The American Heritage Museum is excited to announce the launch of a new restoration project aimed at restoring a rare and historically significant piece of original World War II armor: the Type 97 Tankette “Te Ke,” used by the Imperial Japanese Army.![]()
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Read the full article at: www.americanheritagemuseum.org/2025/01/rare-japanese-type-97-tankette-te-ke-restoration-project-b...![]()
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The Type 97 Tankette was a light armored vehicle developed and employed by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. Introduced in 1938, the Te-Ke was designed as a reconnaissance and infantry support vehicle, embodying Japan’s focus on lightweight, mobile forces. ![]()
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The Type 97 Tankette was powered by a 65 horsepower, inline 4-cylinder diesel engine, giving it a top speed of around 26 mph. It featured a two-man crew: a driver and a gunner/commander. Armament included either a 37 mm Type 94 tank gun or a 7.7 mm Type 97 machine gun, making it effective against lightly fortified positions and infantry but inadequate against heavier tanks.![]()
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Our particular project vehicle has been determined to be a variant of the Te-Ke that was specifically designed as a gas scattering vehicle to either deploy chemical agents such as mustard gas or other chemical agents offensively or similarly scatter agents to counter poison gasses defensively. Vehicles in this role carried their scattering agents in a towed tracked trailer and though we do not have one of these trailers, we are actively looking for one to add to the restoration.![]()
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The rare Type 97 Tankette will be restored at the American Heritage Museum by our restoration team over the next 3-4 years and will include a full overhaul of the original and rare Ikegai air-cooled diesel engine that is part of the project. We intend to restore it to operational configuration as a running tank and it will eventually become part of an enhanced exhibit documenting the years leading up to World War II. The restoration team is seeking any technical materials, drawings, or documentation of the Type 97 Tankette type – so if you have any resources to assist, please email us at admin@americanheritagemuseum.org
A huge THANK YOU to our hardy re-enactors, dedicated volunteers, and enthusiastic guests for braving the cold and muddy conditions this past weekend for the Battle of the Bulge History Experience! This was our first cold weather outdoor experience and we were happy to welcome so many visitors who took part, deploying in the M3 Half Tracks to our slice of the Ardennes Forest! Please enjoy a selection of photos from Warren Disbrow and Roland Brooks from the weekend! Let us know if you think we should plan another in 2025! #AmericanHeritageMuseum #battleofthebulge #tanklife #WWII #worldwar2 #WorldWarII #WorldWarIIHistory #1944 #visitma #hudsonma
Looking for an adventure with the kids during school break? Come visit us at the American Heritage Museum! We are open today (Monday 12/30) and tomorrow (Tuesday 12/31), 10am to 5pm. Fun activities and Jim will have the game board set up.
Great time to bring friends and family to the American Heritage Museum. Battle of the Bulge Weekend continues through Sunday and the museum will be open this Monday and Tuesday. Happy New Year to all!
Remember, the Battle of the Bulge History Experience Weekend starts tomorrow! Half track rides to and from the wooded encampments go from 10am to 4pm all day and the museum is open as well! There will be food available in the pop-up canteen in the museum by the Kith & Kin Food Truck too! Remember that the encampments are going to be cold and muddy like they were in 1944, so dress accordingly! Info & Tickets at: www.americanheritagemuseum.org/event/battle-of-the-bulge-history-experience-weekend/
“America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.”
-Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States
The story of America is one of resilience, courage, and a steadfast willingness to step forward in times of great need. Time and again, when called upon, ordinary citizens have shown extraordinary generosity—of their time, talents, and resources. In the same spirit that our forefathers once rallied for their country, we ask you to join us in preserving their stories and sacrifices by supporting the American Heritage Museum during this season of giving.
From the Revolutionary War, when farmers and tradesmen answered the call to arms, to World War II, when millions of Americans left the safety of their homes to fight tyranny on a global scale, the American spirit has always been one of voluntary service. The same impulse moved first responders and ordinary citizens to act heroically during the tragic events of 9/11, rushing toward danger to protect their fellow citizens. These defining moments remind us of the power of America’s collective will and selflessness.
A living tribute
Today, we stand on the shoulders of these giants, charged with ensuring that their stories continue to inspire future generations. The American Heritage Museum is not just a repository of artifacts; it is a living tribute to the sacrifices made for freedom. From the tanks that rolled across Europe during D-Day to the planes that patrolled our skies in defense of liberty, our museum brings history to life.
But just as our nation’s freedom was secured by the hands of many, so too is the future of this museum. Without support by any national, state, or local government or any branch of the armed forces, we rely on the voluntary generosity of donors like you to keep our exhibits vibrant, our collections growing, and educational programs thriving. In this way, you are continuing the legacy of those who stepped forward when their country needed them.
On the eve of an historic milestone
This is especially important as we enter the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II and the 250th Anniversary of the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. Programs to honor and celebrate these historically significant events are part of our core mission and will require more support from donors like you to accomplish.
Your contribution to our Annual Fund helps ensure that we preserve these stories of valor, expand our educational outreach, and inspire the next generation to understand and cherish the freedoms that are so dearly won.
Will you step forward this year and support this mission with a gift to our Annual Fund?
By making a tax-deductible donation today, you become an essential part of keeping the American spirit alive within these museum walls, where history is not just remembered, but felt, honored, and passed on.
Just as our forefathers stepped up in the face of adversity, your generosity today allows us to honor the past and safeguard our future. Thank you for standing with us and ensuring that these vital stories of courage and sacrifice are never be forgotten.
Thank you for stepping forward and standing with us.
Our growth depends on your generosity, select from the options below to give today.
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Other Ways to Donate!Make a donation of stocks or securities, from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or Donor Advised Fund (DAF) or donate crypto currency… learn more at this link. |
