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It is with profound sadness that the American Heritage Museum shares the passing of our friend and colleague, Chris Cassidy, on July 12, 2026. Starting as a volunteer back in 2010, helping us with the Race of the Century as a "wrench" and a driver in his spare time, Chris eventually joined us on staff before the American Heritage Museum opened. Since then, Chris served as our automobile caretaker, mechanic, and museum maintenance supervisor. He was a master machinist, an exceptional mechanic, and the person we trusted whenever something needed to be repaired, restored, or simply made to work again. Around the museum, the saying was simple: “If it’s broken, Chris can fix it.” That statement applied to whether it was a museum vehicle or one belonging to our volunteers or staff -- he always helped, no matter what. His knowledge, patience, and craftsmanship were invaluable to the care of our historic automobiles. In preparation for the annual Father's Day event, Chris spent many nights and weekends working on everything in the car barn to get it ready for the big show. Though maintaining such a wide range of vehicles could be stressful, he always cracked jokes with a smirk when the going got tough. Chris’s talents extended far beyond the museum. He was a champion lawn tractor puller, a renowned go-kart builder and racer, and loved his R/C cars and slot cars. If it had wheels and went fast, Chris was there! His lucky number was 13 because, as he liked to say, he always finished first or third—never second. For all his accomplishments, Chris was most proud of his family. He was a devoted father and grandfather who treasured the time he spent with his beloved grandson, Jamison. He was also a trusted friend who never hesitated to lend a hand, share his knowledge, or help make someone’s day a little easier. Chris’s legacy cannot be measured only by the engines he rebuilt, the races he won, or the historic machines he preserved. It lives in the people he helped, the lessons he shared, and the example he set through hard work, kindness, and quiet generosity. Our hearts are broken by his loss, and his absence will be felt throughout the museum for years to come. Rest easy, Chris. Your work here is done, but your legacy will keep running strong for generations. ... See MoreSee Less
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Let's Tour the American M18 Hellcat in 60 Seconds!#AmericanHeritageMuseum #visitma #MilitaryHistory #historymuseum #WWII ... See MoreSee Less
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July 4th, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the formation of the United States of America, marking our independence from the British Empire. Happy Birthday, USA! 🎈🎉🎂You don't look a day over 200.#AmericanHeritageMuseum #visitma #4thofJuly #usa #tanks ... See MoreSee Less
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Meet the German PaK 40!#AmericanHeritageMuseum #visitma #MilitaryHistory #historymuseum #WWII ... 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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American Heritage Museum

The American Heritage Museum at the Collings Foundation featuring the Jacques M. Littlefield Collection explores major conflicts ranging from the Revolutionary War until today. Visitors discover and interact with our American heritage through the history, the changing technology, and the Human Impact of America’s fight to preserve the freedom we all hold dear.

The American Heritage Museum is a program of Collings Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit 501 (c)3 organization, supported by admissions, grants, members, volunteers, and generous contributors. The EIN for Collings Foundation, Inc. dba American Heritage Museum is 47-1954671

Address

American Heritage Museum
568 Main Street
Hudson, MA 01749

Phone: (978) 562-9182
Fax: (978) 568-8231

General: admin@americanheritagemuseum.org

WE ARE OPEN INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND

The American Heritage Museum is open all weekend for Independence Day and the 250th Anniversary of America. Open Friday, July 3rd through Sunday, July 5th from 10:00am to 5:00pm daily. Buy tickets online and save $2 per ticket!