The PBY-5A Catalina BuNo 2459 is on its way to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI from Florida! The crew is passing through Georgia now and will be working into the Midwest for an overnight along the way. On the way out of Florida, the PBY flew over P-8 Poseidon's at Cecil Field - the same mission, 84 years apart! Before departure, we got a photo of the team at American Aero Services who worked on the PBY - there were many others that helped over the seven year span, but their dedication and excellence in craftsmanship truly made #2459 singular in regards to originality - thank you for everything, American Aero Services!
If you're interested in supporting the PBY-5A and showing your love for the airplane, please shop our new online gift shop with our PBY 2459 Merch! Go to:
Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina BuNo 2459 Collection
ahmgiftshop.org
Support the ongoing operation of Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina BuNo. 2459 - the oldest PBY flying and the highest scoring PBY in existence! Restored and operated by the American Heritage Museum, here i...
The American Heritage Museum is proud to report that Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina BuNo 2459 took its first post-restoration flight on July 6, 2026 from New Smyrna Beach, FL after a seven-year restoration back to 1942 configuration by American Aero Services. The PBY is heading to the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Fly-in and Airshow this weekend and will be on display July 20-26 in Oshkosh, WI. For more information, please see the news article on our website.![]()
#WWII #warbirds #pbycatalina #WorldWarII #eaaairventure
Learn More & Get Tickets at ahmus.me/atdw2026 - Here's a sneak preview of the incredible new Cold War Era tanks that will be featured at America's Tank Demo Weekend on July 25th and 26th! See the new M41 Walker Bulldog, M47 Patton, M60 Main Battle Tank, M60A2 Starship, and M88 Recovery Vehicle along with our WWII tanks, the M4 Sherman, M24 Chaffee, and M36 Jackson! You don't want to miss it!![]()
![]()
Music by Bensound.com![]()
License code: JTYHTQGMC13SAKVX![]()
Artist: : Benjamin Tissot
It is with profound sadness that the American Heritage Museum shares the passing of our friend and colleague, Chris Cassidy, on July 12, 2026.![]()
![]()
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. ![]()
![]()
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. ![]()
![]()
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.![]()
![]()
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.![]()
![]()
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.![]()
![]()
Our hearts are broken by his loss, and his absence will be felt throughout the museum for years to come.![]()
![]()
Rest easy, Chris. Your work here is done, but your legacy will keep running strong for generations.
Your dollars preserve our American military heritage
Your support propels our mission to preserve, protect, and present history. We receive no government funds for what we do… only the dedication and donations from supporters like you allow us to sustain our mission.
With a small staff, modest overhead, and an amazing team of passionate volunteers, we have transformed every dollar given into tremendous impact. Our forward momentum is strong but we need your help to keep it going.
Please consider a donation to keep history alive and our programs growing! Learn more at the selections below.
Make a General Donation to the Annual Fund OnlineMake a donation online to our Annual Fund to make an immediate impact with the American Heritage Museum and Collings Foundation. |
Make a Memorial or Honored DonationMake a donation to the American Heritage Museum and Collings Foundation in memory of a loved one or in honor of someone special. |
Make a Donation by Mail / CheckIf you would rather make a donation by check through the mail, please click here to print a donation form to mail in to support the American Heritage Museum and Collings Foundation. |
Other Ways to Donate!Make a donation of stocks or securities, from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or Donor Advised Fund (DAF) or donate crypto currency… learn more at this link. |
