header.php
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. ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Let's Tour the American M18 Hellcat in 60 Seconds!#AmericanHeritageMuseum #visitma #MilitaryHistory #historymuseum #WWII ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

July 4th, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the formation of the United States of America, marking our independence from the British Empire. Happy Birthday, USA! 🎈🎉🎂You don't look a day over 200.#AmericanHeritageMuseum #visitma #4thofJuly #usa #tanks ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Meet the German PaK 40!#AmericanHeritageMuseum #visitma #MilitaryHistory #historymuseum #WWII ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

M4 Sherman Medium World War II Tank Driving Program at the American Heritage Museum

Drive the Famous Iconic Movie Star Medium Tank of WWII

The American Heritage Museum is proud to offer exciting tank driving experiences in the Spring, Summer, and Fall aboard the M4 Sherman Medium tank used throughout World War II. The M4 Sherman is the iconic tank that was used in all theaters of operations, including the offensive campaign that surged toward Berlin in 1944. This M4 Sherman is also a movie star, being the star of the 1982 movie “Tank” with James Garner.

Tank driving programs on the M4 Sherman are a donation of $1495.00 per driving participant aboard the tank for a one hour training experience that includes ground instruction, startup, driving instruction with our instructor, and YOU drive the M4 Sherman for 20 minutes on our tank driving grounds at the American Heritage Museum. If you would like to add an additional rider in the turret during your driving experience, please add a $195 donation to your booking. Most of the cost of the driving program is considered a tax-deductible contribution.

Watch a Video on the M4 Driving Experience

Book Your M4 Sherman Tank Driving Experience Today!

Tank driving experiences on the M4 Sherman are being offered in the mornings of select weekends through the season. Please click the button below for schedules and online booking. We can also accommodate custom tank driving slots during weekdays when available – call us at 978-562-9182 to inquire about weekday driving reservations.

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 to drive. Any additional riders in the turret must be at least 5′ tall to ride. Children under the age of 14 should be accompanied by an adult in the turret if they meet the height requirement. 

Gift Certificates Available

Looking to give a tank driving experience as a gift? We have presentation gift certificates available for gift giving to the tank enthusiast in your family! Tank Driving Gift Certificates are open ended and allow the recipient to schedule their own driving experience at their convenience. Click here to learn more about and purchase an M4 Sherman Tank Driving Experience Gift Certificate at this link.

History of the M4 Sherman

One of the most produced tanks of WWII, the M4 Sherman saw its debut storming across the hot sands of North Africa in 1942, and went on to see combat in every theater. M4s could be seen everywhere, from the island-hopping campaigns in the Pacific to the dangerous hedgerows of Normandy, even fighting in the steppes of the Eastern Front. Packing a 75mm main cannon, the M4 was a strong and reliable tank on the battlefield. Through progressive upgrades the M4 remained the definitive Allied tank throughout the Second World War and into Korea. Loved by crews for its ease of use and maintenance, the M4 Sherman remains a symbol of the Liberation of Europe and a testament to the bravery of the crews that fought in them.

SPECIFICATIONS

Armament: 75mm M3 Cannon, one .50 cal. MG and 2x .30 cal. MGs.
Crew: 5, Commander, Gunner, Driver, Loader, Co-Driver.
Engine: 450 Horsepower Ford GAA, 1,100 cubic inch V-8
Range: 130 miles

 

footer.php
American Heritage Museum

The American Heritage Museum at the Collings Foundation featuring the Jacques M. Littlefield Collection explores major conflicts ranging from the Revolutionary War until today. Visitors discover and interact with our American heritage through the history, the changing technology, and the Human Impact of America’s fight to preserve the freedom we all hold dear.

The American Heritage Museum is a program of Collings Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit 501 (c)3 organization, supported by admissions, grants, members, volunteers, and generous contributors. The EIN for Collings Foundation, Inc. dba American Heritage Museum is 47-1954671

Address

American Heritage Museum
568 Main Street
Hudson, MA 01749

Phone: (978) 562-9182
Fax: (978) 568-8231

General: admin@americanheritagemuseum.org

WE ARE OPEN INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND

The American Heritage Museum is open all weekend for Independence Day and the 250th Anniversary of America. Open Friday, July 3rd through Sunday, July 5th from 10:00am to 5:00pm daily. Buy tickets online and save $2 per ticket!