Tanks roll and Civil War reenactors camp out at the Museum of the American G.I.'s History in Motion this weekend

World War II tanks, Vietnam-era armored carriers and a closing artillery barrage return to the grounds of the Museum of the American G.I. for History in Motion, the College Station museum's annual live-action event, on the weekend of Nov. 7-8.

Gates open at 9 a.m. both days, and demonstrations run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the museum's lead educator, Nicole Cross, told KBTX. Each day starts with the anthem at 10:30 a.m. and closes with an artillery demonstration, according to the museum's event page, which advises visitors not to leave early.

Reenactors and living history

This year adds living history displays covering the Civil War through Vietnam, with authentic and reproduction uniforms, equipment and camp setups. Cross told KBTX that many Civil War reenactors are coming, and said volunteers in period uniforms will be stationed around the vehicles to answer questions.

"They love talking to the kids, talking to anyone interested in history and sharing what they know," she told the station.

KBTX also reported that visitors can pick from five different historic rifles this year at the firing station, with special deals offered.

Tickets, rides and parking

Admission is $25 for adults and $10 for ages 5 to 17, with children under 5 free, at the cash price listed by the museum. Online tickets are available to skip the line. History in Motion is billed as a special event day, so regular museum admission does not apply, and the museum building itself is closed during the event because everything happens outdoors.

Rides are sold separately and, according to the museum, count as tax-deductible donations that help maintain its vehicle collection:

• World War II tank ride, two laps of the arena: $160 a person. Riders must be 7 or older and stand at least 52 inches and able to get into and out of the tank without help.
• Ride in an M113 armored personnel carrier from the Vietnam era: $25 a person, with no age minimum as long as the rider can stay seated, including on a lap.
• Firing one blank from a 75 mm cannon: $40 a round, sold only at the event.

The first four ride times each day can be bought in advance until midnight Friday, Nov. 6; the rest are sold first come, first served at the information tent. All riders, or a parent or guardian, must sign a liability waiver. The museum notes that the schedule and the vehicles taking part can change for safety, weather or mechanical reasons.

Parking is free in the Blitzen Lot at neighboring Santa's Wonderland, and visitors walk from there to the admission tent. Food will be sold on the grounds.

Sources

americangimuseum.org

KBTX