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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.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.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.#HarrietQuimby #AviationHistory #WomenInAviation #AmericanHeritageMuseum #BleriotXI #LivingHistory ... See MoreSee Less
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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! ... See MoreSee Less
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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! ... See MoreSee Less
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Link at: ahmus.me/2026uffsymrecapThe 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.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.Guests were also able to take part in hands-on drone flight simulation demonstrations, helping bring the realities of today’s battlefield to life.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.Read the full recap and watch the recorded public sessions at the link in the comments. ... 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

OPEN ALL WEEK FOR SPRING BREAK - Including Patriots Day on Monday 4/20 and Tuesday 4/21

The American Heritage Museum is open all week, Monday 4/20 through Sunday 4/26 for the MA Schools Spring Break Week. The museum is open 10am to 5pm daily.