Great aviator Dick Rutan has passed away - ![]()
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Lt. Col. (Ret.) Richard Glenn Rutan flew west on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 7:08 PM PDT ![]()
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The last time Dick Rutan flew towards the western horizon was on December 14, 1986 when he and copilot Jeana Yeager set the last great aviation record by flying around the world, nonstop and unrefueled, in nine days, three minutes and 44 seconds in an aircraft called 'Voyager,' designed by his younger brother, legendary aircraft designer Burt Rutan.![]()
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A highly decorated Vietnam veteran, Dick Rutan flew 325 combat missions and was awarded the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal with three silver oak leaf clusters, the Collier Trophy and was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross – twice. ![]()
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During his time in the skies over Vietnam, Dick was a member of an elite group of Fast Forward Air Controllers, often loitering over enemy anti-aircraft positions for six hours or more in a single sortie. These extremely hazardous missions had the call sign 'Misty'; Dick Rutan was, and will forever be, Misty Four-Zero. ![]()
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He spent his last day in the company of friends and family, including his brother, Burt, and passed away peacefully at Kootenai Health Hospital in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, in the company of his loving wife of 25 years, Kris Rutan. He is survived by daughters Holly Hogan and Jill Hoffman, and his four grandchildren, Jack, Sean, Noelle, and Haley.![]()
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For more information about his incredible flight around the world see: nationalaviation.org/most-incredible-flight-ever-rutan-model-76-voyager/
Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day - ![]()
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The Holocaust stands as one of the darkest chapters in human history, and it is crucial to remember this atrocity for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, the Holocaust serves as a stark reminder of the extreme consequences of hatred, discrimination, and prejudice. The systematic genocide orchestrated by the Nazi regime resulted in the mass murder of six million Jews, along with millions of others who were targeted based on their ethnicity, political beliefs, disabilities, and sexual orientation. By remembering the Holocaust, we are reminded of the devastating impact of unchecked bigotry and intolerance, compelling us to actively work towards a world that embraces diversity and promotes inclusivity.![]()
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It is crucial to remember and understand this horrific event so to prevent its repetition. Historical artifacts play a vital role in educating people about the Holocaust, and among them, this Deutsche Reichsbahn rail car holds profound significance in offering insights into this tragic period. By preserving this artifact and examining the rail car's historical importance, we can gain a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and its lasting impact on humanity.![]()
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During World War II, Nazi Germany's national railway system, the Deutsche Reichsbahn, played a critical role in orchestrating the Holocaust. What was once a mere utilitarian means of transportation became a haunting symbol of suffering. Transformed into vessels of misery, these rail cars carried millions of innocent victims to a horrible destination from which many would never return. A logistical transportation infrastructure that enabled the state-sponsored persecution, mass deportation, and murder of millions by Nazi Germany.![]()
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At the American Heritage Museum, the display of this original WWII cattle car acts as a powerful symbol, connecting visitors to the reality of the Holocaust as inflicted by Nazi Germany and other Axis collaborators. Standing in front of this relic, one can imagine the unimaginable: the cramped conditions endured for days, the fear, the uncertainty, and the sheer terror that innocent men, women, and children endured as they were transported to their tragic fate. It is a tangible representation of the suffering and dehumanization inflicted upon millions, allowing visitors to establish a personal and emotional connection with the victims. ![]()
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The international community must remain vigilant against the rise of extremism and totalitarian ideologies that threaten the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals. Education about the Holocaust and the tools used to execute this genocide serves as a powerful tool to cultivate empathy, tolerance, and understanding, fostering a global consciousness that rejects discrimination and upholds the principles of justice and equality.![]()
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For more information see: www.americanheritagemuseum.org/exhibits/world-war-ii/holocaust-liberation/![]()
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encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/introduction-to-the-holocaust
Couple more shots of the M24 Chaffee maintenance and restoration. Will be ready to go for the WWII Tank Demonstration weekend on May 25th and 26th. For more information regarding this M24 tank see: www.americanheritagemuseum.org/tank-driving-experiences-and-tank-rides/m24-chaffee-wwii-tank-driv...
The American Heritage Museum will be open all week from April 15-21 from 10am to 5pm daily for MA Spring Break Week! The Highland Street Foundation is providing free admission to the museum on Tuesday, April 16 for all visitors too! (no registration required). For all other days, save $2 per ticket by buying your tickets online at: ahmus.me/save2![]()
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#museum #familyfun #PatriotsDay #historymuseum #boston #visitma #WeAreMetroWest #metrowestma #metrowestboston #hudsonma #thingstodoinboston
The American Heritage Museum will welcome a new addition to our Pacific Theater gallery in July - the Grumman / General Motors FM-2 Wildcat BuNo 57039 currently under an amazing restoration effort by the volunteers and staff of the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, MI. The Wildcat will be on long-term loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum and will be unveiled during our WWII in the Pacific Re-Enactment Weekend on July 13-14. Read the full story: www.americanheritagemuseum.org/2024/04/american-heritage-museum-to-welcome-newly-restored-general...
May 2024
WWII Tank Demonstration Weekend – Memorial Day
$20 – $30
Our WWII Tank Demonstration Weekend on Memorial Day Weekend is where you can see some of the American Heritage Museum's tanks including the M4 Sherman, M24 Chaffee, M5 Stuart, M36 Jackson Tank Destroyer, and more! Captivating historical narration will bring these amazing machines to life. Gates open at 9:00am and close at 5:00pm each day. Tank driving demonstrations are ongoing through the entire day with at least 1-2 or more tanks driving on the operation grounds. Don't miss the WWII…
Find out more »June 2024
Tanks, Wings & Wheels Father’s Day Weekend – Featuring American Elegance
$20 – $30
A fantastic Father's Day weekend event! Many of the Collings Foundation's astounding classic automobiles will be out in the sunshine in a grandiose automobile presentation at 1:00pm daily called American Elegance. Accompanying colorful vintage radio broadcast narration will be sure to entertain! Several other exhibitions and surprises will be afoot. Historic aircraft and tanks will be on display. The American Heritage Museum will be open along with the two additional annex buildings on our campus: the AHM aircraft hangar and…
Find out more »
July 2024
WWII Pacific Re-enactment – Saipan Campaign
$20 – $30
The American Heritage Museum's first WWII Pacific Theater re-enactment. Infantry representing Japanese and American forces will clash in this extraordinary living history event. Camps will be set up with authentic gear and appearance. WWII aircraft will fly in the battle (weather permitting). The Saipan campaign, a pivotal and fiercely contested battle in World War II, unfolded from June 15 to July 9, 1944, as part of the larger Pacific island-hopping strategy employed by Allied forces. Located in the Mariana Islands,…
Find out more »August 2024
WWII Tank Demonstration Weekend – August 2024
$20 – $30
A fantastic weekend where you can see some of the American Heritage Museum's tanks including the M26 Pershing, M4 Sherman, M24 Chaffee, and M36 Jackson and other privately owned military vehicles operating on our tank driving grounds behind the museum. Special to this weekend - we will operate the M26A1 Pershing Heavy Tank! This rare American tank was the largest tank operated by the US during both WWII and Korean War and it is one of only two in operational…
Find out more »September 2024
History Takes Flight – Historic Aircraft Exhibition
$20 – $30
The American Heritage Museum will showcase several rare aircraft from the great spectrum of aviation history. Presentations and operation of aircraft, from pre WWI 1909 Curtis Pusher and Bleriot XI to WWII L-4 Grasshopper and L-5 Sentinel will bring these machines to life. Captivating narration from American Heritage Museum President Rob Collings and historic aviation experts will showcase these aircraft within a rich historical context. Aircraft will be on display through the day. The Historic Aircraft Exhibition starts at 1:00…
Find out more »October 2024
Battle for the Airfield WWII Re-Enactment Weekend
$25 – $40
EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE The American Heritage Museum presents the Battle for the Airfield World War II Re-Enactment, one of the premier events of its type in the United States! There will be over 350+ re-enactors representing several branches of Allied and Axis military participating in encampments and two battles each day. Fully restored military equipment of all kinds will be on display and operating in a captivating living history event. Allied and Axis camps will be set up…
Find out more »
