Published May 13, 2025
Protected: Orville Wright’s Secret Cipher Machine
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Read StoryPublished April 8, 2025
Ohio’s Newest Official State Symbol: The Wright Flyer III
The World’s First Practical Aircraft. You might be familiar with many of Ohio’s state symbols. From the cardinal to the Ohio buckeye, the white-tailed deer, and the state flag, there are many iconic symbols that represent the natural and cultural heritage of our state. But did you know that Ohio now has an official state […]
Read StoryPublished March 12, 2025
The Navy WAVES’ Top-Secret Mission in Dayton
WWII’s hidden heroes. In 2022, Montgomery County, including Dayton, Ohio, was designated a World War II Heritage City by the National Park Service, recognizing the city’s vital contributions to the war effort. While Dayton is often celebrated for its aviation legacy, its role in World War II extended far beyond aircraft production and research. One […]
Read StoryPublished February 14, 2025
2024 Grant Spotlight: National Aviation Hall of Fame
The Joe Clark Innovation Lab. The National Aviation Heritage Area (NAHA) is proud to support projects that preserve and celebrate the rich aviation heritage of our region. Since opening its first grant program in 2019, NAHA has granted over $537,295 dollars to its partner organizations and other non-profits in the heritage area’s eight-county region. These […]
Read StoryPublished December 16, 2024
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, […]
Read StoryPublished November 29, 2024
Charity Adams Earley
The 6888th Battalion. In 2022, Dayton was designated as the state of Ohio’s only World War II Heritage City by the National Park Service. This recognition highlights the city’s substantial contributions to the war effort, driven by the bravery and resilience of its residents both on the battlefield and the home front. Among these notable […]
Read StoryPublished November 19, 2024
NAHA Accessibility Project
Empowering every visitor. The National Aviation Heritage Alliance (NAHA) is excited to announce an upcoming accessibility project that will improve the trip-planning experience for heritage area visitors with disabilities. Beginning in 2025, NAHA will work with an experienced Accessibility Specialist to create and publish a digital accessibility guide that details the accessibility conditions of the […]
Read StoryPublished September 27, 2024
Hangar Y & Huffman Prairie
Two sites that changed the world of aviation. Aviation history is rooted in remarkable places where visionaries pushed the boundaries of what was possible. From the bustling Wright Cycle Company Shop, full of tools, schematics, and plans for a flying machine, to the tall, sweeping sand dunes of Kitty Hawk, where the Wright brothers took […]
Read StoryPublished June 20, 2024
The First Aerial Circumnavigation
100 years since the first successful trip around the world. In 1924, a few decades before the Space Race of the Cold War, a lesser-known global aeronautical competition took place. After countless innovations in the field of aviation in the years following the Wright Brothers’ first flight, nations around the world had wholeheartedly embraced flying […]
Read StoryPublished June 14, 2024
National Aviation Heritage Area Welcomes NAHF’s 2024 Enshrinement Ceremony
The National Aviation Heritage Area is proud to support the National Aviation Hall of Fame as they host the 60th Annual Enshrinement ceremony on September 14, 2024 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The Heritage Area encourages event attendees to plan additional days in Ohio before and/or after the event to explore […]
Read StoryPublished April 30, 2024
The First Female Chinese-American Military Pilot
Despite being discriminated against based on her race and gender, Hazel Ying Lee was determined to fly. When you think of women aviators, names like Amelia Earhart, Bessie Coleman, and Jackie Cochran probably come to mind. But have you heard of Hazel Ying Lee? In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month, read […]
Read StoryPublished April 2, 2024
Heritage Area Embarks on Unique Partnership to Restore Paul Laurence Dunbar House
Why would an aviation-themed Heritage Area enter a project to preserve the house of a poet? The National Aviation Heritage Alliance (NAHA) is the management entity of the National Aviation Heritage Area which has been created, authorized, and appropriated by Congress and administered by the National Park Service. NAHA has nearly 20 years of experience administering […]
Read StoryPublished September 8, 2023
Soaring Through History: The WACO 100th Anniversary Celebration in Troy, Ohio (Sept 15-17th)
In the heart of Ohio, the City of Troy and WACO Air Museum prepare to celebrate a century of WACO aircraft. This 3-day event will bring WACO biplanes and other aircraft from across the United States and international destinations. The WACO 100th Anniversary Celebration – a Golden Fly-In takes place September 15th to 17th, and […]
Read StoryPublished June 12, 2023
National Aviation Heritage Area Welcomes the 2023 FAI General Conference
The National Aviation Heritage Area is proud to support the National Aeronautical Association (NAA) as they organize the 117th General Conference of the FÉDÉRATION AÉRONAUTIQUE INTERNATIONALE in October 2023. The Heritage Area encourages conference attendees to plan additional days in Ohio before and/or after the conference to explore the region’s pivotal role in the history […]
Read StoryPublished January 26, 2023
Sister Cities: Dayton & Rushmoor
A shared love of aviation heritage and investment in aviation’s future creates a solid foundation for the sister city relationship between the City of Dayton and the Borough of Rushmoor (UK). In 2019, the City of Dayton and the Rushmoor Borough entered a formal sister city (or twinning) agreement. Since then delegations from both places […]
Read StoryPublished January 19, 2023
Travel like the Wright Brothers between Dayton, OH and Kill Devil Hills, NC
Wright Route is a travel initiative between Ohio and North Carolina partners for people who want to travel in the footsteps of the Wright Brothers between the two states. From Dayton, Ohio (The Birthplace of Aviation) to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina (First in Flight), Wright Route covers everything in between. Are you ready to travel […]
Read StoryPublished January 17, 2023
10 Things You May Not Know About The Wright Brothers
Orville and Wilbur are legendary innovators known all around the world for good reason – they invented the airplane and taught the world to fly! As we begin another year where travel by flight will continue more than ever, we thought you might enjoy a few fun facts about the Wright Brothers. Some of these […]
Read StoryPublished January 6, 2023
EV Charging Stations in the Heritage Area
As of January 2023, there are several EV charging stations at or near National Aviation Heritage Area sites. While you charge, enjoy the attractions and amenities available. Check back here as you plan your trip to and through the Heritage Area. Additional EV charging stations are planned for installation this year. Below are 4 Electric […]
Read StoryPublished April 29, 2022
Flight Games in Wright Dunbar Neighborhood
You’ll find two mosaics in the Wright Dunbar Neighborhood that contain multiple games. In partnership with Culture Works, the National Park Service, and National Aviation Heritage Area, the Mosaic Institute of Greater Dayton created and installed Flight Games – two aviation-themed mosaics. 1. Hopscotch at the Fifth Cycle Shop Lot -1129 W. Third St. Play […]
Read StoryPublished January 31, 2022
Passport Stamps in the NAHA
When my family visits a National Park or affiliated site, we stamp our arms instead of the little blue passport stamp book sold in park gift shops and online. This tradition started several years ago when my kids were really into Harry Potter. We called the stamps “our dark marks.” Now, a quick search in […]
Read StoryPublished July 16, 2021
17-Day Space Celebration at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
A 17-day celebration to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 15 moon landing will take place from July 22 through Aug. 7 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Apollo 15 completed the fourth successful moon landing mission with an all-U.S. Air Force crew, and its Command Module is on display in […]
Read StoryPublished July 1, 2021
2021 CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show
Dayton’s “Big Show” takes off next weekend! …get ready for the 2021 CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger. Headlined by the world-renowned U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the 2021 CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger will launch its 46th annual show next weekend on July 10th and 11th at the Dayton International […]
Read StoryPublished June 7, 2021
Dayton and the Indy 500
Hawthorn Hill, located in Oakwood’s rolling, idyllic hills, has long been synonymous with the Wright family. Upon completion in 1914, Hawthorn Hill became the residence of Orville, Katharine, and their elderly father, Bishop Milton Wright, and hosted famous visitors such as Charles Lindbergh, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison. John W. Stoddard, the son of Henry […]
Read StoryPublished March 4, 2021
Private Pilot Ground School offered at WACO
“Sometimes, flying feels too godlike to be attained by man. Sometimes, the world from above seems too beautiful, too wonderful, too distant for human eyes to see.” –Charles A. Lindbergh Whether you are young or old, this is a great time to consider general aviation. Join with famous aviators including Charles Lindbergh, Bessie Coleman, the […]
Read StoryPublished February 23, 2021
International Association of Astronomical Artists
A new space art exhibit hosted by the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, in conjunction with the International Association of Astronomical Artists (IAAA), titled “The Beauty of Space,” will open at the museum on Feb. 26, 2021. IAAA is a non-profit organization whose members implement and participate in astronomical and space art projects, […]
Read StoryPublished 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 […]
Read StoryPublished January 15, 2021
5 Success Mansions to Inspire your 2021 Style
While we are at home, staying in from the cold, we are working on home projects. For some, that means new hobbies hung proudly on the wall, for others that means boxes of materials or DIY furniture arriving on doorsteps. Big or small, here are some famous Success Mansions to help inspire your style this […]
Read StoryPublished December 17, 2020
First Flight Stories
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 helping to steady the wings. After four flights that day, the following telegram was sent home to Dayton: […]
Read StoryPublished November 6, 2020
Thank You, Veterans
On May 13, 1938, an official Act made November 11th a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace. Known as “Armistice Day,” in honor of soldiers lost in World War I “The War to End all Wars,” the name was changed in 1954 to “Veterans Day” to honor American veterans […]
Read StoryPublished September 30, 2020
If you can’t Fly this Fall, Do This Instead
Your plans for this fall may have changed, but that doesn’t mean you have to cancel fun. Here are just a few recommendations on how to take advantage of the amazing attractions in your backyard. 1. Take a road trip through the Birthplace of Aviation Whether it’s the Homefront to Warfront Trail or these 12 […]
Read StoryPublished June 29, 2020
Sylvia Pate: Purveyor of Black History
Wright Dunbar Day is happening on July 5 from 1-6pm on the block of South Williams Street. Vendors, restaurants, food trucks, live music, museum experiences, and more will be open to the public. As part of the celebration, the 2019-2020 Dayton Skyscrapers Art Exhibit Series: An African American Visual Artists Tribute to African American Heroes […]
Read StoryPublished June 22, 2020
Wright “Bee” Flyer
It’s National #PollinatorWeek and yes, we have a bee variety named “Wright Bee Flyer.” As if that isn’t amazing enough, the first written eye-witness account of the Wright brothers’ first flights wasn’t syndicated or published by a popular national paper. It was written by a beekeeper in a magazine he published for other beekeepers called […]
Read StoryPublished June 16, 2020
Dayton Walk of Fame 2020 Class to include local Medal of Honor Recipient
The Walk of Fame induction class of 2020 offers a first-class mix of individuals with outstanding achievements in the categories of Arts, Culture, Education, Invention, Science, Military, Community Service, Significant Personal Achievement, Entertainment, Media and Philanthropy. “We have another year of outstanding inductees,” said Harry Seifert, president and CEO of Wright Dunbar, Inc. “They are […]
Read StoryPublished April 10, 2020
Flight Logbooks Old and New
This story is based on a post written by Wright State University student and Special Collections & Archives researcher Brody Beaver. Not much has changed in the flight logbook since 1912. If you want proof, visit the Wright State University Special Collections and Archives and look at the 1912 logbook owned by Charles Wald. Throughout […]
Read StoryPublished April 9, 2020
1929 National Women’s Air Derby
Over nine days and 2,800 miles, the best women aviators in the nation competed in a cross-country race from Santa Monica, CA to Cleveland, OH. The race was called the National Women’s Air Derby of 1929, although male journalists gave it a different name – the Powder Puff Derby. Throughout the course, the aviators dealt […]
Read StoryPublished March 9, 2020
The Fascinating Story of Hattie Meyers
Thanks to WACO Air Museum for this story The Weaver Aircraft Company (WACO) was formed by Buck Weaver, Clayton Bruckner, and Sam Junkin. Aviatrix Hattie Meyers was married to two of them, but it was after their deaths that she got her own aviation start. “And when the vivacious Mrs. R. S. Barnaby walked across […]
Read StoryPublished February 10, 2020
First President to Fly
Since the days of George Washington, presidents have had an interest in aviation. Ballooning provided fascinating possibilities for leisure, innovation, and war. But it wasn’t until October 11, 1910 while participating in the Missouri State Republican Party’s campaign, that the first president flew in an airplane. On October 11, 1910, former President Roosevelt flew in […]
Read StoryPublished February 3, 2020
Bishop Milton Wright’s 41 Diaries
Thanks to Wright State University Special Collections and Archives for this story. All 41 diaries of Bishop Milton Wright, father of the Wright Brothers, have been digitized and are freely available online, anytime, through the Wright State University Campus Online Repository, at CORE Scholar: Milton Wright Diaries. Bishop Wright chronicled the daily activities of his […]
Read StoryPublished January 8, 2020
The Flying (Sisters) Stinsons
This story comes from “Home Field Advantage: A Century of Partnership between Wright Patterson Air Force Base and Dayton, Ohio, in the Pursuit of Aeronautical Excellence” Next to the Wright brothers, the Stinsons – Katherine, Marjorie, Edward, and Jack – are among the most influential siblings in American aviation history. Although they were from the […]
Read StoryPublished June 10, 2019
Sen. Brown, others commemorate Apollo 11
U. S. Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio last week joined with other members of the Senate and House to introduce a bipartisan resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. The Apollo 11 mission was the spaceflight in which the first two people, including Ohio native Neil Armstrong, walked on the moon. Brown […]
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