WWII Pacific War Re-enactment – July 12 & 13
Looking for a unique and powerful way to experience history this summer? Head to Hudson, MA on July 12th and 13th for an extraordinary living history event at the American Heritage Museum: the WWII Pacific War Re-enactment – Battle of Okinawa.
From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day, visitors can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and stories of the Pacific Theater. This isn’t your average museum visit—this is history in motion. The centerpiece of the weekend is a large-scale battle re-enactment that brings the harrowing Battle of Okinawa to life, with infantry forces portraying both Japanese and American troops and authentic military encampments on display.
The Fierce Legacy of Okinawa
Fought from April to June 1945, the Battle of Okinawa was the bloodiest campaign in the Pacific Theater. Marked by kamikaze attacks, fierce ground fighting, and tragic civilian casualties, the battle resulted in more than 50,000 Allied and 100,000 Japanese military casualties, along with an estimated 149,000 Okinawan civilians killed.
The Allied victory at Okinawa was strategically crucial, providing a potential staging ground for an invasion of mainland Japan. But the unimaginable toll it exacted forced U.S. military and political leaders to reconsider the path forward. The scale of bloodshed and the fierce Japanese resistance were key factors in the decision to use atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki weeks later—ultimately bringing the war to an abrupt and controversial end.
The re-enactment is scheduled to begin each day around 1:00 PM, with vintage WWII aircraft flying overhead (weather permitting) and wartime military gear on display throughout the grounds.
More Than a Battle Reenactment
Admission to this special weekend event also includes entry to all three museum buildings:
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The American Heritage Museum
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The Historic Aircraft Hangar
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The Classic Car Barn
Plus, for those seeking a truly hands-on experience, WWII tank rides and driving experiences will be offered throughout the weekend! Ride along in a real Sherman tank or sign up to take the controls yourself—an unforgettable way to connect with the machines that shaped history. Space is limited, and advance registration is recommended.
Event Details:
📅 When: Saturday & Sunday, July 12–13, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Battle begins around 1:00 PM)
📍 Where: American Heritage Museum, 568 Main Street, Hudson, MA
🎟 Admission:
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Adults: $30
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Seniors/Veterans: $25
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Children (3–16): $20
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WWII/Korean War Veterans & Children under 3: Free
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Members: Free
Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the gate via credit card or cash.
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