Orville Wright's first flight on December 17, 1903. Image has been colorized.
Historic image colorized for the National Park Service.
Every year, Wright Brothers National Memorial celebrates the anniversary of first flight on December 17th. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020's event was held virtually in partnership with the First Flight Society, Outer Banks Forever, the National Aviation Heritage Area, Dayton Aviation National Historical Park, and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The theme of this year's event was the Ingenuity of Aviation, and aviation sites and experts from across the country contributed to the celebration. If you missed any of the virtual event, you can view the videos on this page.
Can't make it to a ranger program in person? Check out this virtual version of our most popular program and learn more about Wilbur and Orville's journey to a successful first flight.
Welcome to the 117th anniversary of the Wright Brothers first flight! Special thanks to Outer Banks Forever, the First Flight Society, National Aviation Heritage Area, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base for making this virtual event possible!
The grit and tenacity of the Wright brothers have inspired pilots and pioneers for generations. Hear from Sean D. Tucker, aerobatic pilot and 2020 Honorary Member of the First Flight Society as we celebrate Wright Brothers Day!
We love the story of the Wright brothers, and our visitors do, too! Watch this video to find out why. What do you love about the story of the Wright brothers?
Take a tour of the Wright Memorial at Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park with Ranger Ryan as he reflects on the progress of aviation and the significance of Dayton in the Wright brothers story.
We aren't the only museum in the state that tells the story of the Wright brothers. Join us as we head to the North Carolina Museum of History to see special Wright-artifacts they have on display and learn about a few of the stories they tell.
Dive into the upbringing and achievements of the Wright brothers in the premiere of our interview with Dr. Tom Crouch: renowned aviation historian, author, and curator emeritus of the National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
Twelve seconds was all the Wright brothers needed to show humans can fly. Discover what inspired the Wrights and how they are remembered in the world today.
For those involved in aviation, the Collier Trophy, awarded annually by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), is one of the most prestigious ways to recognize advances in aviation.
In this First Flight Society interview with Greg Principato, President of the NAA, you'll learn about the significance of the Collier Trophy and how the ingenuity of those who received it has impacted aviation today.
Before Frank Caldwell is inducted into the Paul E. Garber First Flight Shrine, let's hear from last year's recipient, Col. Gail S. Halvorsen, a.k.a. "The Candy Bomber," who was recently awarded honorary lifetime membership in the First Flight Society.
We're excited to share with all of you the achievements of this year's First Flight Shrine Honoree, Frank W. Caldwell. In this interview with Dr. Jeremey Kinney, courtesy of the First Flight Society, you'll learn about the groundbreaking achievements of Caldwell and his contributions to the legacy of aviation.
For a more personal look at the success of Frank Caldwell, watch these excerpts from the First Flight Society's interview with his grandson as he shares family artifacts and stories about this year's inductee into the Paul E. Garber First Flight Shrine.
The Ingenuity Of Aviation is on full display at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio! Take a tour with Dr. Doug Lantry to see some of the ways Wilbur and Orville's legacy has impacted aviation through the ages.
Created during WWII, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a volunteer organization that serves as the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Learn more about the service this organization performs from the Elizabeth City Composite Squadron Commander, Ken King!
Born in 1919, just 16 years after the first flight, Charles McGee exemplifies the legacy of the Wright brothers through his pioneering spirit and dedication. As a Tuskegee Airman, McGee was one of the first black aviators in the U.S. military. He flew in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam and holds the record of 409 aerial fighter combat missions.
Hear from a living descendent of the Wright family, Paul Wright Jameson, as he shares stories from his grandmother, Leontine Wright Jameson, and how she was fascinated by the ingenious nature of her uncles Orville and Wilbur Wright.
What's it like to be a relative of Wilbur and Orville? In this interview from the First Flight Society, you'll hear personal family accounts of the Wright brothers from their great niece and nephew: Amanda Wright-Lane and Stephen Wright.
Duration:
48 minutes, 37 seconds
Last updated: July 8, 2022
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Mailing Address:
Wright Brothers National Memorial
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo,
NC
27954
