A few years ago, I and my family visited the AAF Tank Museum in Danville, Virginia. It was a surprise for my brother, since he's studying WWII and has a deep fascination with tanks. The museum had a special offer where we could pick three tanks out of the whole collection and explore them to our hearts' content - under the supervision of staff, of course! As we peered into the dark, grimy depths of tanks not far removed from their respective fronts, the staff member told us the tank's history, the terrain most favorable for the model, and other trivia like top speed and gas mileage. (They had absolutely awful mileage.)

The interior of the tanks were tight and uncomfortable. Definitely not for anyone who is claustrophobic! The metal shielding certainly felt three to five inches thick. There were some places in their depths I was just too big to fit where a 5'3" man could wiggle through easily enough. The history in the tanks was almost palpable.

I was especially excited about their Civil War section, because I am constantly researching the Civil War for my fourth book.

Sadly, the AAF Tank Museum was in financial strife due to lack of funding and donations, and the museum closed for the final time in November 2023. As the director of the museum told us, since it's illegal to privately own many of the tanks, the tanks will likely be taken to a military test range and obliterated by weapons testing.

It was an absolutely amazing place with 100+ tanks, armored troop carriers, and other large military paraphernalia. I'm so thankful I was able to go and experience a bit of history.