Our
Museum
In a move designed to further strengthen Nassau County’s destination tourism industry, while simultaneously providing a new source of revenue for the county’s park system, the 25,000-square-foot Museum of American Armor was born, just inside the grounds of the Old Bethpage Village Restoration.
The ability of the museum to create a military armored column among vintage farm houses and country roads, accurately replicating the sights and sounds of American forces during World War II, stands as one of the most compelling educational tools our region has at its disposal, in telling the seminal story of American courage, valor, and sacrifice—a virtual time machine, if you will.
“Our goal is to bring the sights and sounds of American history to a new generation and thereby pay tribute to those who defended our freedoms.”
“Seeing these vehicles cross an open field as Airpower’s vintage fighters fly overhead recreates a moment in time that allows us to begin to appreciate what was required by our grandfathers to defeat an evil that even today we cannot fully comprehend," said Lawrence Kadish, chairman and founder of the Museum of American Armor.
Operational vehicles on public display include an iconic Sherman tank, a Stuart light tank used extensively by the Marines during their Pacific campaigns, a potent 155 mm howitzer, reconnaissance vehicles that acted as armored scouts for American forces, anti-aircraft guns, and similar weapons that broke the back of the Axis powers during World War II.
Other vehicles range from a classic LaSalle staff car in the markings of a Fleet Admiral, to jeeps, weapons carriers, and half-tracks. Multimedia displays augment this exhibition, as visitors young and old have the unique opportunity to view tanks under repair and restoration.
Our
Founder
For over four decades, Lawrence Kadish, president and founder of the Museum of American Armor, has strengthened institutions and initiatives which aid democracy around the world, while assisting America in its efforts to protect and enhance our national security.
He views the formation of the Museum of American Armor as a strategic move to reconnect a new generation of Americans with the courage, valor, and sacrifice of those who have defended our nation.
Through its programs, educational initiatives, and exhibits—many funded through the efforts of Lawrence and Susan Kadish—the museum has been cited by the Long Island Social Studies Council and Dr. Libby O'Connell, History Channel Chief Historian Emeritus.
Mr. Kadish continues his leadership roles as a founding board member of the Gatestone Institute, Human Rights Voices, Americans for Victory Over Terrorism, and the Committee for Security and Peace in the Middle East.
A commercial, retail, and industrial real estate investor and developer with national holdings, Mr. Kadish began his career in Brooklyn, securing an electrical engineering degree before launching his entrepreneurial career.
Today, Lawrence Kadish is a published columnist, as well as a determined and effective leader who continues to assist in protecting American values, the cause of democracy, and the future of this great nation.
Bob Inslee
In Memoriam
We honor the memory of Bob, a dedicated volunteer since our museum’s opening in 2010. A proud military veteran and passionate student of American history, Bob was committed to keeping the past alive for future generations.
His steady presence, humility, and devotion to service left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
Mark Wilson
Volunteer
Mark has been a museum volunteer since 2016, overseeing our website and Instagram account, and serving as a crew member on our M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer. His passion for World War II traces back to his childhood, inspired by his grandfather's service as a P51 Mustang pilot in the Philippines
Kevin Carroll
Volunteer
Kevin has been a volunteer since 2015 and joined the team while looking to find some volunteer work after he retired. Kevin does it all as he acts as the Community Affairs director and devotes his time to Museum Volunteer Recruitment, organizing special events, authoring museum articles and so much more! His favorite thing about being a volunteer is the people! From everyday walk in visitors, VIP guests and military veterans he loves being able to share the museums assets with them.
Katie Weiner
Volunteer
Katie is a Long Island native who has been a volunteer at the Museum of American Armor for 7 years. During college, she was a history major with a specialization in military history. Her favorite memory was her first tank ride in the M48 Patton.
Mike Justin
Volunteer
Originally from Northern Ireland, Mike has volunteered at the museum since early 2016. A M18 Hellcat driver, his favorite memory is speaking at a high school event, where his children were in attendance!
Chris Suhr
Volunteer
Chris has been a volunteer at the Museum of American Armor since its inception in 2010. Chris resides in Massapequa Park where he's been retired for 11 years. With airplanes as his passion, Chris was an aircraft mechanic with the Air Force. He then volunteered at the Air Power Museum for 13 years before moving to the Museum of American Armor. Now, Chris does repair work and metal fabrication on the museum's vehicles while driving the half-track in the museum's reenactments.
Nicholas Casseus
Volunteer
Nick has been volunteering with MOAA for almost 4 years and showed great interest in WWII history from a young age. He discovered early on that not a lot of people who looked like him were represented in the reenactments and took it upon himself to change that. He takes immense pride in portraying the legacy of those who served before him.
Andrew Strain
Volunteer
Andrew Strain has been appointed Director of Historic Vehicle Maintenance and Restoration, a role reflecting his significant accomplishments with the Armor Museum’s fleet, strong project management skills, and the successful implementation of innovations and repair efficiencies that have dramatically improved vehicle reliability and restoration timelines.
Steven Bennett
Volunteer
Steven has been a museum volunteer since 2015, owning several of the displays, and serving as a crew member on our M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer. His passion for World War II traces back to his childhood, inspired by his grandfather's service in the 9th air Corp serving in the 274th AA ordnance Maintenance Co, serving on the front lines in Europe during the war.
Zac Schwartz
Volunteer
Zac has been a volunteer at the museum since 2019. Motivated by his grandfather's work as a WWII mechanic, Zac enjoys repairing and maintaining the museum's vehicles, working on reenactments, and learning more about the history of WWII.
Shane Ekberg
Volunteer
Shane started with the MoAA in 2019. He is the museums Assistant Director. He believes it’s important to continue the museum’s efforts to recognize the sacrifices that were made by our soldiers overseas and the role of civilians at home in wartime. Shane has shouldered a number of responsibilities at the museum relating to vehicle maintenance, operational readiness, and event logistics. Since becoming a volunteer he has purchased his own M2 halftrack and Willys MB jeep. He reports that seeing the visitors’ smiles as they ride in the back of his halftrack during the museum’s Armor Experience program is one of the many rewarding aspects of being a part of the volunteer corps.
Andrew Oberg
Volunteer
Andrew has an extensive background in military history. He served in the Army National Guard for three years as a motor transport operator. He also has nine years’ experience with the Armor Museum’s sister institution, The Cradle of Aviation. Because of Andrew’s service in the armed forces and his passion for history, you’ll likely find him working under a vehicle, speaking to a visitor about the collection, or listening to the veterans who often come to the Armor Museum to share their stories. Andrew particularly enjoys the museum’s Armor Experience program that immerses participants in a WW II armor column, one of many opportunities for Andrew that allows him to keep our country’s military history relevant to each new generation.
Jesse Schaefer
Volunteer
Jesse joined the museum in early 2021. He makes the trek from his hometown of Island Park to Old Bethpage a couple of times a week. Both his grandfathers served in the Navy as mechanics in WW II. Jesse’s role in helping to repair the engine in the Sherman tank is not only a great source of pride for him, but the experience also gave him a new appreciation for his family's contributions during the war. While Jesse enjoys all the museum events, he considers participating in parades in museum vehicles to be among his most memorable experiences.
George Morrish
Volunteer
George has had a long fascination with tanks and armor. Before joining the Museum of American Armor, he volunteered at the American Armored Foundation, commuting regularly to Virginia for almost 30 years. He lends his expertise wherever it’s needed. He enjoys working on vehicles and engaging the museum’s visitors. For George, the best part of being a volunteer at the MoAA is the sense of camaraderie he shares with the other volunteers, and engaging museum guests.
Max Cheney
Volunteer
Max’s journey into the volunteer corps at the Museum of American Armor began by chance when he delivered brushes from his family’s business and stayed to watch the crew at work. A simple conversation led to his induction, and he quickly became a valued member of the team. Since joining, he has developed a deep appreciation for the museum’s history, especially the stories of soldiers—including his own grandfathers. His standout moments include helping replace tracks on the M18 Hellcat and taking the commander’s seat in the M4 Sherman during Armor Experience events.
Louis Forrisi, Lt. Col. (ret.)
Volunteer
Lou brings decades of experience to the Museum of American Armor following a 46-year career in the U.S. Army, where he rose from enlisted soldier in 1969 to Lieutenant Colonel and served in Vietnam, Desert Shield/Storm, and Iraq. After retirement, he missed the camaraderie and sense of purpose that defined military life. In 2023, he joined the museum and quickly found a home among fellow veterans and volunteers. Today, he is a valued presence, sharing his experiences and helping bring military history to life for visitors.
Anthony Galvin
Volunteer
Anthony served as a U.S. Army Reservist from 2014 to 2022 as a Heavy Equipment Operator (12N), building and maintaining critical infrastructure to support mission readiness. In 2023, he joined the Museum of American Armor, seeking to continue the purpose and camaraderie he valued in the military. He plays a key role in maintaining and repairing historic armored vehicles, ensuring they remain operational for demonstrations. He also engages with visitors—especially younger audiences—helping preserve and pass on the history behind the collection.
Rob Finnerty
Volunteer
Rob began volunteering at the Museum of American Armor in early 2024, driven by a strong family connection to military service spanning his grandfather, father, and son. He sees his work as a way to honor their legacy while helping preserve the history of those who served, and values the camaraderie of being around like-minded people. One of his standout moments was helping get the museum’s M74 Armored Recovery Vehicle, “Moose,” running just in time for the World War II Encampment Weekend—surprising everyone. Outside the museum, Rob enjoys restoring classic vehicles and is currently converting a 1962 CJ-3B into a Filipino Army-style M606.
Frank O'Brien
Volunteer
Frank’s connection to the Museum of American Armor dates back more than twenty years, when he helped maintain and transport the collection before it had a permanent home. Since the museum opened in 2014, he has remained a dedicated volunteer, regularly contributing his time and expertise on-site. His commitment is deeply personal, honoring his father, a B-17 combat veteran who flew 35 missions during World War II. He also owns a WWII-era M38 Jeep, which he brings to the museum and local events to help keep history visible and engaging.
John Gardner
Volunteer
John has not only been ‘turning wrenches’ since his teenage years, but was
further enhancing his work skills at jobs as unique as oil rig roustabout and race
horse groom! An Air Force veteran, John served as crew chief on an EC-130H, an
electronic warfare aircraft. Armed with a wealth of experience, John began work
as an automotive mechanic with the Village of Garden City. Rising through the
ranks, John capped his long career at the Village by heading his department as
Fleet Maintenance Supervisor. He retired in 2025 and joined with us as a
volunteer. At home, John loves spending time with his wife, 3 children, and 3
grandkids. At the Museum, his good humor and friendship are as much valued as his management and mechanical talent.
Frank Guariglia
Volunteer
Frank began visiting the Museum of American Armor shortly after it opened and, inspired by its growth, joined as a volunteer in 2019. With a background in automotive restoration and a passion for military history, he plays a key role in maintaining and operating the museum’s historic vehicles for major events. His favorite vehicle is the Sd.Kfz. 251 Hanomag half-track, which he often drives during reenactments, bringing history to life for visitors. He also greets guests at the entrance, sharing his knowledge and helping connect people to the museum’s mission.
Corporate
Sponsors
