“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

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 experienced history, learned from our veterans, and honored their heritage with us.

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 disappear with them. Similarly, time marches on for our veterans of the Vietnam War and every conflict after. Who will preserve their heritage and present it to our future generations when their voices become silent 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 at all points in our history. A permanent home to establish roots to grow from, the American Heritage Museum continues to grow to become 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 – we ask you to make the American Heritage Museum and the Collings Foundation a part of your year-end giving in any way you can.

Your support has helped to fund restoration programs of artifacts to 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 have contributed, you are helping us to plan for future expansions and growth in the coming years that will ensure 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 FARTHER
Your contribution to the Annual Campaign can help us make a lasting impact in 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 yourself. You can help us do the same for millions more that will touch 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.

Give to the Collings Foundation or American Heritage Museum Annual Fund

Do you want to help the most pressing needs at the Collings Foundation or the American Heritage Museum? Consider a donation to our Annual Fund. All donations to the Annual Fund help support year-end operations, maintenance, restorations, and development of our educational program planning for the next year.
Learn more about giving to the Collings Foundation or American Heritage Museum Annual Fund at this link.

Become a Member of the American Heritage Museum and the Collings Foundation

Membership to the American Heritage Museum and Collings Foundation is a fantastic way to contribute each year and become an active part of the Collings Foundation and the American Heritage Museum. Membership is available for student, individuals, couples, and families and include great benefits such as free admission, discounts, and volunteer opportunities. Lifetime memberships are also available.
Click here to learn more about membership and purchase a membership online…

Support the Construction of the Hanoi Hilton Vietnam POW/MIA Exhibit Including the Original Hỏa Lò Prison Cells

Please support the powerful Hanoi Hilton Vietnam POW/MIA exhibit currently under construction for a February 2023 opening at the American Heritage Museum. The exhibit includes the only original cells of the Hỏa Lò Prison, known as the “Hanoi Hilton” outside of Vietnam. This is an important story that will add much more to the Vietnam War Gallery at the AHM.
Click here to learn more about the Hanoi Hilton POW/MIA Exhibit and giving to the effort.

Become a Plane Sponsor or Armor Sponsor

There is no better way to support your special aircraft, vehicle, or museum than to become a Plane Sponsor or Armor Sponsor. Your donation goes right to the program that you are most dedicated to, and your directed support helps us fund new restoration or expansion.
Click here to learn more about these programs and donate online…

Give to our educational field trip endowment…

An American Association of School Administrators survey found that 50% of schools did not plan field trips for the coming year. Budgetary crunches are partially to blame. We intend to develop an endowment to assist with admissions, and provide bus funding so that the American Heritage Museum can bring much needed history and STEM content to students.
Click to donate online to the educational field trip endowment…

How to Contribute

Contributions may be made through cash, check or money order, or Mastercard or Visa. Donations of appreciated stock are also accepted.

Monetary donations are essential and our greatest need. There are a variety of ways to support the Collings Foundation. Estate provisions, IRA payments, foundation grants and stock are always appreciated. Over ninety-five cents of every dollar donated goes directly to our programs including operations, maintenance, restoration and endowment for the future.

Employer Gift Matches
Did you know that many companies will match a portion of the charitable contributions by employees each year? Grow your gift and impact through an employer match – search for your company and matching gift instructions using our search engine at the link below.
Learn more about and search for employer matches at this link.

Contact Us Today

Please contact our Development Office with any questions you may have about giving and sponsorship to help further our mission of living history for future generations!

Contact: Ryan Keough
Director of Donor Relations and Development
978-562-9182 office – rkeough@collingsfoundation.org