American Heritage Museum Offers Tank-Driving Experience

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, and many museums and memorials across the world are taking an opportunity to honor the occasion. One such location, the American Heritage Museum in Hudson, Mass., allows visitors to have the unique experience of driving either an M4A3 Sherman or M24 Chaffee Light Tank.

“Imagine yourself receiving one on one driving instruction in either the world’s only full dual control M4A3 Sherman tank or dual control M24 Chaffee tank," American Heritage Museum President and CEO Rob Collings said. "The legendary Sherman tanks were in every major battle in WWII. The Chaffee light tanks were revered by its crew for being quick, maneuverable and effective. The Tank Driving Experience is unforgettable. We hope participants will take away a personal piece of this history and passion to learn more during this milestone anniversary year."

Developed by military veterans and museum docents who served as tank instructors in the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, the American Heritage Museum Tank Driving Experience covers more than just basic operation. Participants will also learn the history, procedures and tactics used by WWII tank crews, some of which continue to the present day.

The Tank Driving Experience will be available to the public until October 2020. Pricing for the program starts at $995 for the M24 Chaffee, while the M4A3 Sherman experience costs $1,495. The experience is considered a tax-deductible donation, as all the money goes toward the upkeep and restoration of these vehicles, as well as expanding programs at the American Heritage Museum. For more information, visit americanheritagemuseum.org.