Great aviator Dick Rutan has passed away - ![]()
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Lt. Col. (Ret.) Richard Glenn Rutan flew west on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 7:08 PM PDT ![]()
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The last time Dick Rutan flew towards the western horizon was on December 14, 1986 when he and copilot Jeana Yeager set the last great aviation record by flying around the world, nonstop and unrefueled, in nine days, three minutes and 44 seconds in an aircraft called 'Voyager,' designed by his younger brother, legendary aircraft designer Burt Rutan.![]()
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A highly decorated Vietnam veteran, Dick Rutan flew 325 combat missions and was awarded the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal with three silver oak leaf clusters, the Collier Trophy and was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross – twice. ![]()
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During his time in the skies over Vietnam, Dick was a member of an elite group of Fast Forward Air Controllers, often loitering over enemy anti-aircraft positions for six hours or more in a single sortie. These extremely hazardous missions had the call sign 'Misty'; Dick Rutan was, and will forever be, Misty Four-Zero. ![]()
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He spent his last day in the company of friends and family, including his brother, Burt, and passed away peacefully at Kootenai Health Hospital in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, in the company of his loving wife of 25 years, Kris Rutan. He is survived by daughters Holly Hogan and Jill Hoffman, and his four grandchildren, Jack, Sean, Noelle, and Haley.![]()
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For more information about his incredible flight around the world see: nationalaviation.org/most-incredible-flight-ever-rutan-model-76-voyager/
Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day - ![]()
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The Holocaust stands as one of the darkest chapters in human history, and it is crucial to remember this atrocity for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, the Holocaust serves as a stark reminder of the extreme consequences of hatred, discrimination, and prejudice. The systematic genocide orchestrated by the Nazi regime resulted in the mass murder of six million Jews, along with millions of others who were targeted based on their ethnicity, political beliefs, disabilities, and sexual orientation. By remembering the Holocaust, we are reminded of the devastating impact of unchecked bigotry and intolerance, compelling us to actively work towards a world that embraces diversity and promotes inclusivity.![]()
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It is crucial to remember and understand this horrific event so to prevent its repetition. Historical artifacts play a vital role in educating people about the Holocaust, and among them, this Deutsche Reichsbahn rail car holds profound significance in offering insights into this tragic period. By preserving this artifact and examining the rail car's historical importance, we can gain a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and its lasting impact on humanity.![]()
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During World War II, Nazi Germany's national railway system, the Deutsche Reichsbahn, played a critical role in orchestrating the Holocaust. What was once a mere utilitarian means of transportation became a haunting symbol of suffering. Transformed into vessels of misery, these rail cars carried millions of innocent victims to a horrible destination from which many would never return. A logistical transportation infrastructure that enabled the state-sponsored persecution, mass deportation, and murder of millions by Nazi Germany.![]()
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At the American Heritage Museum, the display of this original WWII cattle car acts as a powerful symbol, connecting visitors to the reality of the Holocaust as inflicted by Nazi Germany and other Axis collaborators. Standing in front of this relic, one can imagine the unimaginable: the cramped conditions endured for days, the fear, the uncertainty, and the sheer terror that innocent men, women, and children endured as they were transported to their tragic fate. It is a tangible representation of the suffering and dehumanization inflicted upon millions, allowing visitors to establish a personal and emotional connection with the victims. ![]()
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The international community must remain vigilant against the rise of extremism and totalitarian ideologies that threaten the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals. Education about the Holocaust and the tools used to execute this genocide serves as a powerful tool to cultivate empathy, tolerance, and understanding, fostering a global consciousness that rejects discrimination and upholds the principles of justice and equality.![]()
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For more information see: www.americanheritagemuseum.org/exhibits/world-war-ii/holocaust-liberation/![]()
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encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/introduction-to-the-holocaust
Couple more shots of the M24 Chaffee maintenance and restoration. Will be ready to go for the WWII Tank Demonstration weekend on May 25th and 26th. For more information regarding this M24 tank see: www.americanheritagemuseum.org/tank-driving-experiences-and-tank-rides/m24-chaffee-wwii-tank-driv...
The American Heritage Museum will be open all week from April 15-21 from 10am to 5pm daily for MA Spring Break Week! The Highland Street Foundation is providing free admission to the museum on Tuesday, April 16 for all visitors too! (no registration required). For all other days, save $2 per ticket by buying your tickets online at: ahmus.me/save2![]()
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#museum #FamilyFun #PatriotsDay #historymuseum #boston #visitma #WeAreMetroWest #metrowestma #metrowestboston #hudsonma #thingstodoinboston
The American Heritage Museum will welcome a new addition to our Pacific Theater gallery in July - the Grumman / General Motors FM-2 Wildcat BuNo 57039 currently under an amazing restoration effort by the volunteers and staff of the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, MI. The Wildcat will be on long-term loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum and will be unveiled during our WWII in the Pacific Re-Enactment Weekend on July 13-14. Read the full story: www.americanheritagemuseum.org/2024/04/american-heritage-museum-to-welcome-newly-restored-general...
Visit the American Heritage Museum in Hudson, MA!
The American Heritage Museum is open weekly from Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00am to 5:00pm each day. The AHM is fully ADA accessible and covers over 67,000 square feet in our well ventilated, climate controlled facility. Visitors are encouraged to plan at least two hours for their visit.
The annex buildings such as the Aircraft Hangar or Car Collection are ONLY open on Special Event Weekends (see schedule at this link) and are not part of general admission.
We are sorry, the American Heritage Museum does not have a cafe or dining available at this time. Great dining experiences in downtown Hudson, MA are only 2 miles away.
DAILY SCHEDULE
| MONDAY | CLOSED |
| TUESDAY | CLOSED |
| WEDNESDAY | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| THURSDAY | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| FRIDAY | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| SATURDAY | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| SUNDAY | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| HOLIDAY CLOSURES | The American Heritage Museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, New Years Day. |
GENERAL ADMISSIONS PRICING AT DESK
| Adults | $23.00 |
| Children (16 and Under) | $12.00 |
| Seniors (62 plus) | $20.00 |
| Active Duty Military (With ID) and Veterans | $20.00 |
| Children 3 and Under | FREE |
| American Heritage Museum Members (click here to become one) | FREE |
| World War II & Korean War Veterans | FREE |
SAVE $2 PER TICKET BY PURCHASING ADMISSION ONLINE!
Massachusetts EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare Cardholders
We are proud to participate in the Card to Culture program, a collaboration between the Mass Cultural Council and the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program, and the Massachusetts Health Connector, by broadening accessibility to cultural programming.
Massachusetts EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare Cardholders
$3 Adult Admission and Free admission for up to four (4) children under the age of 18 in their household.
Cardholders are able to purchase their museum admission in person. Not valid for special event weekends as listed on the American Heritage Museum website.
HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS
For simple admissions processing, we encourage you to purchase tickets in advance using our online portal and your tickets may be emailed directly to you. Otherwise, you may purchase tickets at our admissions desk on your arrival. Special Event Weekend tickets should be purchased through the event page (schedule at this link). Tank Driving Programs and Tank Rides must be scheduled and purchased separately and are NOT available on all days that the museum is open (see this link for tank drives and rides including schedule)
LOCATION & DIRECTIONS
The American Heritage Museum is conveniently located in the Greater Boston region in Hudson, MA – about halfway between Boston and Worcester. The AHM is only 5 miles from Route 495 in Hudson. For GPS directions, please use the following address:
American Heritage Museum
568 Main Street
Hudson, MA 01749
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Depending on the direction you are coming from, your GPS may direct you to use Barton Road, Pine Point Road, or Hunter Avenue to access the museum, but this is incorrect. You cannot access the American Heritage Museum from Barton Road as the driveway listed is not actually there. If you are coming from points Northeast, please navigate to the town of Hudson first, then navigate to our direct address.
PARKING
Parking is free at the museum and there are handicapped parking spaces available. Please note that due to popularity in the summer months, our overflow parking extends to a grass parking area, so please be prepared in case of poor weather.
TANK DRIVING EXPERIENCES AND TANK RIDES
For the ultimate immersive experience in World War II living history, the American Heritage Museum offers driving instruction and rides in the M4 Sherman Medium Tank and M24 Chaffee Light Tank on select days in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Ride programs start at $595 per tank and driving programs start at $995 per person. Advance reservations are REQUIRED for all tank experiences as they are only offered on select dates. Please see details on the Tank Experience section of our website or call us at 978-562-9182 to learn more. All participants in tank rides and drives must be at least 5′ in height and all drive participants must be at least 16 or older.
Looking for Hotel accommodations? The Embassy Suites in Marlborough offers special discounts for American Heritage Museum guests. Click on photo to make a reservation or call (508) 485-5900.
