HUDSON HISTORY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Inside the Driver’s Hatch: Piloting a 1944 M24 Chaffee at the American Heritage Museum
A 60‑minute program in Hudson that pairs hands‑on instruction with a 20‑minute drive in a restored 1944 M24 Chaffee light tank.
Inside the Driver’s Hatch: Piloting a 1944 M24 Chaffee at the American Heritage Museum.
At the American Heritage Museum in Hudson you can step into a rare piece of mid‑century armored history and learn to operate a 1944 M24 Chaffee light tank under one‑on‑one instruction. The program teaches inspection and basic systems, puts you in the driver’s hatch for a challenging course, and leaves time for photos and hero shots after the run.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Rare, Operable M24 Chaffee
The program uses a restored 1944 M24 Chaffee light tank — a swift, nimble WWII‑era vehicle — and is one of only a handful of operable Chaffees in the United States.
A Compact, Physically Demanding Course
The driving portion includes a turning exercise and a sequence of turns, accelerations and a run over the hill on the tank course that tests the physicality of driving this light tank.
Museum Support Through Driving Donations
All donations for the driving experiences are tax‑deductible and fund the development and growth of the American Heritage Museum, a 501(c)(3) educational organization.
What the day feels like
What It Feels Like Behind the Wheel
The experience begins with suiting up and a one‑on‑one instructor briefing covering inspection, systems and start‑up procedures; after climbing into the left‑side driver’s hatch with the instructor alongside in the co‑driver position, you’ll complete a 20‑minute driving sequence that focuses on steering, acceleration and negotiating a hill — a concentrated, physical taste of what it meant to drive the Chaffee.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this fits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Participants will don tanker overalls and a driver’s helmet as part of the program; confirm any personal accessibility questions with the operator prior to arrival.
Protective clothing and helmets are part of the onboarding process; expect to be outfitted by staff before the instructional portion begins.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the driving portion of the experience?
The full program is 60 minutes long, which includes a 40‑minute introduction and a 20‑minute driving segment.
What is the minimum age to drive the M24 Chaffee?
Drivers must be at least 16 years of age to participate.
Is there a height requirement to drive or ride?
Drivers should be at least 5'2" tall and have sufficient physical strength; any additional riders in the turret must be at least 5' tall. Children under 14 should be accompanied by an adult in the turret if they meet the height requirement.
How much does the experience cost?
The adult driver rate is a $995 donation per driver.
Are driving donations tax deductible?
Yes. All donations from tank driving experiences are tax‑deductible and support the American Heritage Museum, a 501(c)(3) educational organization.
What if I don’t see my desired date available?
If your preferred date does not appear on the calendar, you are instructed to call the operator to inquire about availability.
Will my size or mobility restrict my participation?
Because of the Chaffee’s size limitations, participants may be limited by height, weight and mobility; contact the operator with concerns.