The Wright Brothers exhibit at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is the most significant display in the museum.
Without Wilbur and Orville Wright, no other airplanes would exist.
The “Wright Brothers” and “Early Aviation” exhibits tell the Wright family story, including their lesser-known sister, Katharine Wright.
Preacher’s kids. Mid-westerners. Siblings. Celebrities.
Orville Wright was the first man to accomplish the age-old dream of flying. He was also the first person in the United States to publicly demonstrate a flying machine for the U.S. Army, across the Potomac River from Washington, DC.
But Orville Wright wasn’t a public person. Katharine Wright was a constant presence in her brothers’ lives during this critical time, offering suggestions on what to wear, being hostess at public events, and nursing Orville back to health after his devastating test flight crash during the U.S. Army demonstrations.
When FDR declared National Aviation Day as August 19th, on Orville and Katharine Wright’s combined birthday, these siblings were honored together.
This Tuesday, on National Aviation Day, walk through the “Wright Brothers” and “Early Aviation” exhibitions at Air and Space and see what else about their story you can discover.
You can find both exhibits on the first floor. Enter the museum from the Mall side, pass through the Milestones of Flight Hall, and turn right after the Apollo 11 lunar lander to see all their invention inspired on the way to your destination.
The National Air and Space Museum is open 10 am to 5:30 pm daily. Free passes are required.
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