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
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
