Tanks to take over spotlight at Hudson museum
American Heritage Museum plans weekend events May 15-16
HUDSON » The American Heritage Museum is planning a weekend of events May 15-16 where the public can see some of the American Heritage Museum’s WWII tanks, including the M4 Sherman, M24 Chaffee and M10 Tank Destroyer, operating in a series of unique demonstrations, according to an announcement from the museum.
Special to that weekend will be the debut of the only restored Panzer 1 in North America. All the tanks will be introduced with a captivating historical narration.
World War II veterans will be participating in the exhibition, including Sherman tank gunner Alfred Consigli and B-17 pilot Bill Purple. Consigli was part of General Patton’s 774th “Black Cat” brigade. Purple was a B-17 Flying Fortress lead pilot who flew with the 8th Air Force, 379th Bomb Group. Purple can tell captivating stories of leading hundreds of bombers on perilous missions over Berlin. Keep in mind, with the guys being over 97 years old, their schedule will remain flexible up to the weekend.
Re-enactors from the Colonial period, Revolutionary War, WWI, and WWII will have encampments and demonstrations through the weekend, according to the announcement.
These include the American Colonials, 17 th & 18th century, which will be doing a Colonial Militia timeline; The Piscataqua Company; Benjamin Church’s Company; Harmon’s Snowshoe Company; and Eames’ Rangers.
From World War I there will be the British Boarder Regiment and from World War II will be representation of the Navy’s Battleship USS Massachusetts BB-59. Each re-enactor will be available for questions. Period encampments will be set up with original artifacts and tools of the time.
All three museums will be open. That includes The American Heritage Museum, The Historic Aviation Hangar and Classic Automobile Barn. This is a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s most rare historic aircraft, extraordinary American classic automobiles, vintage sprint, midget and Indianapolis race cars, rare artifacts and much more, according to the announcement.
Tank Driving Experiences and Tank Rides will be available in the M4 Sherman and M24 Chaffee through the weekend. Like flying in a fully restored vintage World War II aircraft, driving in a real World War II tank is something a visitor will never forget. The M4 Sherman is the only full dual-control Sherman in the world. Reservations
in advance are recommended as spaces will fill up quickly.
Admission for the Saturday and Sunday Tank Demo Days is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and veterans, and $15 for children under 12.
World War II and Korean War veterans and children under 3 are free, no ticket required.
Tickets may be purchased the day of the event by credit card or with cash at the entrance as well but purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. For tickets, visit https://www.americanheritagemuseum. org/event/ tank-demo-day-at-ahm/.
There is over 100,000 square feet of space within The American Heritage Museum and Hangar combined, which is plenty of room for visitors to explore the facilities while adhering to social distance protocols. Face masks will be required per Massachusetts COVID requirements. People will be led directionally through each museum with limited group size intervals.