Date: April 9, 2009
Contact: Wright Brothers National Memorial, (252) 441-7430
Thursday, April 16, 2009 will be a Family Fun Day at Wright Brothers National Memorial from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as the National Park Service celebrates Wilbur Wright’s 142nd birthday. Wilbur Wright was born near Millville, Indiana on April 16, 1867. He and his younger brother Orville were the first to fly on that historic morning of December 17, 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
Schedule of Events:
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – The Wright Monument atop of Big Kill Devil Hill will be open to the public to climb.
10 a.m.– Flight Room Talk: Learn how the Wright brothers solved the problems of human flight as a park ranger tells the story of their triumph at Kitty Hawk. Visitor Center Flight Room Auditorium.
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Join descendents of the original crew of the Kill Devil Hills Life Saving Service Station and see a reproduction of the camera that took the famous first flight photograph on the morning of December 17, 1903. Wright Brothers Camp Buildings
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - There will be fun for the whole family with kite building and kite flying demonstration by Kitty Hawk Kites. Centennial Pavilion Exhibit Hall
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Join NASA Langley Educators for hands-on activities and demonstration for the whole family. Centennial Pavilion Exhibit Hall.
11 a.m. – First Flight Tour: Step back in history 100 years ago when the Wright brothers made the world’s first flight during a short walk to the actual site. Visitor Center Back Patio.
12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Join local children’s author Suzanne Tate as she reads her latest book about Wilbur and his dog Flyer, followed by a book signing and birthday cake and punch for all. Centennial Pavilion Auditorium
1 p.m. – First Flight Tour: Step back in history 100 years ago when the Wright brothers made the world’s first flight during a short walk to the actual site. Visitor Center Back Patio.
2 p.m. – Flight Room Talk: Learn how the Wright brothers solved the problems of human flight as a park ranger tells the story of their triumph at Kitty Hawk. Visitor Center Flight Room Auditorium.
3 p.m. – Fun in Flight: Learn how to build and fly paper airplanes experiment just like the Wright brothers as a park ranger teaches you the art of paper airplane building. Centennial Pavilion Auditorium
4 p.m. – Flight Room Talk: Learn how the Wright brothers solved the problems of human flight as a park ranger tells the story of their triumph at Kitty Hawk. Visitor Center Flight Room Auditorium.
Kids . . .don’t forget to ask about the Wright Brothers Junior Ranger Program! Pick-up a Junior Ranger booklet at the VisitorCenter information desk.
Wright Brothers National Memorial is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Park fees will be waived for the event.
