The World War II American Experience museum is hosting its annual Military Weekend from July 25-27, 2025. The event will feature displays of military vehicles from the museum’s collection as well as pieces brought in by other collectors; access to the museum’s own world-class collection of military vehicles and other World War II artifacts; the chance to take a ride on jeeps, trucks, half-tracks, and Sherman tanks; a huge living history encampment; appearances by WWII veterans; a Vietnam era rock concert; and exhibits by military organizations and vendors. A total of about 100 vehicles and 100 or more living historians will be present.
A highlight of the weekend will be a Huey helicopter landing at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Adam Buck, vice president for operations of the museum, said, “Military Weekend is a great opportunity to experience history in action. Living historians will provide different impressions of 20th century military units, dozens of historic military vehicles will be demonstrating for the public to see, giving spectators a first hand look at 20th century military history. From hearing the roar of a Sherman tank to speaking with World War II veterans, Military Weekend brings history to life.”
A new event this year will be a book show, where military history authors will be available to discuss, sign, and sell their books.
Saturday night at 6:30, the museum will host a 1960s-1970s rock concert, featuring “The Enlisted,” a rock trio from Carlisle.
The event takes place at the World War II American Experience, 845 Crooked Creek Rd., Gettysburg, PA 17325. Information is available at militaryweekend@visitww2.com
The World War II American Experience is the labor of love of the late Frank Buck, his wife Loni, and their son, Adam. A businessman in the Poconos, Buck assembled one of the largest collections of WWII vehicles – more than 80 – as well as uniforms, weapons, and other memorabilia. After years of hosting drop-in visitors, school groups, and veterans on an informal basis, they opened the museum in 2022.