Museum Of American Armor

We visited the museum for the first time on October 11^th. It’s open Wednesday — Sunday from 10AM-​4pm. Admission for the museum is $ 10 for adults, $ 7 for children 5 – 12, Children under 5 are admitted for free, and $ 7 for seniors, veterans, and firefighters.
The museum is located on the same grounds as the Old Bethpage Restoration Village but it was built so visitors to the Village wouldn’t see it. Since the Village has homes and buildings from the 1800’s, it would have ruined the experience seeing military armor while walking around. But you’ll see a sign right at the entrance to the museum on Round Swamp Rd on your left that you can’t miss.
The museum has has tanks, half tracks, armored cars, anti-​aircraft guns, etc. It has a number of special events throughout the year which you can find out about by visiting their website.
We visited the museum for an event called the «Armored Experience». From what I understand it’s held once a month. We had a great time! You have to call the museum to see when the next event is and it will cost about $ 75.00. It’s worth it for anyone that’s interested in WWII and military armor.
First you’re suited up in a WWII helmet and jacket, given a briefing as to what the mission of the armored patrol is, then you’re assigned to an armored vehicle that is part of an armored column of half tracks, scout cars, M8 Greyhounds, etc. We were aboard a half track with a gunner and driver.
The armored column meets up with an infantry patrol including medics and a Sherman tank that joins our patrol. There’s contact with german infantry through the woods and a battle while traveling in a field. Our gunner let us fire the heavy machine gun during the battle (firing blanks of course). The infantry uses the armored vehicles for cover across the field, uses flanking maneuvers, medics bring the wounded onto to some of the vehicles, etc. Really well done.
I have to tell you that all of the guys, and women, are all volunteer and did an amazing job. I can’t say enough good things about this event.
This is a great museum to visit for anyone interested in military history. The museum isn’t very large, so I would advise that you go during an event and take a look at the museum when you’re there.