A new partnership between Ohio, the “Birthplace of Aviation,” and North Carolina, “First in Flight,” highlights the connection between the states through brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright, who changed the course of human history with their flying machine.
The Wright Route, a virtual and in-person experience launching this summer, looks at the Wright Brothers’ stories from Dayton, Ohio, to Kitty Hawk.
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National Aviation Heritage Area, Outer Banks Forever and the First Flight Society announced a partnership with National Park Service at Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park and Wright Brothers National Memorial as of National Travel and Tourism Week this week.
“First Flight is also thrilled to partner with these terrific organizations. We are excited to share the entire story of the Wright Brothers from their home in Dayton to their successful flights in Kitty Hawk,” said Mike Fonseca, resident of the First Flight Society.
The Wright Route aims to provide a fuller picture of the brothers’ lives and work, promote collaboration and dispel myths about the rivalry between the two aviation parks, according to the release.
“Our parks and organizations have been friends for many years and enjoy working together to tell the inspiring stories of how aviation changed our world. This initiative invites visitors to explore both parks and experience the Wright brothers’ journey to the Outer Banks in a new way,” said Jessica Barnes Green, director of Outer Banks Forever, the nonprofit partner of Wright Brothers National Memorial.
The initiative will provide on online hub and in-park information encouraging Ohio and North Carolina residents and visitors to travel to both world-changing aviation centers, enhancing their experience of the national story of aviation’s beginnings and how it impacts the world today.
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Mackensie Wittmer, director of the National Aviation Heritage Area, said that last year the first flight celebrations in Dayton, Ohio, and the Outer Banks were combined for the first time, reaching people from across the United States, Holland, the UK, and more.
“This newest collaboration between our states’ nonprofit park partners allows visitors to explore our connection even further. Not only can you experience two ultimate aviation heritage tourism destinations, but you can also discover the towns where the Wright brothers ate, rested, and shopped for supplies,” she said. “As we talk about the Power of Travel during National Travel and Tourism Week, we are proud to combine our messaging for greater economic impact in Ohio, North Carolina, and the towns in between.”
Visit any of the nonprofit partner websites to sign up for updates on the Wright Route, which will include suggested travel routes between Dayton, Ohio, and the Outer Banks behind the scenes looks at both national parks and more.
