News & Events

/News & Events/
14 11, 2017

What If We All Gave On One Day?

What if we all gave on one day?

We can!  Tuesday, November 28, the first day after Thanksgiving, is designated as Giving Tuesday, when our community will come together for 24 hours of unprecedented giving.  You can support the First Flight Society – one of the non-profit organizations participating in #GivingTuesday – by saving the date to make an online donation November 28, 2017 at: https://www.razoo.com/organization/First-Flight-Society-Incorporated.

22 10, 2017

Use Giving Assistant to Save Money and Support First Flight Society.

It’s time for shopping to feel good again! You can turn every online purchase into a free donation for First Flight Society Incorporated just by using Giving Assistant. Giving Assistant shoppers earn as much as $700 cash back per year, and they donate a percentage of those earnings to organizations they value. Now, every purchase can result in a donation. Start donating with Giving Assistant today, and unlock deals like exclusive Kmart coupons, as well as big savings at Kohl’s, Best Buy, and more. With 3,000+ popular online retailers, your opportunities to save—and give—are endless.

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28 09, 2017

Wright Brothers National Memorial Hosting Light Art Event

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 to the park grounds is free from 5 to 10 pm.

Schedule of Events:

5:30 pm & 6:30 pm: Wright Brothers Ranger Programs at the covered tent

7:30 pm: Introduction to the Light Art by artist Gerry Hofstetter at the base of Big Kill Devil Hill in the light art viewing area (as directed by National Park Service rangers)

8:00 – 9:30 pm: Light art show viewing from the base of Big Kill Devil Hill in the viewing area (see above)

What to Bring:

Please bring flashlights or headlamps to help you safely navigate the park after dark. There will be limited lighting available and most of the event takes place after sunset. You are welcome to bring chairs, blankets, snacks and […]

21 08, 2017

National Aviation Day 2017

Here are photos from National Aviation Day at Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, NC on Saturday, August 19th, 2017. First Flight Society would like to thank all the participants, volunteers and spectators who joined us for a beautiful day at the park!

(Photos by First Flight Board Member Bill Douglas)

16 08, 2017

Happy 90th Birthday to Us!

The First Flight Society is 90 years old today.

In 1927, a group of forward-thinking northeastern North Carolina business and civic leaders began an effort to preserve the original site of the Wright brothers’ flights of December 17, 1903. The group formally organized on August 16, 1927, as the Kill Devil Hills Memorial Association and set about the task of acquiring the site where Orville and Wilbur Wright made their four historic flights in 1903. The Kill Devil Hills Memorial Association was formally incorporated in 1943. Its name was changed to Kill Devil Hills Memorial Society in 1951 and in 1966 changed to the First Flight Society.

The National Park Service and the First Flight Society share in our missions and purpose resulting in the benefit of a partnership effort that has endured since the Wright Brothers National Memorial became part of the National Park System in 1933. The First Flight […]

15 08, 2017

National Aviation Day is This Saturday, August 19th!

Celebrate National Aviation Day at Wright Brothers National Memorial!

Wright Brothers National Memorial and the First Flight Society invite you to celebrate National
Aviation Day on Saturday, August 19, 2017. The park will be open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and
entrance fees will be waived for the event. The opening ceremony will begin at 9:45 am at the large
covered tent south of the temporary visitor center. This special event will provide opportunities
to explore aviation from the time the Wright brothers first took flight through modern aviation and
space exploration today.

National Aviation Day was first proclaimed on August 19, 1939, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
This day also coincides with Orville Wright’s birth date. In commemoration of what the Wright
brothers achieved, the park will host special guest speakers, pilots, aircraft displays, and
flight-related activities. Participating partners and exhibitors include the First Flight Society,
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center, United States Navy,
United States […]

25 07, 2017

National Aviation Day – August 19, 2017

Be sure to join us for a very exciting day on August 19, 2017 at the Wright Brothers National Memorial Park!  The First Flight Society will be celebrating National Aviation Day.  In addition we will commemorate Orville Wright’s 146th Birthday, and the 75th Anniversary of the Civil Air Patrol. There will be activities for young and old.  Local military and aviation organizations will be represented, but you don’t want to miss the highlight of the day when U.S. Coast Guard aircraft and WWII T-6 Trainers provide a ceremonial FLYOVER.  Come out and enjoy all the Wright Brothers National Memorial has to offer as we honor the Wright Brothers and the Aviation community on National Aviation Day.  Hours 9:00 am-5:00 pm.

Memories from 2014 Aviation Day

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2 05, 2017

William “Bill” Whiteheart — Awarded Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award!

First Flight Society, Inc. Lifetime Member, William H. Whiteheart has received THE WRIGHT BROTHERS “MASTER PILOT” AWARD.  The prestigious Master Pilot award is awarded by the FAA to only the most experienced and able pilots  who embody the Wright Brothers’ spirit of dedication.  Bill is highly regarded by both the First Flight Society and the aviation community for his contributions as a pilot and as a community leader.  Congratulations, Bill! Thanks for all you do and keep “dancing with the clouds” (G.C. Stokor)!

21 04, 2017

Wilbur and Orville Visit First Flight Elementary.

Tuesday, April 18th, actors portraying Wilbur and Orville dropped by fourth grade classes at First Flight ElementarySchool. The visit was to recognize Wilbur Wright’s 150th birthday on April 16th. A representative from the National Park Service at Wright Brothers Memorial Park joined Wilbur and Orville to explain the NPS Kids in the Park program. Open to all fourth graders nationwide, get program information at https://www.nps.gov/kids/index.cfm

 

16 04, 2017

Happy Birthday Wilbur Wright!

Today is Wilbur Wright’s 150th birthday. Wilbur was born on April 16, 1867 near Millville, Indiana. Wilbur was an inventor and his nickname was “Father of Modern Aviation”. Wilbur’s brother Orville was his playmate, co-inventor and business partner throughout his life. Wilbur and Orville lived in Dayton, Ohio most of their lives, but their most famous feat took place at Kill Devil Hill in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The Wright Brothers had their first successful airplane flight on December 17, 1903. Their Wright Flyer was the first powered, heavier-than-air machine to achieve controlled, sustained manned flight.

Happy Birthday Wilbur!