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.
Impact the future of the American Heritage Museum and the Collings Foundation with Planned Giving through your will, trust, or beneficiary designation.
Your dedication to our living history mission can become a part of your own personal legacy through planned giving. As you work though these plans with your family, please look through the resources we have provided below to help you determine how to best add the American Heritage Museum and Collings Foundation into your giving plans.
You are ready to write a will or trust…If you are ready to write a will or trust, we can help through our partnership with FreeWill to create or update a will. Learn how you can support the American Heritage Museum and Collings Foundation through your will. |
You have already included us in your will…If you have already made provisions in your will or trust, naming the American Heritage Museum or Collings Foundation as part of your plans, please let us know at this link to become a part of our planned giving society. |
You’d like to name us as a beneficiary…Outside of a will, assets like IRAs, 401(k)s, pensions, life insurance policies, and certain bank and brokerage accounts can have beneficiaries named to make transfer faster than assets through probate. |
You need bequest language to add to your will…As you develop your will or trust, you have a number of bequest options to name the American Heritage Museum and Collings Foundation as a beneficiary. See examples of bequest language to add to your existing plans here. |
The William A. “Bill” Eagleson Society
The William A. “Bill” Eagleson Society honors our supporters who have told us of their plans to leave a legacy through the American Heritage Museum and the Collings Foundation. To learn more about the William A. “Bill” Eagleson Society, please click here.Â
Questions? Reach out to us.
If you have any questions about this process or what might work best for your needs, please contact Ryan Keough, Director of Development at rkeough@americanheritagemuseum.org or call 978-562-9182 x203.
