Group in Operation Tidal Wave; a large-scale bombing raid on German run oil refineries in Ploesti, Romania on Aug. 1st, 1943. Thanks to the generous donation of Mr. Curtis Burton, we have the honor and privilege of displaying Col. Kane’s Medal of Honor here at the American Heritage Museum as part of our Italian Campaign gallery. ![]()
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You can read more about Col. John “Killer” Kane at: bit.ly/4iVKYaq![]()
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#americanheritagemuseum #medalofhonor #moh #usaaf #ploesti #operationtidalwave #wwii #wwiihistory #worldwarii #worldwar2 #b24liberator
Today is Rosie the Riveter Day, honoring the iconic symbol of female empowerment during WWII. Rosie represented the millions of women who entered industrial jobs, proving their strength and capability. Despite facing discrimination, they paved the way for workplace rights and gender equality. Rosie’s legacy lives on in today’s fight for equal pay, representation, and opportunity—reminding us: “We Can Do It!”![]()
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Read our full article about today's importance at: bit.ly/4hDJaly![]()
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#americanheritagemuseum #rosietheriveter #rosietheriveterday #celebratewomen #womenshistorymonth #inspiringwomentoday #worldwarii #wwii #arsenalofdemocracy
One of the goals of the American Heritage Museum is to encourage our visitors to learn about the veterans in your own family and reflect on the experiences they went through during their service. When we first started, our focus was on our World War II veteran community, but sadly, many of our WWII veterans are no longer with us and many family members only learned about their service after their passing. Think of the WWII veteran that was in your life... family or friend. What is the one question you'd ask them today if they were still with us? Such questions may inspire others who have veterans in their life to ask the same and keep their stories alive. ![]()
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Please share your questions in the comments. ![]()
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Photo of WWII B-24 pilot Frank Tedesco (1921-2020), 451st BG and friend of the Collings Foundation via Emily Clark - Wicked Local (2013)![]()
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#WWII #Veterans #WWIIveteran #veteranlife #AmericanHeritageMuseum
Read the full post at: bit.ly/3FkwQZM![]()
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That old saying “the devil is in the details” certainly holds true for the ongoing restoration of Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina BuNo 2459 in New Smyrna Beach, FL at American Aero Services. Though the exterior restoration is mostly complete, the interior restoration to bring the aircraft back to accurate 1942 wartime configuration has been an enormous task that has tested the skills of the restoration crew led by project manager Casey Littrell. Because the aircraft arrived from Europe with little original equipment, nearly all of the interior components have either had be found or fabricated. And considering the early vintage of this PBY, original equipment is scarce… so just sourcing the materials is a monumental task in its own right. And for items that need to be fabricated, finding original drawings or photos to accurately reconstruct items is an additional challenge... (continued)![]()
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Please read the full update with a gallery of photos at: bit.ly/3FkwQZM![]()
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#PBYCatalina #PBY5A #FlyingBoat #USNavy #NavalAviation #AvGeek
The American Heritage Museum is pleased to announce the launch of our first BSA Merit Badge Program for Scouting America for the American Heritage Merit Badge. Learn More at: bit.ly/43DVnDd![]()
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Every Scout swears to an oath that includes duty to their country. The American Heritage Merit Badge encourages a better understanding of American heritage, learn the ways in which the past has lead to our present nation, and truly knowing what it means to be an American.![]()
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The American Heritage Merit Badge at the American Heritage Museum is a three-hour long program, which includes museum admission and a guided tour for scouts and leaders. By the end of the program (prerequisites required) the scout will have completed all requirements to earn the merit badge. The program is conducted by a registered BSA Merit Badge Councilor. A minimum of 10 scouts and 2 BSA registered adults is required per session and adults may be asked to assist.![]()
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The program cost is $40 per Scout and BSA registered adults are free. To learn more about the program and to schedule, see: bit.ly/43DVnDd
Capital Campaign 2018
Since 1979, the Collings Foundation has led the way in the creation and operation of the nation’s most engaging living history events focused on aviation, military, and transportation history. Through nationwide programs like the Wings of Freedom Tour, the Vietnam Memorial Flight, and the annual local events at our Stow, Massachusetts headquarters, we have directly impacted millions of people.
The Collings Foundation is nearing completion with one of our most ambitious projects to date – construction of the new American Heritage Museum at the Collings Foundation campus in Stow, MA. Designed to world-class museum standards, the facility displays 85 of the most historically significant military vehicles and equipment from the Jacques M. Littlefield collection in an immersive and engaging environment, bringing history alive for visitors. The 73,000 square foot facility is a major addition to our Stow, MA facility and the American Heritage Museum will host visitors from all over the world and be an educational facility that is open each week to school children, educators, researchers, and the general public.
Your Support is Needed!
Though the construction of the American Heritage Museum is moving forward at a rapid pace, there is still a lot more to be done – and we need your help.
The American Heritage Museum is designed to be different than other museums. While many museums focus on the major artifacts alone, the AHM focuses on the story of warfare as seen through the eyes of those who fought and the artifacts become the catalysts for discussion, education, and understanding. Through the hard work of our design and curatorial team, the immersive educational experience will be unique for all who visit.
Such an ambitious project comes at a cost – and your help is critical to our success!
The extensive research, design, production, and construction of the display environment requires time and capital to complete to transform the collection into the world-class vision of the American Heritage Museum. Your generosity provides the momentum needed to open the American Heritage Museum in late 2018!
How Can I Help?
The American Heritage Museum Capital Campaign is underway. As a 501c(3) non-profit educational foundation, every dollar donated to the Collings Foundation toward the AHM Capital Campaign is tax-deductible. You may make a one-time donation, or a monthly sustaining donation online at the link below:
To make a donation to the American Heritage Museum Capital Campaign, please visit the link here.
American Heritage Museum Founders Society
A variety of giving opportunities for both individuals and corporations are available to help fund the display build-out. Individuals may become members of our Founders Society to take their donation even further and receive permanent recognition, valuable benefits for experiences with the operating artifacts, and exclusive access once the museum is complete in 2018.
- Bronze Star – $2500 to $4999
- Silver Star – $5000 to $9999
- Gold Star – $10,000 to $24,999
- Platinum Star – $25,000 to $99,999
- Diamond – $100,000 to $999,999
- Medal of Honor – $1 Million and up
To become a member of the AHM Founders Society, please click here.
Naming Opportunities and Corporate Sponsorship
Corporations, foundations, or family trusts may wish to consider a naming opportunity for funding a gallery, exhibit, or theater – thus creating a lasting legacy to be seen by millions. There are a number of naming opportunities available
Just as our American citizens have stepped up to support our nation in wartime, we know that dedicated supporters like you will also step up to fulfill the need. Support our American Heritage and please donate today!
Contact Us for Information on All Opportunities
For more information on all giving opportunities, please contact Ryan Keough, Director of Donor Relations and Development at 978-562-9182 or rkeough@collingsfoundation.org. To give a donation online, please visit this link to the American Heritage Museum Capital Campaign.
Be part of our American Heritage – Give today!
Please mail checks to:
Collings Foundation
Attn: AHM Capital Fund
P.O. Box 248
Stow, MA 01775
