2022 American Heritage Museum / Collings Foundation Annual Magazine

COLLINGS FOUNDATION

2022- 2023 NEWS

MAGAZINE

Address: 568 Main Street, Hudson, MA 01749

Telephone: (978) 562-9182

Contact email: info@collingsfoundation.org

The Collings Foundation and Collings Foundation Inc. / American Heritage Museum are 501(c)(3) Educational Non-Profits.

Primary editor and designer: Hunter Chaney

Contributing writers and editors: Mikael Carlson

Joe Scheil Ryan Keough Marcia Rising Dan Cullity

Contributing photographers: David Watts, Jr. Mikael Carlson

John Collins

Glenn Perry Rich Oliver

Rick Heile

John Dibbs Joe Scheil

Warren Disbrow

Daniel Karlsson

Roland Brooks Richard Caswell

Dan Cullity

Cover photo: The 1918 Nieuport 28 fighter flying for the first time in the United States since restoration. This is the only original N.28 flying in the world. Nieuport 28s were the first fighter aircraft used by American pilots in World War I.

On October 8th and 9th 2022, the American Heritage Museum hosted its 15th annual World War II re-enactment and Veteran’s Round-table discussion. Since 2007, history enthusiasts from around the country have gathered at our headquarters in Stow, Massachusetts to portray Allied and Axis soldiers, medics, com manders, tankers, POWs, and commoners. They spend the year preparing for this special weekend. All their gear, weapons and accessories are original or exacting replications. WWII veterans from all walks of life and branches of service join us to share personal stories and memorable moments from the war. This year, we were honored to hear amazing, detailed recollec tions from survivors of the Battle of the Bulge and the Pacific Theater. Over 6,200 people visited to see 300 dedicated reenactors portray the lives of WWII soldiers. Special to this year, we were able to fly the famous L-4 “Rosie the Rocketeer” and the Fi-156 Fieseler Storch WWII aircraft. At each or our remark able events visitors are surrounded by one of the world’s most extraordinary collections of rare, fully restored tanks, armored vehicles, aircraft, classic American automobiles, vintage race cars and major historical artifacts.

The six annual Living History Weekends at the American Heritage Museum and adjacent Historic Aircraft Hangar and Classic Car Barn deliver what we strive to do as an educational foundation. Since the new American Heritage Museum opened in 2019, we have expanded our collections and programs to become a year-round destination for lovers of history. From the immersive WWI trench to the panoramic dioramas that surround each exhibit, the American Heritage Museum provides impactful education through captivating experiences.

Making our educational programming historically authentic is our passion, so accurate restoration work is key. The original World War I Nieuport 28 fighter is now flying. After several years in the shop of aviation restoration expert Mikael Carlson in Swe den, the aircraft was shipped to the American Heritage Muse um where it was re-assembled. This is the first fighter aircraft used by the American military and the only original N.28 flying in the world. We debuted the aircraft during our WWI Weekend. To see and hear its original Gnome 9N engine as Michael flew this impeccable aircraft was a treat for all. The Nieuport 28 is currently on display inside the American Heritage Museum.

A 32 pounder carronade cannon from the U.S.S. Constitution has been donated to the American Heritage Museum. “Old Iron sides” is one of the world’s oldest ships still floating. We are currently putting the cannon through a thorough restoration. Once complete, the artifact will be displayed along with the equally rare 1795 six pounder cannon currently on display inside the Museum.

We have added a very rare 1943 Japanese Kawanishi N1K1 Kyofu amphibious fighter to our collection. On long-term loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum, the aircraft is head ed to the shop for restoration to static display. We hope to have this extraordinary Japanese fighter exhibited in the American Heritage Museum within the next two years.

The PBY Catalina and B-17 Flying Fortress restorations are progressing well. The PBY (Bu. No. 2459) is the United

States’ highest scoring U-boat destroyer ever and oldest operational Catalina. Work on the fuselage and interior continues. We hope to have it flying in the next year or two. Restoration of our B-17G Flying Fortress continues as well. Many years of work have gone into this project, with care and authenticity at every step.

This year we completed the extraordinary, hyper-detailed restoration of the Focke Wulf Fw 190F-8 fighter. Our Focke Wulf Fw 190F-8 “White 1” (Werk Number 931 862) was constructed at Norddeutsche Dornier-Werke in early June 1944. The Luftwaffe immediately entered the aircraft into combat, supporting ground troops of the Wehrmacht that were under heavy pressure from the Russian Red Army. De cades later, Dr. Mark Timken championed the resurrection of this extraordinary aircraft at his home base in Kissimmee, Florida. Ten years ago, the Collings Foundation took up the challenge, moving the fighter to GossHawk Unlimited in Casa Grande, Arizona. It is one of two original flying Fw 190 aircraft in existence. Within the next year, we will display this extremely rare and iconic fighter at the American Heritage Museum.

Thanks to donor generosity, the American Heritage Museum continues to expand, developing and enhanc ing immersive exhibits. The reconstruction of the last remaining cells from the Hỏa Lò prison (known as the Hanoi Hilton) in the Vietnam War exhibit is progressing well. We plan to have this completed and open by Febru ary 2023. The Arsenal of Democracy exhibit has been ex panded. New features include a WWII tank manufacturing floor frozen in mid-production. It is the perfect space to talk about American industrial ingenuity that helped win the war. Our events continue to engage people in history

through memorable experiences. From the grand expo sition of early American classic automobiles during our American Elegance performance to the WWI and WWII re-enactments, there is something interesting for every one. Our Living History Events are offered between May and October. See our website for a full schedule. Our school programs are expanding; we are inviting more school classes to the American Heritage Museum each semester. Students from all grade levels are discovering history through these astounding collections and capti vating displays. We also offer outreach programs, taking our WWI ambulance on the road to present the history of the American Field Service.

In spite of the devastating effects of the pandemic, we are continuing to receive great support from do nors, members, and constituents. Your tax-deductible donation makes the restoration of important aircraft, tanks, artifacts, and exhibits possible. Your generosity also allows us to improve and expand our educational outreach. We hope you will visit the American Heritage Museum in the coming year. There is always something exciting to see or experience. Please consider a mem bership or donation to the American Heritage Museum.

From all of us at the American Heritage Museum and Collings Foundation, we wish you good health and happiness in the coming year.

Photo above: Students walk through the WWI Trench Experience at the American Heritage Museum. This is a fully immersive exhibit that captures the war-torn landscape of trench warfare.

Rob Collings

Bob Collings

INDEX

5 Battle of Bunker Hill Re-enactment

See stunning pictures of this epic Revolutionary War re-enactment and living history event.

9 Grumman JRF-5 Goose

The American Heritage Museum’s WWII amphibious aircraft returns with Coast Guard markings.

13 Hanoi Hilton Exhibit

Two of the original cells from the Hỏa Lò prison in Vietnam are being reconstructed in an extaordinary immersive exhibit.

17 Focke Wulf Fw 190F-8

The world’s most meticulous German fighter restoration is now complete.

7 UIC Waco joins AHM’s collection

Read about this extraordinary aircraft that was operated by the first civilian casualty of WWII.

11 Operation Boller

The American Heritage Museum’s Arsenal of Democracy exhibit is enhanced with help from Mr. Bill Boller.

15 Battle for the Airfield WWII Re-enactment

Amazing pictures of this year’s re-enactment and living history event.

20 PBY and B-17 Restoration Status

Restoration progress report on the PBY Catalina and B-17 Flying Fortress

21 First American Fighter Flies Again

The Nieuport 28 restoration is now complete. The N.28 is the first fighter aircraft used by Americans in WWI.

Nieuport 28

The AHM is restoring an original carronade 32 pounder cannon from the USS Constitution. 29 1927 Rolls Royce Phantom I

The American Heritage Museum’s classic car collection is world-class. 33 Honored

Contributors

A big thank you to people who have made significant contributions to the American Heritage Museum.

Photo Above: The Collings Foundation and American Heritage Museum are known around the world for restoring and operating some of the finest and most historically accurate aircraft. This extraordinary Nieuport 28 restoration honors the American pilots and soldiers of the First World War. See more on page 21.

On July 23rd and 24th 2022, the American Heritage Museum hosted its first Revolution ary War Re-enactment based on the Battle of Bunker Hill. Seasoned re-enactors from all over New England came together to recreate this infamous battle that helped change the tide of the Revolutionary War.

The Scenario: June 16, 1775, on the heels of the events in Lexington and Concord that started the Revolutionary War, American troops learned that the British were planning to send soldiers from Boston to occupy the hills surrounding the city. Some 1,000 colonial militiamen under Colonel William Prescott built earthen forti fications on top of Breed’s Hill, overlooking Boston, and located on the Charlestown Pen insula. (The men originally had been ordered to construct their fortifications atop Bunker

Top left photo: The Colonialist “Rebels” ready to march toward the fortified redoubt atop Bunker Hill. Bottom left photo: The British forces make a screaming charge up the slope to overtake the Colonial forces.

Hill but instead chose the smaller Breed’s Hill, closer to Boston.) By daybreak of June 17, the British became aware of the presence of colo nial forces on the Peninsula and mounted an attack against them. Two assaults on the co lonial positions were repulsed with significant British casualties. But the third and final attack carried the redoubt, after the defenders ran out of ammunition. The colonists retreated over Bunker Hill, leaving the British in control.

Over 200 re-enactors participated in the 2022 event. Representing the Crown Forces were the 1st, 4th, 5th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 16th, 24th com panies, the Kings Rangers and the 64th Light Company. Representing the Colonial Forces were the 13th Continental, 5th CT, 2nd MA, 1st NY, 2nd RI Regiment, Billerica Militia, Eames’ Rangers, Rehoboth Militia, Peter’s Corps and Hoisington’s NY Rangers.

Check our schedule for complete list of 2023 Living History Events at the AHM.

Battle of Bunker Hill

re-enactor

in

Both British and Colonial camps were set up with authentic tents and accessories, making this a fully immersive living history event. The weekend event happened to be one of the hottest days all summer. The temperatures were in the high 90s! Kudos to all the re-enactors, particularly the British, who were in their full wool uniforms with gear and muskets. In spite of the brutal heat, the battle was an incredible sight.

Top spread photo: The Crown Forces march into position as they ready themselves for the final push up Bunker Hill. Photo above: A Colonial

rests

the shade after the battle.

1933 Waco UIC

Operated by first American civilian casualty of WWII

Specifications:

The Waco UIC #3768 aircraft was originally completed on June 9th, 1933, and delivered to its first owner, George Wil lis of Great Neck, New York. A few years later, after a brief personal ownership by legendary test pilot Vane Breese, it was sold to Charles Knox and Robert Tyce, co-owners of K-T Flying service Ltd. From 1938 to 1947, K-T Flying Service operated this Waco from their base at John Rogers Field, in Honolulu.

After creating K-T Flying Service in 1934, Bob Tyce became personally responsible for training a large number of civil ian pilots in the Pacific. For primary training, they used Pip er J-3 Cubs and three fleet bi-planes. In addition to flight training, K-T performed sightseeing flights, out-island charter services and non-scheduled cargo service. Bob and Charles added the Waco UIC to the fleet at the beginning of 1938. By 1941, under the auspices of the Civilian Flight Training Program, a large portion of the K-T’s business was private flight training for military personnel hoping to transfer to the Army and Navy.

On December 7th, 1941, Bob Tyce was near his Piper J3C Cubs and this Waco UIC at the John Rogers Airfield when he was strafed by two Akagi Zeros in-route to Hickam Field.

Photo above: Bob Tyce from K-T Flying Service

Top

Bottom

His death was the result of a single Japanese machine-gun round to the neck. The bullet tore open his carotid artery and his wife, Edna, a trained nurse, was unable to stop the bleeding. Bob Tyce became the first American civilian casu alty of WWII during the attack on Pearl Harbor. K-T Flying Service had two Piper J3C Cubs in the air that morning. These were rented by soldiers assigned to the 251st Coast Artillery Regiment. Both air craft were shot down by Japanese fight ers and the three soldiers in them are still listed as MIA.

On December 8th, the US War Depart ment grounded all civilian aircraft in the Hawaiian Islands and on the west coast of California. The final entry in the Waco logbook for KT Flying Service indicates that the aircraft was dismantled on that date after flying a total of 9.35 hours between December 1st and 7th, 1941.

Now in the hands of the American Her itage Museum, the Waco UIC will be kept in flying condition at our home base in Stow, Massachusetts. You can see it along with other amazing historic aircraft during one of our living history event weekends.

photo: Ariel picture of John Rogers Airfield on Hawaii in 1941 (still active). Middle photo: Waco N13408 (dark aircraft) together with 3 fleet biplane trainers and cabin Travelair, on the K-T flight line at John Rogers airport in late 1941.

photo: The Waco UIC after its first landing at the American Heritage Museum in Stow, Massachusetts, 2022.

Grumman JRF-5 Goose Bu 84791’s first flight was at the factory in Bethpage, Long Island on September 29th, 1944. Two months later it was accepted by the USN thirty-one miles away at NAS New York, Floyd Bennett Field, on September 30th, 1944. By November, the Goose was assigned to CGAS Biloxi, and as a USN air craft was used by the Coast Guard. There the aircraft served until the War’s end. Goose Bu 84791’s primary role was as a patrol seaplane designed to guard against U-boats in the Gulf. Its secondary role was as a rescue, storm warning and fishery guard (protecting this industry was very important to the war effort).

Discharged by the USN, the aircraft was formally assigned to the US Coast Guard in 1946. The Goose served in Biloxi until 1948 before flying north to Alaska.

Assigned to Coast Guard Station Annette (near Ketchikan), it flew many missions in the hazardous Alaska weather. On Au gust 10th, 1950, the Goose struck a dock, damaging its right float and wing. Unable to repair the plane in this remote area, the USCG removed the engines and equip ment and struck it from records. Shortly after, the aircraft was purchased by a civil ian charter business and restored to flying condition.

After 60 years of Alaskan service as a Coast Guard rescue aircraft, airliner, charter air craft and bush plane, Navy 84791 returned to the lower 48 in July of 2014. Since then, the Goose has spent time in resto ration and received a new paint scheme that honors the Coast Guard. You can see the Goose on display during our Living History Event Weekends.

OPERATION BOLLER

WWII American mass production exhibit transformed into world-class display.

On December 29th, 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave a radio broadcast during which he coined the fateful term “Arsenal of Democracy” to describe the role of the United States. The ad dress signaled that the previously neutral United States would muster its immense industrial ca pacity to build the weapons of war needed by the last struggling democracies to save themselves, and the idea of democracy itself, from the threat of fascism and militarism in Europe and Asia.

By the end of the war, U.S. industry was out producing all the Axis countries combined. American trucks, tanks and aircraft were also supplied to Allied nations, from Canada to Britain to the Red Army of the Soviet Union. The Arsenal of Democracy exhibit at the American Heritage Museum highlights the phenomenal American industrial effort throughout WWII.

With the support from Bill Boller (former Pres ident of Jacques Littlefield’s Military Vehicle and Technology Foundation and Board Director

for Collings Foundation, Inc.) the Arsenal of Democracy highlights American industrial inge nuity and mass production during WWII. This part of American history has been a passion for Mr. Boller for many years and his insights have enhanced the Arsenal of Democracy exhibit.

Working closely with museum staff, historians and people who were a part of the industry during the war, he helped guide development of an exhibit that portrays a 1943 Detroit tank manufacturing plant “frozen” in mid-production. Exploring the exhibit is like being at a real WWII mass production line for Sherman tanks.

The sequential steps of a tank’s construction are showcased, from receiving the engine and parts to the final assembly of the Sherman tank. Arriving from the “manufacturing floor” are a series of R-975 radial engines ready for installation. Each engine has a number writ ten in chalk, showing the tank for which it is designated. The featured tank on display has

#200 engine hanging over the tank ready for installation with #201 next in the assembly line. You will see the main gun suspended at the right angle for installation into the tur ret, the rear idler ready to go on the tracks, and front drive sprockets set to be put on.

The entire exhibit is filled with details that capture the look and feel of 1943. As you ex plore the space, you will find air lines, weld ing leads used by technicians, time clocks, bond and recruitment posters and other authentic period accessories. It is incredible to imagine, but in 1943 all of the manufac turing for the military was classified. Plant personnel had to go through a security screen as their work was top secret! The Ar senal of Democracy exhibit is a wonderful hands-on experience for people of all ages. Many thanks to Bill Boller for his support.

Top left photo: Shop Manager and “Chief Tankologist” Dick Moran (left) and Bill Boller pose in front of the Sherman tank. Top right photo: The front of the Ar senal of Democracy exhibit showing the control dif ferential and transmission assembly. The 75mm gun is hanging in position ready to be installed into the turret. Middle photo: Sequentially numbered R-975 radial engines are positioned to look like they are ready for the next tank in line. Bottom photo: A hands-on display featuring an escape hatch, traverse mechanism, azimuth indicator and elevation mechanism.

Hỏa Lò Prison - a.k.a. the Hanoi Hilton

We need your support. Read more about the project. www.hanoihiltonexhibit.org

The American Heritage Museum is building a tribute to the POWs of the Vietnam War, the Hanoi Hilton exhibit. Authentic materials from several cells of the original Hỏa Lò prison in Hanoi, known by many as the “Hanoi Hilton” have made their way to the United States. We are in the process of reconstructing the cells as part of an immersive exhibit to be featured within the Vietnam War Gallery of the Museum.

Coined the “Hanoi Hilton” by American prisoner Robert Shuemaker, the Hỏa Lò prison became synonymous with the POW plight during the War, and long after. American prisoners of war in the Hỏa Lò prison were subjected to extreme tor ture and malnutrition during captivity. Although a signatory of the Third Geneva Convention of 1949, which demanded “decent and humane treatment” of prisoners of war, North Vietnam employed severe torture methods, including sleep deprivation, malnutrition, beatings, hang ing by ropes, locking in irons, and prolonged solitary confinement.

Right photo: A dramatic shot of the interior with an original cell door, and concrete beds with ankle shackles.

The prison was built in Hanoi by the French between 1886 to 1901, when Vietnam was part of French Indochina. The French called the prison Maison Centrale or Central House, which is still the designation for prisons housing dan gerous or long sentence detainees in France. Known locally as Hỏa Lò prison, it was built at the previous location of the Phu Khanh village. The village baked locally sourced earthenware in furnaces, and the name “Hỏa Lò” means “fiery furnace” or “stove.”

The prison was originally designed to house 460 inmates but was often overcrowded. Due to the harsh nature of French rule and a vicious justice system, the prison was always oversupplied with inmates. Many were political prisoners agitating for independence who became the subjects of torture and execution.

Re-purposed during the Vietnam War, the first U.S. prisoner sent to Hỏa Lò was Lieutenant JG Everett Alvarez Jr., who was shot down on August 5, 1964. From the beginning, U.S. POWs at Hỏa Lò endured miserable conditions, in

cluding meager rations of food with the everpresent threat of starvation.

We hope to have this ambitious project fin ished before February 2023, the 50th Anniver sary of Operation Homecoming and the return of the POWs from Vietnam in 1973. Construc tion of this major exhibit comes at a substan tial cost. If you are interested in contributing to this project please scan the QR code for more information.

Photo above: American Heritage Museum President Rob Collings captured in a video talking about the Hanoi Hilton exhibit project. Scan QR code to see this video.

“We are in the position now to build an exhibit that will allow people to understand what it means to persevere through 5, 6, 7 years...of hell. Unrelenting hell is what they went through.” - Rob Collings, President of American Heritage Museum

Photo: The original Hỏa Lò prision during the Vietnam War.

Photo above: The M20 armored personnel carrier and two M4 Sherman tanks advance toward the German fortifications. There were over a dozen tanks and armored vehicles that participated in this extraordinary WWII living history event.

Photo above: The L-4 “Rosie the Rocketeer” originally flown by Major Charles Carpenter during WWII takes out the German 88mm cannon (below) in a surprise attack. This plane was credited with destroying six German tanks during the war.

Scan QR code to read about the incredible history of this Fw 190 and what it took to restore the fighter to flying condition.

Focke-Wulf

After years of meticulous restoration the Focke-Wulf Fw 190F-8 is complete. The aircraft will eventually be moved from Gosshawk Unlimited in Arizona to the American Heritage Museum in Massachusetts.

Photo:

The Pinnacle In WWII Aircraft Restoration

The Focke-Wulf Fw 190F’s in-depth restoration has been decades in the making. This Fw 190F8 “White 1” has embodied the most exquisite and thorough restoration work ever complet ed on a WWII aircraft. Attention to detail was extreme. For example, the decision was made to have exact German WWII rivets manufac tured rather than utilize standard off-the-shelf rivets. Then, utilizing sources deep within Europe, Fw 190 crash sites were scoured to find small components needed to bring the airframe up to exact WWII combat condition.

The instrument panel (right) is 100% authentic and has no visible concession to modern airwor thiness. The dynamic paint scheme illustrates the subtle camouflage and surface detail that helped “rewrite the book” on restoration of WWII aircraft. A strenuous effort was undertak en to research the original camouflage utilizing modern technology and then have the paint recreated by a German Factory that supplied the Fw 190 paint during the war.

Photo: Fw 190F “White 1” completed and resting on the tarmac at GossHawk Unlimited in Arizona. The aircraft will be moved to the American Heritage Museum and on display in 2023.

The Fw 190’s nose ring is made of steel. In many wartime reports, Allied pilots and gunners noted their bullets bouncing off the cowl. Russian gunners using smaller caliber weapons referred to them as “paint scratchers” since the bul lets would deflect off the cowling.

PBY-5A Catalina

The Collings Foundation’s PBY-5A Catalina (Bu. No. 2459) served the Allied forces well in WWII. This aircraft was the United States’ highest scoring U-boat destroyer in history, and is the oldest operational PBY Catalina. In 1942 it was sent to Iceland as part of Squadron VP-73. There it made one of the first acoustic honing torpedo attacks, sinking three U-boats, and shared the kill of a fourth.

The Catalina has been in restoration for several years and completion to flying status is expected sometime near the end of 2023. Top left photo shows the PBY with work on the nose, sides, gear, and wing. Top right illustration depicts the PBY in its original VP-73 markings. We can use your help! Please consider a donation to this amazing restoration project.

B-17G Flying Fortress

In 2015, the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in Oregon sold their B-17G Flying Fortress to help the Museum during a restructuring and reorganization. The Collings Foundation acquired this aircraft through the generous support of donors. At that time, a crew of mechanics and pilots were sent to the Museum to prepare the aircraft for a ferry flight from Oregon to Florida. After several weeks of preparation, the Evergreen B-17 made a flawless flight across the country (photo top right). A thorough restoration has been underway to restore the aircraft back to its original WWII B-17G model configuration.

A tremendous amount of work has gone into the restoration of this iconic bomber. The aircraft is being re stored from nose to tail. Over the last several years experts have completed most of the work on the fuselage, engines and internal wiring and components. Please support this project with a donation. Any amount helps!

Top photo: American Heritage Museum President Rob Collings with Nieuport 28 restorer Mikael Carlson in front of the aircraft during our WWI Aviation Weekend. Middle photo: An original World War One M1917 tank from the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome collection leads a group of re-enactor soldiers in a charge against the German camp.

Bottom photo: An original Model T Ambulance with American Expeditionary Force re-enactors collect the wounded during the event. We will host another WWI Aviation Weekend in September, 2023.

The Collings Foundation and American Heritage Museum are known around the world for restor ing and operating some of the finest and most historically accurate aircraft. Our extraordinary N.28 restoration honors the designers, pilots, and mechanics of the First World War.

This Nieuport emerged from a factory near Paris, France late in 1918. Following WWI, the American government imported about fifty Nieuport 28s, including our N.28, to fill out the ranks of the newly established U.S. Army Air Service. After retirement from Army use, N.28 gained a new lease on life in civilian hands, being featured in a number of significant aviation films, such as Hells Angels (1930) and The Dawn Patrol (1930 & 1938). Part of a collection gathered by famed aerial performers Paul Mantz and Frank Tallman, the Nieuport continued flying into the 1960s, and was among the numerous unique air frames put up for disposal at the ‘Tallmantz Auc tion’ of May 1968. Legendary racing car builder/ driver Jim Hall bought the Nieuport for $14,500. The aircraft was not flown after the early 1970s and largely disappeared from public view until 2019, when the American Heritage Muse um started the restoration.

In the summer of 2019, the Nieuport was shipped from Texas to the workshop of famed aviation restoration expert Mikael Carlson in Sweden. The first order of business was careful

America’s First Fighter Flies Again 1918 Nieuport 28

disassembly of all components. Being a wooden structure, and more than a century old, it was expected that some parts would be useful only as patterns for exact new-build components. But, to Mikael’s delight much of the original structure was in excellent condition!

Surprisingly, the plane’s 1918 nine-cylinder Gnome Monosoupape 9N rotary engine was in outstanding shape. Mikael moved forward, com pleting the entire airframe and engine mount and then installed the power plant. With the front end fully assembled, Mikael was able to form the cowling to correct size and shape, within the very tight tolerances of the original design.

All metal components were found to be in ex cellent condition and utilized in the restoration. The final touches included mixing hand ground pigment for the paint and decorating the plane in the markings of America’s first WWI Ace, Douglas Campbell’s original N28.

With the Nieuport 28 completed and test flown by Mikael in Sweden, it was put on a ship to Massachusetts. The aircraft was reassembled at the American Heritage Museum in time for our WWI Aviation weekend in September 2022. In honor of our WWI aviators and veterans, the air craft is now on display in the American Heritage Museum.

You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give. – Winston Churchill

We are fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers. They devote countless hours to keeping the American Heritage Museum running and sharing the history and incredible collec tions that lie within. Our volunteers are the backbone of all that we do. Each visitor’s experience is enhanced by the engage ment of our volunteers. Many are veterans, who share their memories of service and in-depth knowledge of ships, tanks, armored vehicles, and aircraft with awe-struck patrons who tour through this incredible place. To these amazing people we give our whole-hearted thanks for making each visit special.

We would like to recognize the volunteers who have put in over 100 hours of service this year. Their hours of hard work and commitment make a lasting impact on all who visit.

Photo above: Remy Carroll with 1,362 volunteer hours and Larry Sumner with 1,898 volunteer hours pose for a picture.

Larry Sumner, 1,898 hours

Remy Carroll, 1,362 hours

Kent Hautanen, 1,179 hours

John Maher Jr., 740 hours

Hugh Browne Jr., 583 hours

Tom Cox, 416 hours

Rick Heile, 399 hours

Gregg Pomerleau, 360 hours

William Gifford, 344 hours

Leo Orsi, 340 hours

Scott Bryson, 336 hours

Lars Aasrud, 328 hours

Bill Rose, 324 hours

Everett Heller, 287 hours

Marshall Gaylord, 256 hours

Edward Romar, 248 hours

Jim Bagdon, 240 hours

David Weatherby, 228 hours

Jim Carroll, 208 hours

David Lolli, 208 hours

William Connolly, 200 hours

Ryan Ouellette, 185 hours

Tim Merten, 183 hours

George Barry, 176 hours

William Junghans, 168 hours

Mike Manning, 167 hours

Mark Taylor, 167 hours

Charles Banfi, 164 hours

Duffy Brent, 160 hours

Richard Cygan, 160 hours

Jessica McNeil, 156 hours

Don Pudsey, 152 hours

Aiden Lane, 141 hours

Peter Carbone, 140 hours

List above: All the American Heritage Museum volunteers who have dedicated more than 100 hours in 2022. Thank You!

Jay

Jim Blanchard, 114 hours

Stephen Trimble, 104 hours

Thanks to all the volunteers who make the American Heritage Museum experience special.

Sarah McDowell, 132 hours

Schwartz, 119 hours

USS Constitution Cannon

A national icon for more than 200 years, the USS Constitution had a long and illustrious career. The American Heritage Museum has been fortunate to receive one of its Carronade 32 pounder cannons to restore and display along with our 1795 6-pounder cannon.

The USS Constitution, also known as Old Iron sides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. She is one of the world’s oldest ships still floating. Launched in 1797, she is one of six original frigates autho rized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and the third constructed. The name “Constitu tion” was among ten names proposed to Pres ident George Washington by Secretary of War Timothy Pickering in March of 1795. She was built at Edmund Hartt’s shipyard in the North End of Boston, Massachusetts. Her first duties were to provide protection for American merchant ship ping during the Quasi-War with France and to de feat the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War.

The Constitution is most noted for actions during the War of 1812 against the United Kingdom, which included capturing numerous merchant ships and defeating five smaller British warships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane, and Levant. The battle with Guerriere earned her the nick name “Old Ironsides” and public adoration that has repeatedly saved her from scrapping. She continued to serve as flagship in the Mediter ranean and African squadrons, and she circled the world sailing over 50,000 miles. During the American Civil War, she served as a training ship for the United States Naval Academy.

Constitution was retired from active service in 1881 and served as a receiving ship until being designated a museum ship in 1907. Currently moored at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, the Constitution remains open as living example of America’s maritime heritage.

Heavy caliber cannons called 32 pounder guns were mounted on war ships in the mid-19th cen tury. These cannons fired massive balls of met al traveling about 750 feet per second with a

muzzle energy of over 24,000 foot pounds. Our 32-pounder carronade cannon is being restored by Dan Cullity and Son from East Sandwich, Massachusetts. In addition to their work on the cannon itself, they will construct a period accu rate carriage and gear. The cannon was indexed as number 8 of the 18 -32 pounder carronades carried by the frigate Constitution in the official, definitive survey of all Navy ordnance in 1833. It is believed that this cannon was manufactured around 1822 by West Point Foundry.

When the cannon recently arrived at Dan’s shop, the base was encased in concrete and the whole apparatus weighed over 5,500 pounds. After reducing and removing the concrete, the gun weighs 2500 pounds including its iron base and the original wrought iron hardware found inside the concrete. Next, a quantity of spent firecrackers and other detritus were removed from the carronade barrel. The six inch bore originally accommodated a 32-pound cannon ball launched by 4 pounds of black powder.

Photo: The 32 pounder carronade cannon as it arrived at Dan Cullity and Son’s restoration shop. With the base encased in concrete for display purposes, the cannon weighed over 5,500 pounds. The first task was to delicately remove the concrete from the base without damaging the 200 year old cannon.

Mr. Cullity’s restoration will be broken down into three phases: The first phase is to clean the rust and old paint from the barrel, inside and out, preserving all found markings. The cast iron carronade base mount must be freed. It has been frozen solid from 200 years of rust and concrete. Once this work is complete, several coats of primer and black paint will preserve the gun barrel finish.

The second phase will be to construct a historical ly correct carriage from timber and iron. This work involves research and will incorporate hardware details recovered with this gun. Plans based on the research will be drawn with dimensions for the car riage, the slide and iron hardware including trucks (wheels), elevation screw and the “fighting pin.” These parts allowed aiming and moving the gun. The carriage and its furniture will be made by hand. Blacksmithing, iron casting, machining and timber work will be key aspects of this phase.

The final phase will be to obtain gun tackle blocks. These were used to secure, load, and control a carronade. The fighting pin, tackles and breeching ropes were secured to the vessel. We plan to mount the completed carronade on a small representative section of the spar deck, bulwark, and gun port to display the complete gunnery system.

Top photo: The USS Constitution firing a 17-gun salute near US Coast Guard Base Boston on July 4th, 2014. Middle photo: The concrete display base is delicately chiseled away. Bottom photo: The original anchor bolts are freed with the help of some heat.

Scan QR code to see video of the destructive force produced by a 32 pounder carronade.

1943 Kawanishi N1K1 Kyofu

The “Rex” joins the AHM collection.

Specifications:

1943 N1K1 Kyofu manufactured by Kawanishi Aircraft Company, Japan.

Engine: 1,460 hp Mitsubishi Kasei 13

Wing Span: 39.4 ft.

Height: 15.6 ft. Length: 34.8 ft.

Empty weight: 6,063 lbs.

Max weight: 8,190

Top speed: 304 mph Service ceiling: 34,645 ft. Range: 1050 mi.

Near the beginning of WWII, Japanese military understood that their domination of the Pacific would strain their carrier groups’ reach, limit ing the effectiveness of fighters and bombers being launched from their decks.

Complex airfield construction operations would also restrict forward operating capabil ity of the Japanese Empire. These constraints spurred interest in floatplanes, which do not require an airfield.

Development of a dedicated fighter floatplane began in 1940 with the objective of creating a single seat aircraft with fighter performance. The company Kawanishi was given the lead on

the program and came up with the N1K1 Kyofu (called the “Rex” by Allies). Unlike the biplane configuration used by floatplanes at the time, the Rex utilized a monoplane wing design with a central float and outer floats under each wing. The shape of the aircraft is reminiscent of many Japanese fighters of the time, round ed and streamlined fuselage, with a single seat.

This aircraft is powered by a Mitsubishi Kasei 13 twin row radial engine producing 1,460 hp. The combat flaps on the Rex adjusted auto matically based on the acceleration of the air craft - a unique quality in any float plane. The armament was similar to the Japanese A6M fighter with 2x 20mm cannons in the wings, 2x

Photo above: The N1K1 Kyofu in its current condition on a transport from the National Naval Aviation Museum to a restoration shop in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The aircraft is believed to have seen com bat service with the 951st Kokutai before capture, part of the Sasebo detachment. The unit’s operational range spanned the South Japanese Sea, the South China Sea and Genkai Straight.

7.7mm machine guns in the cowling, and up to 135 pounds of bombs under the wings.

The first flight of the N1K prototype was on May 6th, 1942. Over-all, the pilots liked the new float plane, finding it agile and fairly easy to fly. With the ever-increasing damage to their fleets and positions in the Pacific Theater, the Japa nese had started to lose control of the skies. As a result, the N1K1’s intended role as a for ward-operating attack floatplane was neutral ized by the lack of forward operating positions. By the time the N1K1 Kyofu arrived to fulfill its battlefield role, it was too late. The production of the N1K1 ended quickly in March 1944, with 97 produced.

When the war ended there was a lot of interest in the work Kawanishi did with hull design and aerodynamics. So, the United State Navy found several Rex aircraft in Japan, chose four of the best examples, and brought them to NAS Norfolk for testing.

Today, three Kawanishi Kyofu N1K1 aircraft survive. The one coming to the American Heritage Museum is on a long-term loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum. We will restore much of the aircraft and re-assemble to static condition over the next few years.

Photo: A model poses in front of the American Heritage Museum’s very rare 1927 Rolls Royce Springfield Phantom 1 Phaeton. This is one of several American classic cars in the collection. You can see these beautiful automobiles during our Living History Weekends starting in May and ending in October. See our website for a full listing of events.

COLLINGS FOUNDATION - AMERICAN HERITAGE

We had a vision upon our founding... a goal to honor the Greatest Generation, our veterans of World War II, with an ambitious living history program focused on experiential learning. Through the years, millions of people have experienced history, learned from our veterans, and honored their heritage with us.

You are reading this because you are one of those people.

Now, over 80 years after America entered World War II, those very veterans we sought to honor are fading away to the passage of time. With each veteran that leaves us, their stories of sacrifice, heroism, and selfless duty to our nation can be lost. Similarly, time marches on for our veterans of the Vietnam War and every conflict after. Who will preserve their heritage and present it to future generations so we may learn from what they did?

With your support today, we will. Together.

The opening of the American Heritage Museum in 2019 was only the start... a new way of preserving and presenting living history for not only our World War II generation, but for those who fought for America throughout our history. A permanent home with roots established, the American Heritage Museum is becoming one of the most comprehensive and important history museums in the world. We can only do this with your help.

That is why we ask for your help as 2022 comes to a close - please make the American Heritage Museum and the Collings Foundation part of your year-end giving in any way you can.

Your support has funded restoration programs for artifacts that help tell the stories of our veterans, like the PBY-5A Catalina, WWI Nieuport 28, and the B-17 Flying Fortress. We have added new living history event weekends at the museum and continue to grow our experiential programs like our WWII tank experiences. In the post-COVID world, school field trips are returning and your generosity has helped us create ways to bring lesson plans to life! With each dollar you contribute, you help us plan for future growth in the coming years, ensuring new generations of Americans embrace our shared heritage.

Through all the challenges and change of the past years, you have kept us moving forward. Will you help us maintain this positive direction over the coming year? We invite you to consider becoming an even more important part of our mission now, as a contributor to our annual fund.

YOUR SUPPORT GOES FURTHER

Your contribution to the Annual Campaign can help us make a lasting impact through our living history mission. Your support provides much needed funding for the operation and programs of the Collings Foundation and the American Heritage Museum. Through the efforts of a small staff, a large team of dedicated volunteers, and little overhead, you can be sure that every penny is put to work and your dollar makes more of a difference! As we are not associated with any branch of service or government organization, it is your support alone that will propel our mission to preserve, protect, and present history. Over the past 40+ years, our programs have allowed history to come alive for millions around the United States, including you! Please help us do the same for millions more, and reach future generations of Americans.

Your financial support means more than ever as we continue to move forward and grow... keeping our mission alive. See the attached form below for donation options. Thank you again for being a friend and loyal supporter of our shared mission. Please use the form on page 34 of this magazine to send in a contribution or you can save a stamp and donate online at: http://give.cfdn.org

“A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.”

- President John F. Kennedy, October 1963

There are many ways to help us today...

Give to our educational endowment...

Prior to the pandemic, an American Association of School Administrators survey found that 50% of schools did not plan field trips for the coming year due to dwindling budgets. In the post-pandemic school environment, we fear this will only worsen. We have developed an endowment to assist with admissions, provide bus funding, and develop outreach opportunities at schools so that the American Heritage Museum can bring much needed history and STEM content to students in both large groups and oneon-one.

Preserve your legacy in a gallery...

The American Heritage Museum in Hudson offers an unparalleled way to connect your family or corporate legacy to pivotal events in American history through Gallery Sponsorship. We have a variety of opportunities including new galleries and exhibits planned and available in our world-class museum that will assure your impact is visible for generations to come. Contact us for existing and future naming opportunities as we expand and grow.

Fund a restoration...

The Collings Foundation is committed to identifying, recovering, and restoring historic artifacts from around the world, preserving the valuable history that they embody. Donors play a critical role in funding these major efforts. As you can see in this magazine, we have added many projects in the past year and your generosity will help move their progress forward for eventual inclusion in the American Heritage Museum and our outreach programs.

Become an annual or lifetime member or sponsor...

Membership provides sustaining support to the Collings Foundation and American Heritage Museum with some great benefits. Student, Individual, Dual, and Family programs are available! Consider going the extra distance with a Lifetime Membership or become a Plane Sponsor or Armor Sponsor to support the aircraft or tank you love most! Corporate Memberships are also available for businesses.

Make a lasting impact...

We hope you believe, as we do, that our mission is crucial for future generations. There are many giving options available to preserve your legacy, provide valuable charitable benefits to you and your family, and even preserve income well into the future. We accept donations of public or private common stock, real estate, and other appreciated assets as options to continue our mission.

REACH OUT AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE...

There are many ways you can join us and help keep our mission alive. Reach out to Ryan Keough, Director of Donor Relations and Development at 978-562-9182 or rkeough@collingsfoundation.org and let us help develop a plan that matches your passion today.

LEARN MORE ONLINE AT HTTP://GIVE.CFDN.ORG

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BECOME A MEMBER TODAY

All memberships help support the programs of the American Heritage Museum and the Collings Foundation. By becoming a member, you join the ranks of others who have taken the extra step each year to keep history alive!

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS

Annual Memberships include one year of unlimited admission as outlined below to the American Heritage Museum, a 20% discount to special event tickets at the American Heritage Museum, a 10% discount to the museum store or PX, a window decal, and a subscription to member publications.

Student Membership - $35 - Membership for one student 18 and under includes standard Annual Membership benefits as described above, including admission for the student member.

Individual Membership - $60 - Membership for one person includes standard Annual Membership benefits as described above, including admission for the member.

Participating Membership - $100 - Membership for one person includes standard Annual Membership benefits as described above, including admission for the member. Also includes a $50 voucher to use toward an armor experience (drive or ride).

Dual Membership - $100 - Membership for two adults. Includes standard Annual Membership benefits as described above, including admission for the two adults.

Family Membership - $140 - Membership for two adults and all children under 18. Includes standard Annual Membership benefits as described above, including admission for the family.

ADVANCED MEMBERSHIPS

Advanced Memberships include lifetime unlimited admission for the member and up to three additional people to the American Heritage Museum, a 50% discount to special event tickets at the American Heritage Museum, a 10% discount to the museum store or PX, a window decal, and a subscription to member publications. Additional benefits are outlined below.

Lifetime Membership - $2500 - Membership for one person includes the Advanced Membership benefits as described above. Also includes two (2) certificates for a Tank Experience ride at the American Heritage Museum in Stow, Massachusetts.

Plane Sponsor or Armor Sponsor - $7000 - Support a specific aircraft or tank of your choice from our collection. Membership includes the Advanced Membership benefits as described above. Benefits also include exclusive living history experiences such as tank rides and behind-the-scenes tours for Sponsors. Members may also receive either a personalized A-2 Leather jacket, or a model of the aircraft or tank they sponsor.

SELECT

BELOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OR SPONSOR

� Student Membership: $35 annually (18 and under)

� Individual Membership: $60 annually

� Participating Membership: $100 annually

� Dual Membership: $100 annually

� Family Membership: $140 annually

� Lifetime Membership: $2500 one time contribution

� Plane / Armor Sponsor of _________: $7000 one time

OR, SUPPORT US WITH AN ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION

Support our Annual Fund where your donation is applied to the most urgent needs.

I wish to support... (must select one)

� American Heritage Museum programs and restorations (Collings Foundation, Inc. - EIN 47-1954671)

� Collings Foundation Trust programs and restorations B-17, B-24, B-25, P-51, & Vietnam Memorial Flight (Collings Foundation Trust - EIN 04-2658294)

Donation Amount

� $500 � $250 � $100 � $50 � Other_________

PAYMENT DETAILS

SIGNATURE

Make your check payable to COLLINGS FOUNDATION, INC. and Mail your donation to: The Collings Foundation Attn.: Membership & Contributions 568 Main Street Hudson, MA 01749

http://give.cfdn.org

THE

Collings

Great selection of books for the aviation and history buff. We also carry custom challenge coins, a variety of custom pins and patches, key chains and magnets. Proceeds help the Collings Foundation and American Heritage Museum. Every purchase helps!

Wonderful variety of tee shirts and wearables featuring the Collings Foundation’s historic aircraft collection and American Heritage Museum’s tank collection. Visit our online store to see our full inventory of shirts.