Today we celebrate the birthday of Harriet Quimby, one of America’s great aviation pioneers. Born on May 11, 1875, Quimby became the first American woman to earn a pilot’s license in 1911 and quickly captured national attention with her skill, courage, and unmistakable purple flying suit.![]()
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In 1912, she made history again as the first woman to fly solo across the English Channel, piloting a Blériot XI, the same type of early aircraft now on display in the American Heritage Museum’s annex hangar. Her achievement came just years after the dawn of powered flight and helped inspire generations of women in aviation.![]()
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The included photo shows Connie Tobias, pilot and Harriet Quimby re-enactor, flying the AHM Blériot 20 years ago, bringing Quimby’s remarkable legacy back to life.![]()
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#HarrietQuimby #AviationHistory #WomenInAviation #AmericanHeritageMuseum #BleriotXI #LivingHistory
On this day in 1940, Germany launched its invasion of Western Europe. Aircraft, tanks, motorized units, and communications helped change the pace of warfare in the opening phase of the Battle of France. The American Heritage Museum has several notable artifacts on display related to the Battle of France including the German Panzer 1 tank and the British Matilda Mk.II. Additionally, the museum is currently restoring an original German Junkers Ju 87D-5 Stuka in the Czech Republic and a German Heinkel He 111H-3 bomber in Florida for eventual display - both key aircraft used by Germany in its Blitzkrieg tactics. Learn more about the Battle of France by visiting us today!
On this day in 1945, Victory in Europe Day marked the end of World War II in Europe. For millions, it meant liberation, relief, grief, and the beginning of rebuilding after years of destruction. The American Heritage Museum has one of the largest collections of tanks, military vehicles, and artifacts from the European Campaign and we invite you to come and explore more!
🎉 The new American Heritage Museum Online Gift Shop is here!![]()
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Shop exclusive AHM gear, museum favorites, gifts, collectibles, apparel, and more, with additional products being added throughout the summer.![]()
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To celebrate the launch, enjoy 10% off your order now through May 15th with promo code FIRSTIES.![]()
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Start shopping here: ahmgiftshop.org ![]()
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Great for Father’s Day, graduation gifts, or treating yourself to something with a little history behind it!
American Heritage Museum Online Gift Shop
ahmgiftshop.org
Shop the American Heritage Museum online gift shop for exclusive apparel, collectibles, books, gifts, and museum-inspired merchandise. Find unique items for history enthusiasts, veterans, families, Fa...
Link at: ahmus.me/2026uffsymrecap![]()
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The American Heritage Museum recently hosted an incredible three-day symposium in partnership with the Ukrainian Freedom Fund, bringing together Ukrainian defenders, U.S. military leaders, technology experts, civilian witnesses, and museum visitors for a powerful look at the future of modern warfare.![]()
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Held April 23–25, 2026, the event welcomed more than 100 professionals and distinguished guests, along with nearly 800 general museum guests during the two public days. Visitors heard firsthand from those living through and studying the war in Ukraine, with discussions on drones, electronic warfare, modern combat, military training, and what these lessons mean for the U.S. and allied defense planning.![]()
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Guests were also able to take part in hands-on drone flight simulation demonstrations, helping bring the realities of today’s battlefield to life.![]()
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We are grateful to the Ukrainian Freedom Fund, all of the speakers, volunteers, guests, and everyone who helped make this important event such a success.![]()
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Read the full recap and watch the recorded public sessions at the link in the comments.
M4 Sherman WWII Medium Tank Driving Training Program Gift Certificate
Give the gift of an epic experience in World War II history, the M4A3 Sherman Driving Experience at the American Heritage Museum in Hudson, MA. This hour-long program gives the participant a full lesson in how to start, operate, and drive the most famous and iconic Allied medium tank of WWII! The participant will then spend a thrilling 20 minutes of driving the M4 through our tank course as the sole driver on the left side drivers position with a professional tank instructor teaching you from the right seat! It’s a great arm workout for participants!
Gift Certificates never expire and covers the cost of the ride package, even if prices increase in coming years.
Gift Certificates come in handsome presentation folders with a frameable certificate along with redemption instructions and other materials from the American Heritage Museum – a perfect package for a gift! Certificates are sent as a physical mail package to either the giver for a gift at a later date, or it may be directly mailed to the recipient with a gift message.
All proceeds from our WWII tank experience programs benefits the American Heritage Museum, a 501c3 non-profit organization. All donations for tank experience programs are considered a tax-deductible contribution.
Restrictions: All gift certificates are redeemed at the American Heritage Museum in Hudson, MA. For safety, all driving participants should be 16 years of age or older and be at least 5′ 2″ tall and have good physical strength (especially arms) to drive. All participants must be physically able to board and disembark from the tank without assistance.
