A very familiar Cold War era tank will roar into life for America’s Tank Demo Weekend on July 25-26, 2026 this weekend - the early M60 Main Battle Tank. Found around the country on static display, but rarely seen driving, it’s another new addition to our operational tank lineup… more info on the event at the link in our bio or at: www.americanheritagemuseum.org/event/americas-tank-demo-weekend-july/ ![]()
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The M60 Main Battle Tank was developed in response to the growing threat posed by advanced Soviet armor during the Cold War and entered U.S. Army service in 1960. While outwardly similar to the M48 Patton, the M60 featured a larger hull, improved armor protection, and a powerful British-designed 105mm M68 rifled gun that significantly increased its firepower against enemy tanks. Powered by a reliable diesel engine, the M60 offered greater operational range and fuel efficiency than its gasoline-powered predecessors. It quickly became the backbone of U.S. armored forces throughout the 1960s and 1970s and served extensively with NATO allies around the world. Although U.S. Army M60s did not see combat in Vietnam, they later fought during Operation Desert Storm with the U.S. Marine Corps and continued serving with allied nations well into the 21st century. The early M60 as displayed here established the foundation for the highly successful M60A1 and A3 variants that followed along with the limited use A2 variant.![]()
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#m60 #mainbattletank #tanks #tanklife #visitma
Another successful day at AirVenture in the books! We were honored to fly the PBY-5A in the opening flight for this evenings night show. Thank you to everyone who came out to see us today! The PBY will be on display all week, so if you haven't had a chance to see it, come on down!![]()
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#AmericanHeritageMuseum #WWIIHistory #PBY #eaa #osh
If you missed watching it live yesterday, check out the recording of the Warbirds In Review presentation of our PBY-5A Catalina BuNo 2459 at EAA - The Spirit of Aviation AirVenture 2026 featuring Rob Collings and Joe Scheil at this link!
www.youtube.com
Warbirds in Review is brought to you by ScottsMiracle-Gro, Fagen Fi...
Another featured tracked Cold War era vehicle for America’s Tank Demo Weekend on July 25-26, 2026 this weekend is the rarely seen M47 Patton - another new addition to our operational tank lineup… more info on the event at the link in our bio or at: www.americanheritagemuseum.org/event/americas-tank-demo-weekend-july/ ![]()
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The M47 Patton was developed during the early years of the Cold War to provide the U.S. Army with a more capable main battle tank while newer designs were still in development. Entering service in 1952, the M47 combined the hull of the M46 Patton with a newly designed turret featuring an improved 90mm gun and advanced fire control equipment for its era. Although it saw only limited service with U.S. forces before being replaced by the M48 Patton, the M47 became one of the most widely exported American tanks of the 1950s. It served with more than two dozen allied nations through NATO and military assistance programs, remaining in frontline service in some countries for decades. The M47 participated in numerous Cold War conflicts and regional wars across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Its widespread adoption helped strengthen allied armored forces and made it an important symbol of American military cooperation during the Cold War.![]()
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#m47 #tanks #worldoftanks #tankmuseum #americanheritagemuseum
Day two of Oshkosh is coming to a close and we are so excited to help kick off the nighttime show tomorrow! If you would like to see the PBY-5A in the air, come on out for the opening flight at 8:00pm CDT, tomorrow, July 22nd! Hope to see you there!![]()
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#AmericanHeritageMuseum #WWIIHistory #PBY #eaa #osh
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.
