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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...

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...

Monument Restoration – 2008

The Foundation will build on the legacy of capital improvements and educational programming...

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...

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...

WBNM 2020 America’s Summer Virtual Road Trip

Wright Brothers National Memorial is one of 12 sites you can tour virtually August 1, 2020. 12 Hours of incredible American history and scenery. https://www.americassummerroadtrip.org/#sites

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,...

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,...

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...

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...

Amanda Wright Lane, Foundation Board Member, receives Honorary Doctorate

Amanda Wright Lane, First Flight Foundation Board Member, Wright Family representative, follows in her ancestors footsteps in receiving a degree from Wright State University. On May 4th, Wright Lane will receive an honorary doctorate in humane letters. The...

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....

WBNM Visitor Center 2018 to the Future

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...

WBNM Home Stretch Exhibit Installation

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...

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...

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...

Renovations Continue at WBNM Visitor Center/Re-opening Fall 2018

Renovations continue at Wright Brothers National Memorial. The visitor center/museum will re-open fall 2018. In addition to the facility rehabilitation, the exhibits will be anew-new exhibits and interpretive materials including tactile, interactive, and...

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...

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...

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/

WBNM Represents North Carolina- Light Art Grand Tour USA

50 States, 50 Monuments: Light Art Grand Tour USA, www.grandtour-usa.com and www.hofstetter.la

Wright Brothers National Memorial Hosting Light Art Event

News Release Date: September 26, 2017 Contact: Sarah Blizzard Merrill, 252-475-9033 On Sunday October 1, 2017, Swiss Light Artist Gerry Hofstetter will illuminate Wright Brothers Monument as part of his Light Art Grand Tour USA. This special event is open to the...