MACKENSIE WITTMER

Executive Director | National Aviation Heritage Area
937.443.0165 | [email protected]

Published January 18, 2023

Congress Passes Landmark Legislation for National Aviation Heritage Area

  Dayton, Ohio – The National Heritage Area Act (S. 1942) has been signed into law enabling the National Aviation Heritage Area in Southwest Ohio to continue its long-term support of the region and Ohio’s rich aviation and aerospace heritage. The bill was passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a bi-partisan vote of 326-95 […]

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Published December 5, 2022

Montgomery County (City of Dayton) selected as one of 19 American World War II Heritage City Designations

Today at 12pm the National Park Service announced the designation of Montgomery County (City of Dayton), Ohio as an American World War II Heritage City. Montgomery County (City of Dayton) is the only designation in the State of Ohio, and it joins only 17 other communities across the United States that received this designation today. […]

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Published February 15, 2022

NATIONAL AVIATION HERITAGE AREA AWARDS GRANTS TO REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Group awards $45,000 PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE On February 15, the National Aviation Heritage Alliance board of trustees approved nine grants made to regional organizations this year. The Alliance is the management entity and non-profit organization that advances the National Aviation Heritage Area, an eight-county region in West Central Ohio. “Each year, the Heritage […]

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Published December 13, 2021

Ohio and North Carolina to celebrate the 118th anniversary of first flight together

Partners in both states co-produce virtual event and launch the Wright Route to put the ‘aviation rivalry’ to rest Press Release: For Immediate Release DAYTON, OH and KITTY HAWK, NC — Orville and Wilbur Wright changed the course of human history when their flying machine lifted off the ground and connected us to the rest […]

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Published January 25, 2021

Explore a Mars Base Camp in new National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Space Exhibit

A new interactive exhibit designed to spark imaginations by igniting the desire for space exploration and discovery, and inspire new generations of explorers to dream of the possibilities that lie ahead, will be on display at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force from Jan. 28-Sept. 6. The exhibit, titled “SPACE: A Journey to […]

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Published December 14, 2020

Ohio and North Carolina Work Together to Celebrate First Flight

Press Release: For Immediate Release   DETAILED SCHEDULE: OHIO AND NORTH CAROLINA WORK TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE FIRST FLIGHT On December 17, 1903 the winds at Kitty Hawk, NC were high, but two brothers from Dayton, OH didn’t let that stop them. Orville Wright took the 1903 Wright Flyer into the air at 10:35am, Wilbur Wright […]

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Published July 22, 2020

Armstrong’s Learjet 28 Longhorn to come home on his birthday

​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – MEDIA INVITE  The first Learjet 28 Longhorn (Serial Number 28-001) is scheduled to arrive at the Neil Armstrong Airport, New Knoxville, Ohio on Wednesday morning, August 5, 2020 for permanent display in Armstrong’s hometown.  This date coincides with what would have been Armstrong’s 90th birthday. In addition to his successful NASA […]

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Published June 29, 2020

Champaign Aviation Museum to participate in military flyover in Washington D.C. on July 4th

Press Release: For Immediate Release   NATIONAL AVIATION HERITAGE AREA REPRESENTED IN WASHINGTON D.C. FLYOVER ON JULY 4TH The Champaign Aviation Museum of Urbana, Ohio will honor our country and veterans by flying their B-25 Champaign Gal over our nation’s capital during the military aircraft flyovers at the Salute to America celebration in Washington, D.C. […]

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Published June 4, 2020

Now Boarding: Stay Local. Go Far.

Press Release: For Immediate Release June 4, 2020   NOW BOARDING: REGIONAL TOURISM PASS OFFERS DISCOUNTS TO MAJOR ATTRACTIONS   Stay Local. Go Far. The National Aviation Heritage Area (NAHA) is offering a Boarding Pass in partnership with the National Museum of the U.S. Air ForceTM, Air Force Museum Foundation, WACO Air Museum, Armstrong Air […]

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Published January 17, 2020

National Aviation Heritage Area Reauthorized

Just days after #WrightBrothersDay, Congress has approved funding for the National Aviation Heritage Area through September 30, 2022. This means three more years of federal funding to match private dollars in the 8-county region that makes up the Heritage Area in West Central Ohio. “I have strongly advocated for major funding wins for our community […]

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Published September 16, 2019

Visit Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park for Bike Your Park Day on September 28

A global initiative to celebrate bicycling in parks and public lands. If you’ve ever wanted to explore the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park on two wheels, now’s your chance. The National Aviation Heritage Area is inviting the public to join a Bike Your Park Day ride on September 28, 2019 – a worldwide event […]

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Published September 13, 2019

Wright Company Factory Listed on National Register

On September 9, 2019 the Wright Company Factory was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Following the guidance of local and national advocates from aviation legends such as Patty Wagstaff, Erik Lindbergh, and David McCullough; to legislative advocates such as Congressman Mike Turner, Dayton’s newest National Park Site has become officially recognized […]

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