Wright Brothers Archives - What To See In Washington DC

A September Wright Brothers’ Story

ExhibitSeptember 25, 20264KViews 0Likes 0Comments

Wilbur Wright first set foot in the Outer Banks of North Carolina in September 1900. After he'd written a local, William Tate, seeking information, Tate had invited him to stay with him, but had warned, "Would advise you to come anytime from September 15 to October 15. Don't wait until November." Although Tate didn't know…

Celebrating National Aviation Day at the Air and Space Museum

ExhibitAugust 15, 2025523Views 0Likes 0Comments

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…

Remembering Wilbur Wright

ExhibitMay 30, 2025929Views 0Likes 0Comments

No father wants to write his son's obituary. But when Wilbur Wright died on May 30, 1912, his father, Milton Wright, had to record in his diary: “A short life, full of consequences. An unfailing intellect, imperturbable temper, great self-reliance, and as great modesty, seeing the right clearly, pursuing it steadily, he lived and died!”…

Wilbur Wright and… Washington DC?

MuseumsApril 13, 2024510Views 0Likes 0Comments

When you think of Wilbur Wright, you probably think of Dayton, OH, or Kitty Hawk, NC. But here are three surprising connections between Wilbur, the Smithsonian, and Washington DC. 1) Wilbur wrote a letter to the Smithsonian on May 30th, 1899. The Smithsonian was still a young institution, barely over fifty years old. Yet it…