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FEATURED ARTICLES

First Flight Centennial Celebration – Dec 12-17, 2003

First Flight Centennial Celebration – Dec 12-17, 2003

Daily Themes Friday, December 12: Igniting the Imagination This day was designed to inspire the next generation of aviators by engaging children of all ages in the power of flight. The day's highlights included the Raleigh Boys Choir singing the National Anthem at...

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Monument Restoration and Rededication – 1998

Monument Restoration and Rededication – 1998

What is gray on the outside, pink on the inside, has a star-shaped foot and stands 61 feet high?  It is the monument dedicated to the Wright Brothers in a ceremony attended by Orville Wright on November 19, 1932, making it the largest monument ever dedicated to a...

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Mr. Harry B. Combs

Harry Combs' Gift Brings the Flyer Home Harry Combs' Gift Brings the Flyer Home Thanks to the generosity of Harry B. Combs, a full-scale, authentic reproduction of the 1903 Wright Flyer will become a permanent exhibit at Wright Brothers National Memorial. Combs, noted...

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

2020 117th Commemoration of the First Flight-Virtual

2020 117th Commemoration of the First Flight-Virtual

Wright Brothers National Memorial hosts virtual-only celebration event on first flight anniversary12-17-28, 25th Anniversary, Orville Wright marks Take-offOn Thursday, December 17, 2020, Wright Brothers National Memorial, in partnership with First Flight...

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Wrights World Debut

Wrights World Debut

This day, August 8, 1908, as today in 2020, was a Saturday.  On this day, August 8, 1908, Wilbur Wright flew at the Les Hunaudieres Race Course in Le Mans, France, his first of nine flights over the next few days. And as we say in 2020, the crowd went wild. Wilbur...

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National Parks amidst COVID 19

National Parks amidst COVID 19

A word from our Outer Banks National Parks. The Foundation appreciates this measure to address federal and state guidelines and provide access to outdoor areas of our national parks. From: Barber, Michael C (Michael_Barber@nps.gov) on behalf of CAHA Public Affairs,...

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Innovators of Aviation Showcase

Innovators of Aviation Showcase

Innovators of Aviation Showcase On December 14th and 15th see history come to life at the Innovators of Aviation Showcase. Watch replicas of the Lilienthal Biplane and 1902 Wright Gliders soar side-by-side over the sand dunes of Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head,...

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116th Wright Brothers-First Flight Dec. 17th Commemoration

116th Wright Brothers-First Flight Dec. 17th Commemoration

The 116th commemoration of the First Flight officially begins 9:30 am December 17, 2019, at Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills, NC.  The memorial's entrance fees are waived.  Ceremonies are outside on the visitor center plaza; appropriate clothing for...

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Richard “Dick” Howard Passing

Richard “Dick” Howard Passing

There are no words to express our sorrow for the passing of Dick Howard.  He championed the Foundation's creation, the 2003 First Flight Centennial-Event of the Century, and the continuing work of the Foundation.  As you read this memorial, you will see that he has...

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Will Plentl, Soaring with the Angels

Will Plentl, Soaring with the Angels

It is with great sorrow that the First Flight Foundation shares the obituary for board president, Will Plentl. On Saturday, March 23, 2019, at the early age of 73, Will decided it was time to go flying with the eagles. He was born to the late Lt. Colonel Willard G....

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NPS WBNM Visitor Center Release

NPS WBNM Visitor Center Release

After two years WBNM welcome the public to the rehabilitated visitor center with a complete make-over in exhibits. This release provided detailed updates for the day's events, admission is free this day, October 20, 2018. 18-046 Wright Brothers Visitor Center Grand...

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The 1903 Wright Flyer Returns to WBNM

The 1903 Wright Flyer Returns to WBNM

Wright Brothers National Memorial, WBNM, welcomes its 1903 Wright Flyer "home" as the visitor center exhibit installation and building rehabilitation enters the home stretch toward the Grand Re-opening October 20, 2018. The visitor center re-opens October 20th 9:00...

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WBNM Visitor Center Re-opens Oct. 20th

WBNM Visitor Center Re-opens Oct. 20th

Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center, designated a National Historic Landmark in 2001, will welcome visitors October 20, 2018, as it re-opens after a two year rehabilitation and a delay from the original September re-opening date due to closing and...

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Wright Machines Interchanged at NC Museum of History

Wright Machines Interchanged at NC Museum of History

There was quite a sight today (June 18, 2018) in Raleigh, NC, at the NC Museum of History as the 1903 Wright Flyer moved out and the 1902 Wright Glider moved into the museum. The museum graciously hosted and displayed the 1903 Wright Flyer from the Wright Brothers...

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Taking Off-First Flight Live Stream

Taking Off-First Flight Live Stream

The First on the First!  December 1st, First Friday in Downtown Raleigh, our own Night at the Museum, Darrell Collins shared two First Flight programs. Collins shared the Wright story and the North Carolina Aviation story and made paper airplanes with 2,200 North...

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December 17, 2017 Commemoration

December 17, 2017 Commemoration

The 114th Commemoration of the First Flight- Sunday, December 17, 2017. Event Details and Schedule Location: The Tent south of the Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center (closed for renovation). All fees are waived for the day.  Park Hours 8:00-5:00 pm. The...

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The Monument 1932-2017

The Monument 1932-2017

Orville Wright, joined by his family, attend the dedication of the monument to himself and Wilbur. November 19, 1932. Tell me more! http://firstflightfoundation.org/the-monument/    

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