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Collings Foundation

The Collings Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization founded in 1979 by Robert F. Collings and his wife, Caroline Collings, with a mission to preserve and promote American heritage through "living history" events that foster direct participation and learning about transportation and military history. The foundation formerly organized immersive experiences, including flight rides in restored World War II aircraft via its annual Wings of Freedom Tour until 2023; the tour featured iconic planes such as the Boeing B-17G Nine-O-Nine Flying Fortress (destroyed in a fatal 2019 crash), Consolidated B-24J Witchcraft Liberator, and North American P-51D Mustang. Following the crash and a 2023 decision to ground its WWII fleet, these aircraft are now preserved on static display. Headquartered in , the foundation expanded its scope in 2019 by opening the in nearby , which houses the renowned Jacques M. Littlefield Collection—one of the world's largest private assemblages of military artifacts, spanning from the to modern conflicts. The museum's 67,000-square-foot exhibit space showcases over 100 armored vehicles, , small arms, and aircraft, emphasizing the stories of service members, technological innovations, and America's role in preserving . Through lectures, interactive displays, and events like the Tanks, Wings & Wheels show, the foundation aims to educate and inspire visitors of all ages about the nation's cultural and historical achievements.

History

Founding and Early Development

The Collings Foundation was established in 1979 by Robert F. Collings and his wife, Caroline Collings, as a non-profit educational organization dedicated to preserving historical artifacts and supporting living history events. Robert Collings, a successful businessman who co-founded and served as CEO of Data Terminal Systems, a pioneering company in electronic cash registers during the 1970s, brought his entrepreneurial expertise and passion for aviation and automotive history to the venture. The foundation was incorporated that year as a 501(c)(3) entity in Massachusetts, enabling tax-deductible contributions to fund its initial activities, which focused on transportation-related demonstrations such as antique car rallies and hill climbs in the Stow area. In its early years, the foundation's emphasis shifted toward preservation as Collings acquired his first aircraft in the early , beginning with a Stearman biplane to highlight early heritage. This marked the start of efforts to restore and exhibit planes, driven by Collings' enthusiasm for operational "living history" rather than static museum pieces. Early relied on private donations from members and event participants, supporting modest restorations and public outreach without large-scale sponsorships at the outset. By the mid-1980s, the foundation organized small-scale airshows, flights, and static displays across , allowing visitors to experience historic aircraft up close and fostering educational engagement with aviation's past. These events laid the groundwork for expanded programming, culminating in the 1989 launch of the Wings of Freedom Tour with major bombers, which broadened the foundation's scope into national preservation efforts.

Major Acquisitions and Expansions

The Collings Foundation marked a significant expansion in its outreach efforts with the launch of the Wings of Freedom Tour in 1989, which brought operational aircraft, including the B-17 Flying Fortress Nine-O-Nine and the B-24 Liberator Witchcraft, to over 3,400 airports across the , educating millions on history through living demonstrations and flight experiences. This touring program not only amplified the foundation's educational mission but also facilitated the acquisition and restoration of additional aircraft, such as the P-51D Mustang Toulouse Nuts, solidifying its role as a premier preserver of wartime heritage. By the early , the tour had evolved into a nationwide staple, reaching 3.5 to 4 million visitors annually and generating funds for further restorations. In the early 2000s, the foundation broadened its scope beyond by acquiring and expanding its automobile collection, which grew to encompass over 25 vehicles spanning the Brass Era to mid-20th-century classics, including notable examples like the 1901 and 1936 Boat-Tail Speedster, as of 2025. This diversification reflected founder Robert Collings' passion for transportation history and integrated automotive exhibits into events at the foundation's facilities, enhancing visitor engagement through themed displays and demonstrations. The collection's growth supported the foundation's goal of illustrating technological evolution, with vehicles often showcased alongside aircraft to highlight interconnected themes of innovation and conflict. A pivotal acquisition occurred in 2014 when the foundation obtained the renowned Jacques M. Littlefield Collection of military vehicles from the disbanded Military Vehicle Technology Foundation, incorporating over 80 tanks, artillery pieces, and other artifacts, such as tanks and Soviet-era Scud missiles, while auctioning select items to fund preservation efforts. This addition dramatically scaled the foundation's holdings, transforming it into one of the largest private repositories of history and necessitating expanded storage and display infrastructure. The integration of these assets into educational programs underscored the foundation's commitment to comprehensive military heritage preservation. To accommodate these growing collections, the foundation developed its , campus in the mid-2010s, establishing dedicated hangar facilities for aircraft maintenance and vehicle storage while hosting public events on the 70-acre site. This operational expansion culminated in the 2019 opening of the 67,000-square-foot in nearby , a state-of-the-art venue designed to house and contextualize the Littlefield acquisitions alongside and automotive exhibits through immersive galleries on American conflicts from the onward. The museum's debut on May 2, 2019, represented the foundation's most ambitious project to date, blending static displays with interactive to reach broader audiences. However, the tragic crash of the B-17 Nine-O-Nine later that year influenced subsequent operational adjustments.

Recent Transitions and Challenges

In October 2019, during the Wings of Freedom Tour, the Collings Foundation's Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress Nine-O-Nine crashed shortly after takeoff from Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, resulting in seven fatalities—including the pilot and co-pilot—and six injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation attributed the accident to the pilot's decision to continue the takeoff after a loss of engine power during the initial climb, along with inadequate maintenance practices, compounded by the foundation's ineffective safety management system. This incident prompted immediate suspension of the tour by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which cited lapses in crew training, maintenance documentation, and overall safety culture, leading to the revocation of the foundation's exemptions for passenger-carrying flights on historic aircraft. The further disrupted operations in 2020, forcing the cancellation of all Wings of Freedom Tour events and the closure of the until Massachusetts entered Phase III of its reopening plan. These measures aligned with state restrictions on public gatherings and travel, significantly impacting the foundation's educational outreach through in-person living history flights. In response to ongoing FAA scrutiny following the 2019 crash, the Collings Foundation announced in December 2023 that it would permanently end the nationwide Wings of Freedom flying tours, transitioning the majority of its aircraft to static displays at its Stow, Massachusetts, facilities, including the American Heritage Museum campus. However, the foundation retained limited airworthy operations for select jet aircraft, such as the North American F-100F Super Sabre, which returned to flight in May 2025 after restoration and conducted demonstration flights based at the Vietnam War Flight Museum. Despite these challenges and persistent safety concerns highlighted by FAA enforcement actions, the foundation continues ongoing restoration efforts on rare aircraft, including the Stuka at the . It maintains FAA accreditation for pilot training programs in the McDonnell Douglas F-4 and Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk through its Vintage Military Flight Experience, emphasizing rigorous instruction on historic jets amid heightened regulatory oversight. Leadership has remained under founder Robert F. Collings and his son Rob Collings, with no major transitions reported as of November 2025.

Mission and Activities

Educational Objectives

The Collings Foundation, established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization in 1979, is dedicated to preserving and presenting American heritage through "living history" events that facilitate direct participation and interactive learning. Its core educational objectives emphasize making history accessible and engaging, particularly by honoring the sacrifices of past generations and instilling a sense of national identity in participants. A primary focus lies in using World War II-era aviation and automotive artifacts as tools to educate about pivotal historical events, encouraging visitors to connect personally with the past through tours, veteran interactions, and hands-on experiences. The foundation targets diverse audiences, including school groups, youth, and veterans, with tailored programs that promote appreciation for and technological achievements; for example, visits to touring allow students to engage directly with preserved artifacts and storytellers. To honor service members, it offers free admission to veterans and active-duty at facilities like the , for example on . These objectives are sustained through fundraising mechanisms, including memberships that provide ongoing support, tax-deductible donations directed toward restorations and programs, and merchandise sales featuring items like limited-edition watches commemorating specific aircraft recoveries, such as the B-24 Liberator "Witchcraft." All contributions enable the maintenance of educational initiatives without reliance on government funding.

Living History Events and Programs

The Collings Foundation organizes a series of events designed to immerse participants in historical contexts through interactive demonstrations and displays. These events primarily occur at the in , where monthly Weekends feature themed activities showcasing the foundation's collections. For instance, the August 2025 WWII Tank Demonstration Weekend included live operations of World War II-era armored vehicles, complemented by displays and veteran interactions. A highlight of these weekends in 2025 was the integration of specialized tributes, such as the Remembrance held on the final day of the August event, honoring recipients through ceremonies and personal stories shared by attendees and re-enactors. Similarly, the October 2025 Battle for the Airfield WWII Re-Enactment Weekend brought together over 300 Allied and re-enactors for simulated combat scenarios involving operational , half-tracks, and on the museum grounds. These programs emphasize hands-on , drawing thousands of visitors annually to witness in action. From 1989 to 2023, the foundation's flagship Wings of Freedom Tour traveled to over 3,600 communities across the , offering fly-overs, static displays, and paid rides in restored aircraft like the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator. The tour concluded in late 2023 following the grounding of its WWII fleet for preservation, shifting focus to static demonstrations and limited flights at fixed venues. As of November 2025, the WWII fleet remains grounded, with aviation activities centered on exhibitions and fly-ins involving partner aircraft. In its place, the foundation now hosts aviation-focused events such as the September 2025 Historic Aviation Weekend, featuring aircraft exhibitions and fly-ins. Beyond , the foundation runs specialized programs like the Race of the Century, a recurring event pitting early 20th-century automobiles against each other in timed races to demonstrate in transportation. First held in and repeated in subsequent years, including 2021, it combines competitive racing with educational narratives on automotive history. Participation in broader air shows, such as the 2025 AirFest at the Cape May County Airport, incorporates WWII aircraft displays, fly-ins, live music, and family-oriented activities like food trucks to engage diverse audiences. To extend accessibility, the foundation offers on-site tours at its facilities, including guided walks around non-flying aircraft and vehicle collections for groups, allowing close-up inspections and historical briefings. These tours, available year-round, provide an alternative to event-based participation and tie into the living history mission without requiring flight experiences.

Facilities

American Heritage Museum

The , located in , opened to the public in May 2019 as the primary exhibition facility of the Collings Foundation. Spanning over 67,000 square feet of exhibit space, it provides dedicated galleries for , automotive, and artifacts, enabling immersive displays that chronicle American history from the to modern conflicts. The museum's design emphasizes educational accessibility through chronologically arranged exhibits and dioramas that contextualize artifacts within historical narratives. Key features include interactive elements such as tank driving experiences with vehicles like the and , available on select dates during spring, summer, and fall, alongside spaces for special event weekends that support demonstrations. The facility integrates the Jacques M. Littlefield Collection, acquired by the foundation in 2013, which forms the core of its armored vehicle displays, including over 80 tanks and related artillery pieces showcased in dedicated halls. Following the conclusion of the Collings Foundation's Wings of Freedom Tour in late 2023, the majority of its historic aircraft fleet transitioned to static display here, enhancing the aviation section with flyable II-era planes now preserved for public viewing. The museum operates year-round from Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with closures on major holidays like , , Christmas Day, and ; extended hours to 6:30 p.m. are offered on , such as November 11, 2025. Admission fees are $23 for adults ($21 if purchased online), $12 for children aged 4–16, and $20 for seniors (62+) and active-duty military or veterans, with free entry for children under 4, and veterans, and foundation members; discounted rates apply for EBT//ConnectorCare cardholders. Group tours are available daily during operating hours for parties of 10 or more, with advance booking recommended two weeks ahead for docent-led experiences tailored to schools, seniors, or general adult groups. The site is fully ADA accessible, including wheelchair-friendly pathways and free handicapped parking.

Stow Campus and Hangar Facilities

The Stow Campus in , has served as the headquarters of the Collings Foundation since its establishment in 1979 by Robert F. Collings. Located on a private airfield, the site was selected for its suitability in supporting the foundation's early efforts in aircraft preservation and restoration, providing a central base for operations amid the organization's growth in the 1980s. This location enabled the foundation to develop its initial infrastructure for housing and maintaining historic artifacts away from public venues. The campus includes multiple hangars primarily used for aircraft restoration and maintenance, where skilled technicians work on warbirds such as the Consolidated B-24J Liberator and . These facilities also accommodate storage for the foundation's automotive collection, including rare Brass Era vehicles like the 1901 Oldsmobile Curved Dash, ensuring secure, climate-controlled environments for long-term preservation. Additionally, the hangars handle overflow from larger events at other sites, supporting logistical needs like parts fabrication and vehicle preparation. The Stow Campus played a pivotal role in the foundation's early airshows, hosting the inaugural Wings of Freedom Tour in 1989, which showcased flying WWII bombers to educate the public on aviation history. Today, flying operations remain limited to pilot training on select airworthy aircraft, including jets like the McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom, conducted under strict regulatory oversight following the suspension of public tours in 2019. While the foundation has shifted some public-facing activities to the nearby in , the Stow site continues as the operational hub for maintenance and specialized activities. Access to the Stow Campus is restricted, available only by for organized groups and , emphasizing its function as a working facility rather than a visitor destination. This contrasts with the open-access model of the , allowing the campus to prioritize behind-the-scenes preservation without public interruptions.

Collections

Aviation Collection

The Aviation Collection of the Collings Foundation encompasses over 20 historic , primarily focusing on heavy bombers, jet-age fighters, and War-era helicopters, many recovered from wrecks or obscurity to preserve for educational display. Following a 2019 accident involving the B-17G and subsequent scrutiny, the Foundation grounded its Wings of Freedom Tour in late 2023, transitioning most to static exhibits at the while retaining airworthiness for select post-war examples. This shift emphasizes long-term preservation over flight operations, allowing public access to rare machines that illustrate key chapters in history. Central to the collection are iconic bombers, including the B-17G Nine-O-Nine (serial 44-83575), a fully restored Flying Fortress that flew extensively in flights until its 2019 crash, after which it was deemed unairworthy and placed on static display. Similarly, the Consolidated B-24J Liberator Witchcraft (serial 44-44052), the world's only flying example prior to grounding, now serves as a static exhibit post-2023, highlighting the Liberator's role in campaigns with its four-engine design and heavy payload capacity. These "landmark" aircraft were meticulously recovered and restored over decades; for instance, Witchcraft underwent a multi-year overhaul in the 1980s to return it to airworthy condition before its recent transition to display status. The collection extends into the jet age with notable fighters such as the McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II (serial 66-7559), a versatile interceptor that set multiple speed and altitude records during its service and remains airworthy as of 2025, though it has not flown recently. Complementing it are the (TA-4J variant), a carrier-based renowned for its simplicity and combat use in , which performed demonstration flights at events like the 2025 Midland Airsho and Wings Over Airshow. The North American F-100F Super Sabre (serial 56-3951), one of only two airworthy examples worldwide, resumed flights in 2024 after a long hiatus and continued operations into 2025, including a flight, underscoring the Foundation's commitment to maintaining supersonic-era icons in flyable condition. Vietnam-era assets include the Bell UH-1E (Bureau Number 153762), a Marine Corps variant that exemplifies the helicopter's pivotal role in troop transport and medevac missions, now preserved as a static piece in the collection. Restoration efforts continue for key holdings, such as a replacement B-17G transferred to specialists for flightworthiness evaluation in recent years, aiming to restore another Flying Fortress to original configuration for potential future or limited operations. Overall, the aviation holdings prioritize recovered rarities like the jet fighter replica and dual-control P-51 Mustangs, maintained to educate visitors on technological advancements and wartime sacrifices through immersive, historically accurate presentations.

Automotive Collection

The Automotive Collection of the Collings Foundation encompasses over 70 vehicles, highlighting American automotive innovation from the Brass Era through the classic period of the 1920s to 1950s, with a strong emphasis on cultural artifacts and racing heritage. These automobiles, many restored to operational condition, illustrate key milestones in engineering, such as and overhead-valve engines, while preserving ties to early 20th-century life and mobility. The Brass Era segment features 13 pioneering vehicles from the early 1900s, named for their prominent brass fittings and representing the dawn of mass-produced automobiles. Notable examples include the 1901 Model R, the first car to bear the name and an early success with over 19,000 units produced; the 1908 Open Roadster, which earned the Dewar Trophy for demonstrating interchangeable parts reliability; and the 1913 Touring Car, capable of 45 mph and 25 mpg, emblematic of affordable transportation that transformed society. Other highlights encompass the 1906 Pope Waverly Electric Carriage, the only electric model by manufacturer Colonel Pope, and the 1916 Model 44 Touring Car, introducing America's first production V-8 engine. These artifacts underscore the era's experimentation with , electric, and power, reflecting broader cultural shifts toward personal mobility. Transitioning to the Roaring 20s and classic era, the collection includes elegant luxury models like and sedans and convertibles, alongside sporty designs that captured the glamour and speed of the interwar years. Representative vehicles feature the 1930 Cord Model L-29 Convertible Coupe, one of the first front-wheel-drive cars and a low-slung icon that influenced automotive styling; the 1932 SJ Dual-Cowl , powered by a supercharged linked to racing triumphs including multiple victories; and the 1936 Auburn Boat-Tail Speedster, with its supercharged Lycoming V-8 achieving over 100 mph, symbolizing Art Deco-era opulence. The 1931 Roadster, the marque's only designated "classic" model, further exemplifies refined engineering with its straight-eight powerplant and ties to Studebaker's brief Indy racing efforts in . The subset showcases American motorsport evolution, including winners and team cars, sprint cars from the 1920s through the 1950s, and racers of the 1930s-1950s, emphasizing dirt-track and racing's role in automotive development. Key pieces include the 1961 Trevis Offy, a factory team car and sister to A.J. Foyt's Indy 500-winning entry that year, highlighting rear-engine innovations; the 1913 Speedster Raceabout replica, evoking early speed records set at tracks like the Speedway; and the 1971 T-192, a racer driven by known for its exceptional handling. Sprint and examples span pre- and post-WWII eras, capturing the grassroots thrill of short-track racing that popularized circuits across the U.S. A standout celebrity vehicle is the unrestored 1940 Cadillac Series 75 Limousine with V-16 engine, originally owned by gangster and ordered post-incarceration for secure transport, embodying Prohibition-era extravagance and infamy through its armored features and 368-horsepower powertrain. Overall, the collection integrates automobilia such as period tools, signage, and , connecting vehicles to broader narratives of innovation, leisure, and in .

Military Vehicle Collection

The Military Vehicle Collection of the Collings Foundation encompasses over 100 ground-based military artifacts, ranging from Revolutionary War-era to modern armored vehicles, tanks, and transport pieces, housed primarily at the . Acquired in 2014 from the estate of Jacques M. Littlefield, founder of the Military Vehicle Technology Foundation, this collection forms the core of the foundation's ground forces exhibits and has greatly expanded its capacity for educational programming. A significant portion of the collection highlights armored warfare, featuring operational U.S. medium tanks in variants such as the M4A3, which were pivotal in Allied campaigns across and the Pacific. German examples include the rare Ausf. A tank, recovered from a river crossing and restored to showcase Axis engineering prowess on the Eastern Front. Complementing these are U.S. half-tracks like the M3 personnel carrier and , essential for support and anti-aircraft roles during the conflict. The collection also covers Cold War and Vietnam War eras with vehicles such as the M48A3 Patton , a first-generation U.S. design that saw extensive service in and later conflicts. Transport vehicles like the , iconic for its role in troop movements and casualty evacuations, further illustrate post-WWII tactics. These pieces provide context for evolving U.S. amid global tensions. All vehicles in the collection are meticulously maintained for operational use, enabling immersive demonstrations that bring mechanical and tactical history to life. For instance, during the 2025 WWII Tank Demonstration Weekend in May, attendees witnessed tank maneuvers, parades, and driving sessions featuring Shermans and other WWII-era armor, underscoring the foundation's commitment to interactive preservation.

Legacy and Impact

Contributions to Preservation

The Collings Foundation has led significant restoration efforts for rare historic aircraft, exemplified by its work on the Consolidated B-24J Liberator "Witchcraft," acquired in 1984 and returned to airworthy condition in 1989 following a multi-year project that encompassed over 97,000 man-hours of labor, replacement of more than 420,000 rivets, and restoration of approximately 80% of the aircraft's 1.2 million parts. This initiative marked the revival of the world's only flying B-24J, preserving a critical piece of World War II aviation history that had been abandoned post-war and later repurposed by the Indian Air Force until 1968. Similarly, the foundation has extended its preservation leadership to military vehicles by acquiring the Jacques M. Littlefield Collection in 2014, integrating over 80 restored tanks, artillery pieces, and other artifacts into the American Heritage Museum, where they are maintained as one of the largest such assemblages globally to prevent deterioration and ensure long-term accessibility. These restorations rely on partnerships with industry experts to achieve authentic maintenance, as seen in the B-24 project where , , , and additional contributors provided specialized parts, materials, and technical knowledge to replicate original specifications. The foundation further supports preservation through structured pilot training programs in historic jets like the McDonnell Douglas F-4 and Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk, which require participants to hold FAA Pilot licenses or higher, fostering skilled operation while adhering to federal aviation standards for safe, period-accurate flights. Comprehensive documentation of each artifact's , technical specifications, and restoration history—detailed on the foundation's official resources—serves as a for ongoing and educational use by future generations. The foundation's financial model bolsters these preservation activities through revenue generated by events, such as the Wings of Freedom Tour featuring flight experiences in restored bombers, combined with targeted donations that cover high operational costs like the $4,000 per hour required to fly the B-24. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it channels funds from annual campaigns, event admissions, and supporter contributions directly into maintenance and artifact care, ensuring sustainability without compromising historical integrity.

Public Engagement and Recognition

The Collings Foundation has engaged millions of visitors through its Wings of Freedom Tour and museum exhibits, providing hands-on experiences with historic aircraft and vehicles that foster a deeper appreciation for American military history. The tour, which annually visited over 110 cities across the prior to its suspension, allowed public access to rare warbirds like the B-17 Flying Fortress and P-51 Mustang, enabling tours inside the aircraft and educational briefings on their roles in . Estimates indicate that 3.5 to 4 million people encountered these exhibits each year. The , opened in 2019, attracts approximately 50,000 visitors annually as of 2025, offering immersive displays of military artifacts. Media coverage has highlighted the foundation's restoration efforts and flight operations, amplifying its reach. In 2025, outlets reported on the return to flight of the foundation's F-100F Super Sabre, a Vietnam-era jet restored after years of maintenance, marking a significant milestone in preserving Cold War aviation history. Features on aircraft overhauls, such as the B-24 Liberator "Witchcraft," have appeared in aviation publications, emphasizing the technical challenges and historical accuracy involved. The foundation has received recognition from aviation organizations for its educational contributions. In 2017, CEO Rob Collings was awarded the Aero Club of New England's President's Medal for advancing aviation preservation and public outreach through living history programs. This accolade underscores the foundation's impact on inspiring future generations with interactive exhibits at the . Community involvement includes tributes and programs that strengthen local ties. The offers free admission to veterans and active-duty military on , honoring their service with dedicated events at the . Educational initiatives support groups, with donations funding visits for middle and high classes to experience immersive displays on . These efforts align with the 's mission to educate youth and commemorate veterans through artifacts and storytelling. The continues limited flight operations with non-WWII aircraft, such as the F-100F Super Sabre, TP-40N Warhawk, and TA-4J Skyhawk in 2025, alongside static displays. Following the 2019 B-17 Flying Fortress crash at , which killed seven people due to pilot actions, maintenance deficiencies, and an ineffective , the foundation faced scrutiny and temporarily suspended flight operations. Public perception was challenged by investigations revealing oversight gaps, leading to a 2023 decision to ground the Wings of Freedom Tour and shift focus to static museum displays. Despite these setbacks, the foundation has continued operations, reaching new audiences through the American Heritage Museum's exhibits and restoring aircraft like the F-100F to maintain its preservation legacy.

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