Remembering the Emancipation Proclamation and the Civil War - join us this Saturday, 1pm to 2:30pm, for an engaging talk by Ryan Curley about two local Union Soldiers, their correspondence and experiences. No reservations needed. More information see: www.americanheritagemuseum.org/event/speaker-series-unearthing-the-stories-of-union-soldier-broth...
What is your favorite "weird" military vehicle? Something that's maybe a little odd looking, but you love it all the same!![]()
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Join the conversation and share your thoughts! 💭 Each week, We're posing a question about historical military vehicles, and we want YOU to weigh in. Whether you’re a history buff, or just curious—we want to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below to cast your vote! 👇![]()
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#QuestionOfTheWeek
Here is this week’s challenge for “What is it Wednesday?” - What is it?! ![]()
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Thanks to everyone who played last week… the answer for June 11th is a part of a 75mm gun breach… see the previous post for the full details!![]()
Good luck on this week’s challenge! ![]()
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#americanheritagemuseum #historymuseum #visitma
Join us this Saturday, June 21st, 1pm to 2:30pm, for a special Speaker Series presentation by Ryan Curley. Titled: Unearthing the Stories of Union Soldier Brothers: A Personal Tour of the American Civil War. For more information see: www.americanheritagemuseum.org/event/speaker-series-unearthing-the-stories-of-union-soldier-broth...
The answer to the “What is it? Wednesday” question from June 11th is a part of the firing mechanism on our M3 Gun Motor Carriage!![]()
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Stay tuned for the next “What is it? Wednesday” question tomorrow, June 18th at 10:00 am EST!![]()
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#americanheritagemuseum #whatisitwednesday
- This event has passed.
History After Hours: Maj. Carpenter & “Rosie the Rocketer” with Jim Busha
May 15 @ 6:00 pm, ending 8:30 pm
$15 – $20
History After Hours is a Monthly Evening Program for American Heritage Museum Guests and Members to learn more about some of the fascinating stories surrounding the history presented in the museum. History After Hours events are 6:00pm to 8:30pm.
Our May 15, 2025 History After Hours Program features Jim Busha, noted aviation historian and journalist and author of Bazooka Charlie: The Unbelievable Story of Major Charles Carpenter and Rosie the Rocketer.
Major Charles Carpenter made headlines during the Second World War when he affixed six bazookas to his tiny Piper L-4 observation plane and began attacking German tanks – successfully destroying six German tanks and destroying or disabling several German armored vehicles. “Bazooka Charlie” and his plane “Rosie the Rocketer” were profiled in a variety of military and civilian publications, including the iconic Stars & Stripes. His efforts earned him the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
The major was a high school educator in the civilian world, teaching history and coaching football. In 1945, the dashing pilot was forced out of the cockpit and into a hospital bed by Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which was discovered in his neck. In addition to the enemy and terminal cancer, Carpenter also battled cynicism and guilt, particularly in regard to the state of his marriage, which was on the brink of failure by the time he returned home from Europe. Charles Carpenter died in 1966, having resumed his career, salvaged his marriage, and long outlived the timeline afforded him by his doctors in the initial prognosis.
This revealing biography of the famous pilot was made possible through the collaboration of Jim Busha and Carpenter’s daughter, Carol Apacki. Along with memories of her father in his postwar years, Carol provided a treasure trove of wartime correspondence between Charles and his wife, Elda Carpenter.
The actual L-4 flown by Carpenter, “Rosie the Rocketer” was found by the American Heritage Museum in 2019 and restored to flying condition. It will be on display this evening for visitors to see.
Program Admission
$15 per person advance sale online
$20 per person at the event
Admission is free for American Heritage Museum members.
(Not a member? Click here to purchase a membership and email [email protected]
with your member ID number for the promo code for members)
Click Here to Buy Tickets to History After Hours on May 15, 2025
