The American Heritage Museum in Hudson has been awarded a $200,000 matching grant as part of the Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF) administered by MassDevelopment and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

The American Heritage Museum is one of ninety-four cultural organizations in the Commonwealth that will be receiving portions of the $7,661,000 total funds distributed. This important funding will enable the AHM to complete the “Hanoi Hilton” Vietnam POW Exhibit expansion that has taken place within the Vietnam War Gallery of the museum, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of those who endured years of captivity, isolation and torture during the Vietnam War.

The AHM is renowned for its commitment to preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of the armed forces of the United States from the Revolutionary War through modern conflicts, and the addition of the Vietnam POW exhibit represents a significant milestone in this mission. The exhibit will provide visitors with an immersive experience, shedding light on the harrowing ordeal of American prisoners of war during the Southeast Asia era.

“We are deeply grateful to MassDevelopment and the Mass Cultural Council for their recognition and support,” Rob Collings, president of the AHM, said. “This matching grant enables us to bring to life an important chapter in our nation’s history and pay tribute to the incredible valor displayed by the POWs of the Vietnam War. It is our honor to provide a platform where their stories can be heard, understood and appreciated by present and future generations.”

The Hanoi Hilton Vietnam War POW exhibit features the reconstruction of an actual cell of the infamous Hoa Lo prison in Hanoi where American POWs were held from 1965 to 1973. From their shootdown and capture into months of interrogation and torture, isolation and inhumane captivity, the fortitude and determination that was shown by these POWs will be on full display for visitors to the AHM. Through the use of cutting-edge technology, multimedia installations and authentic historical artifcats, the AHM aims to foster a deep understanding of the sacrifices made by these POWs up to their release in 1973.

The AHM opened the permanent exhibit in February as part of the 50th anniversary commemorations of Operation Homecoming, the return of the POWs.