NAHA’s 2024 Highlights

Top 5 Achievements That Made Our Year Great.

⭐ 1. NAHA’s 20 Year Anniversary

The National Aviation Heritage Area (NAHA) celebrated their 20th anniversary on December 4, 2024. A special 20th anniversary panel was also held at NAHA’s Annual Meeting on November 12, 2024 exploring the past, present, and future of NAHA.

Thanks to Tony Perfilio, Esq, SES, DAF (Ret.), General Counsel for Dayton Aerospace and Private Practitioner at Rendigs, Fry, Kiely & Dennis, L.L.P., Amanda Wright Lane, Great Grandniece of Wilbur and Orville Wright and Trustee for the Wright Brothers Family Foundation, and Amy Spowart, President & CEO of the National Aeronautic Association.

⭐ 2. The Ohio Air & Space Trail

On May 9, 2024, America 250-Ohio launched its first statewide trail, the Ohio Air & Space Trail, at WACO Air Museum. The National Aviation Heritage Area provided resources and facilitated connections to help bring the trail to life.

 

⭐ 3. Competitive Grant Program

The National Aviation Heritage Area launched its inaugural competitive grant program, expanding beyond the small and non-competitive grant programs. The program was a resounding success, awarding over $294,000 to the community. A standout project of the funding was the construction of the Joe Clark Innovation Lab at the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

⭐ 4. Awards, Mentions, & Grants

  • Wright “B” Flyer, Inc. was featured on the front page of AOPA Pilot and received a 10-page spread in its September issue, made possible by the support of the National Aviation Heritage Area.
  • NAHA received funding from the National Park Foundation to develop a digital accessibility guide.
  • The Ohio Travel Association awarded NAHA a Citation of Excellence for its “About Us” video series.
  • The National Parks Conservation Association recognized NAHA’s contributions with a national award presented to the Alliance of National Heritage Areas.

⭐ 5. 10 Year Anniversary & Staff Changes

  • Mackensie Wittmer, Executive Director of the National Aviation Heritage Alliance, celebrated 10 years with the organization.
  • Jessica Reinsmoen, Marketing and Communications Project Manager, and Anna Helmig-Sampson, Records and Database Manager joined the organization as new staff members.