1954 Demolition of house
1955 State General Assembly started Wilbur Wright Birthplace Commission - $10,000 allotted by State. Paul McCormick involved.
1956 Wilbur Wright Birthplace Commission established. State Senator Charles F. Rutledge, Carl A Helms, Paul Bitz, Clem Conway, Clifford Payne, Donald Ream, Roderick M Wright, Thelma Reneau and Howard Tucker
1961 Meeting at Patrick Henry Hotel to incorporate. Charles Rutledge, Lowell Smith, Woody Meggs, Paul Baker, Richard Miller and John Kelley.
1962 John Kelley and Joel Rhodes, President, signed papers affirming the acceptance of Articles of Incorporation
1972 State spent $50,000 on a replica of the Wrights home. Governor Whitcomb resurrected the Wilbur Wright Birthplace Commission. Articles of Incorporation obtained
1973 Commission: C. Alan Helms, Dr Charles Wise, Betty Cull, and John Kelley.
1974 New Birthplace house built by State of Indiana and dedicated on April 16
1974 Wilbur Wright Memorial dedicated by Gov Otis Bowman on April 16. Walter and Nancy Fitzsimmons, Phyllis Shafer and Clifton Chamberlain
1978 Celebration of 75th year of flight
1988 DNR voted to close Wilbur Wright Memorial. State wants to move Birthhouse to Summit Lake. Local citizens, lead by Ted Blevins stopped the move. Veterans Service Office and Morris Evans ,and State Representative Tom Coleman involved State leased the Wilbur Wright Birthplace Memorial to the Preservation Society on November 1. Obtained Certification of Incorporation
1989 Thomas Thompson hired as care taker
1992 Wilbur Wright Preservation Society formed. Senators Beverly Gard and Tom Coleman sponsored bill
1992 DNR considered moving the house, but the Preservation Society granted 3 year trial period to prove it could maintain the Birthplace
1993 Articles of Incorporation. Wright flyer was built by Buford Gross of Peru on June 14. Society paid $85,000 for Wright Flyer Replica
1995 State of Indiana deeds ownership of Wright Farm to Wilbur Wright Birthplace Preservation Society. Henry County Food & Beverage Act donated $250,000 to build museum
1996 Museum opens
To preserve, re-create and interpret the birthplace, accomplishments, and family of Wilbur Wright, who through research and determination, engineered with his brother, the first manned, heaver-than-air, self propelled and controlled flying machine.
Join us for exciting events throughout the year. Events can be found on the event page or on our Facebook.
Join our community and support our mission. Members receive exclusive benefits, including free admission, discounts, and invitations to special events.
Plan your trip to the Wilbur Wright Birthplace Museum Museum and experience our collection in person. We're open Tuesday-Saturday 10am to 5pm except major holidays. We offer a variety of tours and programs for visitors of all ages.
Browse our store for unique gifts and souvenirs inspired the Wright brothers. From books and jewelry to home decor and accessories, our shop has something for everyone.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization we rely on support from people like you and our local community. Your support helps us continue our mission, consider donating or volunteering today!
Wilbur’s parents bought this 5 acres and house for $700 and they only lived here for three years. Along with the Wright family house is a Smoke House, Barn and an Outhouse.
This is a full-size replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer. This replica took 10 years to build and was meant to fly. The propellers are hand-carved. The motor is molded and cast into the replica 4-cylinder engine.
Replica of where they the Wrights stayed when returning to Kill Devil Hills site in 1901. They pitched a tent about 1,000 ft. east of the higher hill and built a rudimentary shed as a workshop.
Print and Bike Shops: The Brothers began their careers as printers. When they were unable to make a living at that, they began repairing and building bicycles. Check out the barber shop, dress shop, general store and school. Wood Carvings: Many of these carvings were made from wood taken from the original house and fence.
Visit our Gift Shop, all proceeds will go back into the museum.
We also have a Community Building that can be rented for Birthdays, Wedding, and other events. Become a member to receive annual or lifetime discounts. Contact us for pricing!
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