WWII in the Pacific Re-Enactment Weekend at American Heritage Museum
| Venue: | American Heritage Museum |
| Dates: | Tuesday, September 22, 2026 - Wednesday, September 23, 2026 |
| Hours: | 9:00am - 5:00pm |
| Ages: | Kids, Teens, Adults |
| In/Outdoor: | Outdoor |
| Cost: | $$ see below |
| Category: | Special Events |
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 Okinawa campaign, fought from April to June 1945, was one of the bloodiest battles of World War II and the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific Theater.
Located just 350 miles from mainland Japan, Okinawa was seen as a critical stepping stone for a potential invasion of Japan itself. The campaign involved intense fighting between U.S. forces and the Japanese Imperial Army, including kamikaze attacks, entrenched resistance, and fierce ground combat.
Over 12,000 American troops were killed, and Japanese military and civilian casualties were staggering, with estimates reaching over 100,000. The battle highlighted the devastating cost of war and influenced the U.S. decision to use atomic bombs in hopes of avoiding a similarly deadly invasion of Japan.
Pacific War camps and select WWII Naval aircraft will be set up and on display through the day. The battle re-enactment starts around 1 PM. Please keep in mind that this is a smaller re-enactment than the October event.
During the re-enactment, the Stinson OY-1 observation aircraft and, for the first time, “Tora 101” – a replica Japanese A6M Zero constructed for the movie “Tora! Tora! Tora!” will be flying over.
Museums Open
All three museums will be open: 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 aircraft, extraordinary American classic automobiles, historic tanks, armored vehicles, military artifacts and much more.
There is over 100,000 square feet of space within the American Heritage Museum and Hangar combined.
Food and beverage will be available for purchase on site and picnics are allowed.
Event Schedule
9:00am – 5:00pm
Gates Open – All museum buildings and grounds open to visitors.
All re-enactor camps open to visitors with discussions and living history demonstrations all day.
9:30am – 4:30pm
World War II Tank & Half Track Rides & Driving – Tank Driving Area
Tank Driving Experiences and Tank Rides aboard the M4 Sherman, M24 Chaffee, & M36 Jackson WWII tanks and WWII M3 Half Track will be taking place all day! Details on pricing available in the center of this program.
10:00am – 4:00pm
War Gaming Demonstrations – Aircraft Hangar
Guides will be demonstrating tabletop strategy war gaming in the aircraft hangar through the day, explaining how games are played and how you can get a start in this unique hobby.
10:00am – 4:00pm
Paint-A-Tank – Inside Aircraft Hangar
For kids of all ages – come to the Paint-a-Tank area in the hangar to get a 3D printed tank to paint in the battle colors YOU choose! $5 donation per tank.
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Battle of Okinawa WWII Pacific Battle Re-Enactment – Runway and Re-Enactment Field
A daily battle re-enactment between American and Imperial Japanese forces on the runway and performance field area. Battle will also feature aircraft demonstrations from the Stinson OY-1 and replica Japanese A6M Zero (weather permitting)
5:00pm – All museum grounds and buildings close for the day.
Admission Details
$35 Adults
$30 Seniors (62+)
$25 Veterans/Military/First Responders
$20 Students (16 & Under)
Members, Veterans age 85 and older, and Children 3 and under are Free – No ticket required.
Admission discounts can not be used for special event weekends. NARM Members are not admitted free for this weekend event.
Find out more about visiting the American Heritage Museum in our handy guide to family fun.
| COST | ↑ top |
$35 Adults $30 Seniors (62+) $25 Veterans/Military/First Responders $20 Students (16 & Under)
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
www.americanheritagemuseum.org/events/
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
568 Main Street, Hudson, MA, 01749 map
Phone: (978) 562-9182
| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
- Profiles
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