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 …
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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
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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, NPS <CAHA_Public_Affairs@nps.gov> Sent: Tuesday, …
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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, NC. …
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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 weather conditions are advised. The …
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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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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 university’s graduation ceremony begins at 10 a.m. …
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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 …
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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 Reopening Event 10-04-18
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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 am-5:00 pm (WBNM park operating hours) after …
Read MoreWBNM 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 safeguards resulting from Hurricane Florence. A highlight …
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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 …
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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 technological design and construction. Learn more about the Wright family and the …
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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 Carolina school …
Read MoreDecember 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 temporary visitor center/gift …
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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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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
Read MoreWright 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 public and admission …
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WWII Aircraft coming to RDU
NCDOT Release September 22, 2017 RALEIGH – Something special is coming to Raleigh-Durham International Airport on Oct. 19 for the public to experience – four genuine, still-flying World War II aircraft. The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation and the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority are …
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Eclipse 2017
The 2017 Eclipse is August 21! A lot of information and misinformation is “out there”. Visit the special eclipse page prepared by NASA for information, safety, and the science! Next eclipse for the lower 48, is 2024. NASA ECLIPSE INFORMATION
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National Aviation Day 2017
Established in 1939 by President Franklin D. Rosevelt, National Aviation Day is celebrated August 19th, the birthday of Orville Wright. National Aviation Day recognizes the work of Wilbur and Orville Wright and the continued development and advancement of aviation. At Wright Brothers National Memorial we …
Read MoreOsh Kosh 2017
Darrell Collins, A Legacy of Greatness, is a feature speaker at the museum at the 2017 EAA AirVenture in Osh Kosh. Collins is scheduled for six programs at the museum and will be speaking in front of the reproduction of the 1903 Wright Flyer. The …
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The Wright Brothers at NC Museum of History
The North Carolina Museum of History debuted the new exhibit, The Wright Brothers, Dec. 17, 2016, in the permanent exhibit of North Carolina. The exhibit tells the Wright North Carolina story of 1900-1903, 1908, and 1911, and the monument construction at Wright Brothers National Memorial. The …
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Partnership to Display the WBNM 1903 Flyer
May 23, 2017. The North Carolina Museum of History is the perfect partner for the care and display of the 1903 Wright Flyer during the renovations of the visitor center at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. As the visitor center is closed (November 2016-fall 2018) …
Read More113th Commemoration of the First Flight
113th Commemoration of the First Flight by Wilbur and Orville Wright Wright Brothers National Memorial December 17, 2016 9:00 am Free Admission to WBNM Also Celebrating The Centennial of the National Park Service and The Centennial of United States Coast Guard Aviation Keynote Speaker Admiral Paul Zukunft, …
Read MoreAir Safety-Bird/Wildlife Strikes
Bird Strikes The economic loss from wildlife strike over a 23-year period, 1990-2012, totaled $696 million in the US for civil aviation. This estimate is not adjusted for inflation, reported strikes without costs reported, and non-reported strikes. FAQ’s When was the first bird strike reported? …
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Wright Exhibit Debuts Dec. 17th at NC Museum of History
The North Carolina Museum of History will debut a new exhibit in its permanent North Carolina exhibit Dec. 17, 2016. The exhibit will be located under the museum’s 1903 Wright Flyer reproduction. The backdrop sets the theme of life in Kitty Hawk when the Wrights …
Read MoreNPS names McCullough Honor
The National Park Service has awarded its highest civilian honor, Honorary Park Ranger, to David McCullough. The award is bestowed for exceptional contributions. McCullough is a two time Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winner. McCullough’s most recent book, The Wright Brothers, continues as a …
Read MoreDavid McCullough will receive the National Aviation Hall of Fame Combs-Gates Award for the award winning book, The Wright Brothers. We are thrilled that the legacy of Wilbur and Orville Wright continues to soar and inspire.
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2016 National Aviation Day at WBNM
August 19th is National Aviation Day. This day, is also Orville Wright’s birthday! Celebrate National Aviation Day at Wright Brothers National Memorial. Free admission at WBNM. 2016 is the centennial for the National Park Service and US Coast Guard Aviation. All-Day Activities: Junior Ranger Program: Kids can …
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Lost Wright Patent Documents Found
We are “sky high” to report the missing/lost patent documents of the Wright Flying Machine have been found and will return to public display. Patent Found https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/lost-plans-for-wright-brothers-flying-machine-found-after-36-years/2016/04/02/e526fd56-f6b2-11e5-9804-537defcc3cf6_story.html
Read MoreJanuary Aviation Milestone
Igor Sikorsky’s Sikorsky R-4 took its first flight January 13, 1942. This American two-place helicopter had a single, three blade main rotor powered by a radial engine. Originally, this was the Vought-Sikorsky VS-300. Once modified, it became the world’s first mass produced helicopter. An exhibit including Sikorsky …
Read MoreDecember Aviation History
December marks numerous aviation milestones. December 1892-The Wright brothers open their first bicycle shop. December 8, 1903-Samuel P. Langley’s Aerodrome, piloted by Charles Manley, crashes into the Potomac River. December 17, 1903-The Wright Flyer takes off at 10:35 am for the world’s first powered, manned, …
Read MoreSeptember Aviation Notes
September 25, 1903 The Wright brothers arrive in kitty Hawk, NC, to prepare for their historic flight. September 15, 1904 Orville Wright makes the first turn with an airplane. Wilbur makes the first circle five days later. September 23, 1911 The first air mail in …
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