The American Heritage Museum, operated by the Collings Foundation, is located in Hudson, Massachusetts, and offers a deep dive into American history through one of the most comprehensive collections of military vehicles, aircraft, and artifacts in the country.
American Heritage Museum – Collings Foundation
568 Main Street
Hudson
Massachusetts 01749
www.americanheritagemuseum.org
admin@americanheritagemuseum.org
+1 (978) 562-9182
Wednesday – Sunday 10:00 – 17:00
Admission fee
Aircraft collection
Consolidated B-24J Liberator (N224J) 44-0973 USAAF
| N911KK
NX3433 N55171 N6HS N17657 G-CDWH/41-13297 NX224J N459CF/16-218 N983CF 135188/N188BP N81797 36177/S-23 N156FC 931862 N14TJ – 41476 N11FE/86680 N31957 N9590Z N648 N524CF N749CF N262AZ/1 512 N251A N4503B NL3476G N551CF/44-84655 N251MX N45NL N601FF/BR601 – | Bell UH-1E Huey
Bleriot Type XI Boeing PT-17 Kaydet Cessna T-50 Cessna UC-78 Bobcat Curtiss P-40B Warhawk Consolidated B-24J Liberator Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina Consolidated PBY-5A Canso A Douglas A-1E Skyraider Douglas A-26 Invader Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless Fiesler Fi-156-C1 Storch Focke Wulf Fw190F-8 Fokker DR.1 Triplane Fokker DR.1 Triplane Grumman F6F–3 Hellcat Grumman FM-2 Wildcat Grumman S-2F-1 tracker Grumman TBM-3E Avenger Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star McDonnell TA-4J Skyhawk McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom Messerschmitt Me262B-1c Nieuport 28 C-1 North American A-36 Apache North American AT-6F Texan North American TB-25N Mitchell North American TF-51 Mustang North American TP-51C-10 Mustang Vought F4U-5NL Corsair Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX Wright Vin Fiz |
Early Aviation Collection
| 1909 Bleriot Type X
1909 Curtiss Pusher I1911 Wright Vin Fiz (Replica) | Stow, MA
Stow, MA Stow, MA |
World War II Collection
Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina (PH-PBY) 16-218 Royal Netherlands Air Force
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Korean War Collection
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Vietnam War Collection
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Crash Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress of The Collings Foundation Oct 2, 2019
Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress of The Collings Foundation crashed Wednesday morning at the Bradley International Airport in Windsor Lock, Connecticut.
The FAA confirmed that the vintage aircraft crashed at the end of Runway 6 during an attempted landing at 10 a.m. Officials reported that there were ten passengers and three crew members on board. Six people were taken to a local hospital.
Seven occupants were killed and the fate of the remaining six is unknown. Also three people on the ground were injured, in the maintenance/de-icing area where the Boeing B-17 ended up.
Pilot asked to return to the airport, according to FAA air traffic control audio recorded by the website LiveATC.net.
The aircraft crashed as it attempted to land on runway 06. The aircraft came to rest in an airport fuel farm located 1100 feet to the east of the threshold of runway 06.
Highlights of the Museum:
- World War II Gallery:
- Features tanks like the legendary Sherman and Panther tanks, alongside other vehicles and weaponry.
- Immersive displays that simulate historical battlefields.
- Cold War and Modern Conflicts:
- Exhibits focus on the Korean War, Vietnam War, and more recent conflicts, including the Gulf War and the War on Terror.
- Includes vehicles like the M60 Patton tank and an authentic Russian T-72 tank.
- Aircraft Collection:
- Some of the Collings Foundation‘s most iconic planes are housed here, including a P-51 Mustang and TB-25N Mitchell.
- On special event days, some planes are flown for demonstrations.
- Interactive Exhibits:
- Many hands-on displays let visitors experience history up close, including interactive tank simulators.
- World War I Trench Experience:
- A powerful and immersive exhibit that puts you in the trenches of the Great War.
- Special Events and Tank Demos:
- The museum hosts live demonstrations where visitors can see historic tanks in action. These events often include reenactments.
Collings Foundation:
The American Heritage Museum is part of the larger Collings Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving and displaying historic military vehicles, aircraft, and memorabilia. They also operate vintage aircraft, offering flights in classics like the B-24 Liberator or P-40 Warhawk during certain events.
Visitor Info:
- Hours: Open to the public on weekends and select weekdays—check the schedule online.
- Location: The museum is situated in Hudson, MA, with easy access from major highways.
- Tickets: Admission fees support the preservation work of the museum; discounts are often available for veterans and seniors.
- Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking and plan to spend at least 2–3 hours to explore fully.
If you’re into history, military technology, or aviation, this is a must-visit.