The first successful sustained powered flights in a heavier-than-air machine were made here by Wilbur and Orville Wright on December 17, 1903. A 60-foot granite monument dedicated in 1932, is perched atop 90-foot tall Kill Devil Hill commemorating the achievement of these two visionaries from Dayton, Ohio. Learn more with the help of these learning links...
"The Dream of Flight presents
the Wrights’ achievement and also
uses some of the Library’s rarest and most significant materials
to explore the notion that flight, whether fanciful or actual,
historically
has inspired and occupied a central place in most cultures. Drawing
on the Library’s Wilbur and Orville Wright Collections as
well as the complementary materials in the papers of their mentor
and friend, Octave Chanute, this special display culminates in
the compelling story of two motivated and inspired American bicycle
mechanics single-handedly acquiring an understanding of the scientific
problem of flight and aerodynamics and, through determination,
courage, will, and ingenuity, teaching themselves and
the world to fly." Source: The Library of Congress
This in depth look at the Wright Brothers is taken from the National Park Service brochure. You can read a short history, explore the challenges they faces, read about their predecessors, and more. Source: National Park Service
The Wright Brothers: 12 Seconds That Changed the World!
This virtual field trip of the Wright Brothers National Memorial had four major components: eFieldTrip Journal, Virtual Visit, Submit Questions to the Experts, and Live Interactive Web Chat with the Experts Source: eField Trips
The Wright Experience
This excellent website has worked in conjunction with the Discovery of Flight Foundation to develop extensive materials about the Wright Brothers’ gliders, engines, and more. When you click on a subject such as the 1902 Glider you can then explore the date and design, assembly, control, and test flights related to that particular model. Source: The Wright Experience
Scholarly Papers on the Wright Brothers
Download any of these papers on the Wright Brothers to study more about subjects such as An Evaluation of the 1910 Wright Vertical Four Aircraft Engine, Evolution of Wright Flyer Propellers between 1903 and 1912, and more. Source: The Wright Experience
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