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!![]()
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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.![]()
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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
World War II Tank Driving Experiences and Tank Rides!
The mission of the American Heritage Museum is to bring visitors an immersive experience in history to give a greater appreciation for those who lived it and an excitement to learn more. For the ultimate immersive experience, the American Heritage Museum is offering YOU the opportunity to ride aboard or even DRIVE a real tank from World War II… the M4A3 Sherman Medium Tank, the M24 Chaffee Light Tank, or the M36 Jackson Tank Destroyer.
Being a crew member or driving a tank is not particularly comfortable. These metal beasts are all business, designed to go over most obstacles with ease and destroy anything in its path. Once in a tank, it is clearly evident you are driving a machine with great power. When you’re in a tank, things don’t happen to you – You happen to them!
From May through October, the American Heritage Museum offers tank riding and driving programs in the Sherman, Chaffee, and Jackson right here at our tank training area right behind the museum in Hudson, Massachusetts. You’ll check in for your experience and be transported back to 1944 as you step aboard!
Learn about each tank riding or driving program in the listings below and book online if you desire! You may also call us to book at 978-562-9182 M-F from 9am to 5pm (ET).
All tank driving experiences are considered tax-deductible contributions and 100% of the donations for the experience goes into the upkeep and restoration of the vehicles and growth of the programs at the American Heritage Museum.
World War II Tank Driving Instruction Programs
Hour-Long Training Experience with 20-minutes of you at the controls of the M24 Chaffee or M4 Sherman. Select your tank driving experience below:
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World War II Tank Ride Programs
10-minute ride experiences aboard the M36 Jackson Tank Destroyer, M24 Chaffee light tank, and the M4 Sherman medium tank. Select your tank driving experience below:
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M36 JACKSON
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M24 CHAFFEE
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M4 SHERMAN
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Buy a Gift Certificate!
Do you have a special someone that you’d like to give the gift of a tank driving experience or tank ride to? We have gift certificates available for immediate shipping! Recipients can choose their own date to schedule their experience once they receive our experience certificate package.
