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Here is this week’s challenge for “What is it Wednesday?” - What is it?!Thanks to everyone who played last week… the answer for April 16th is a section of spare tracks from our M5A1 Stuart… see the previous post for the full details!Good luck on this week’s challenge! #americanheritagemuseum #historymuseum #visitma ... See MoreSee Less
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The answer to the “What is it? Wednesday” question from April 16th is spare tracks mounted to the back left side of our M5A1 Stuart! Have any of you ever changed tank tracks?Stay tuned for the next “What is it? Wednesday” question tomorrow, April 23rd at 10:00 am EST!#americanheritagemuseum #whatisitwednesday ... See MoreSee Less
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Patriots’ Day, observed annually on the third Monday of April, is a holiday with deep roots in American history. It commemorates the beginning of the American Revolutionary War and honors the brave individuals who took the first steps toward the founding of the United States. Though it originated in New England, its meaning resonates far beyond state borders, serving as a reminder of the enduring values of courage, resistance to tyranny, and the pursuit of liberty.Patriots’ Day was first proclaimed in 1894 by the Massachusetts legislature, replacing the state’s April 19th Fast Day. It was created to honor the battles of Lexington and Concord, fought on April 19, 1775—events often called “the shot heard ’round the world.” These skirmishes marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War, when colonial militias stood up against British troops in defense of their rights and homes.Read More at: www.americanheritagemuseum.org/2025/04/patriots-day-and-why-we-celebrate-it/ ... See MoreSee Less
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What is your favorite WWII era naval aircraft and why?Join the conversation and share your thoughts! 💭 Each week, We're posing a question about historical military vehicles, and we want YOU to weigh in. Whether you’re a history buff, or just curious—we want to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below to cast your vote! 👇#history #shareyourthoughts ... See MoreSee Less
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Looking for an epic museum experience with the family over April school break? Bring them to the American Heritage Museum! We will be open all next week. ... See MoreSee Less
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M36 Jackson World War II Tank Rides at the American Heritage Museum in Hudson, MA

Take a Ride on the Rare M36 Jackson World War II Tank Destroyer at the American Heritage Museum!

Coming in May 2023, the American Heritage Museum is excited to offer a new World War II Tank Ride Experience aboard the rare M36 Jackson Tank Destroyer! Currently under restoration, the M36 Jackson will look like it just rolled off the factory floor in 1944! Based on the reliable M4 Sherman chassis and drivetrain and equipped with a formidable 90mm gun in an open turret for crew, the M36 rolled through the European Theater in 1944, capable of taking out the menacing German Panther and Tiger tanks.

Tank rides on the M36 Jackson are a tax-deductible donation of $195.00 per person and up to five (5) passengers may ride along. There are four (4) standing positions in the open top turret and one (1) seated position in the hull gunner seat. The ride experience is 10 minutes on the tank driving grounds at the American Heritage Museum and all riders must be at least 5′ tall (60 inches) to participate.

Ride experiences are being offered on select weekends through the summer. Please click the button below for schedules and online booking. Please feel free to call us at 978-562-9182 with any questions.

For safety, all participants must be at least 5′ tall to ride. Children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult on rides if they meet the height requirement. 

Click on this item below to book your M36 Jackson Tank Ride Experience and see our upcoming ride day schedule


A Great Present for a History Lover: Gift Certificates Available!

Looking to give an authentic World War II tank ride as a gift for the history fan or tank lover in your life? We have digital gift certificates available for immediate giving, purchased online! Tank Ride Gift Certificates are open ended and allow the recipient to schedule their own ride experience. It’s an awesome way to give your loved one a trip back in time to 1944! Click on the item below to purchase!

Click on this item below to buy a M36 Jackson Tank Ride Experience Digital Gift Certificate

 

History of the M36 Jackson

The M36 Jackson was a highly effective tank destroyer used by the United States during World War II. It was designed to counter the German Panther and Tiger tanks, which had proven to be formidable opponents for the earlier American tanks.

The M36 combined the hull of the M10 tank destroyer, which used the M4 Sherman’s reliable chassis and drivetrain combined with sloped armor, and a new turret with a powerful 90mm gun, which was capable of penetrating the armor of the German tanks from a long range. The vehicle had a relatively low profile, which made it harder for the enemy to spot and target it. It also had a top speed of 45 mph, which allowed it to quickly move to strategic positions on the battlefield.

The M36 saw action in various theaters of the war, including in Europe and the Pacific. It proved to be a valuable asset to the American military, often being used in combination with other vehicles such as the M4 Sherman tank.

After the war, the M36 continued to be used by the United States in the Korean War and as an export to other nations, even being re-engined by Yugoslavia with a 500 hp Soviet-made diesel engine used in T-55. Today, the M36 Jackson is a rare sight with only a few preserved in museums and private collections.

SPECIFICATIONS

Armament: 90 mm gun M3 cannon, one .50 cal. MG
Crew: 5 (Commander, gunner, loader, driver, assistant driver)
Engine: 450 Horsepower Ford GAA, 1,100 cubic inch V-8
Range: 150 miles

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OPEN ALL WEEK FOR SPRING BREAK - Including Patriot's Day on Monday 4/21 and Tuesday 4/22

We will be open all week for MA Spring Break Week from Monday, April 21st through Sunday, April 27th from 10am to 5pm each day. A great opportunity for families to visit on the school break. Buy tickets at the Admissions Desk or save $2 per ticket by buying online!