First Flight Society — About the Organization
About First Flight Society
First Flight Society is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, chartered in 1927. Formerly known as Kill Devil Hills Memorial Association, it began by working to acquire the location where Orville and Wilbur Wright completed their four historic flights in 1903.
Today, First Flight Society preserves the legacy of the Wright Brothers by teaching the public about the historic First Flight of the Wright Brothers, encouraging aviation and aviation education, and assisting the National Park Service at Wright Brothers National Memorial.
The Society’s three principal annual events are:
- Wilbur Wright Day Luncheon, held in April
- National Aviation Day at Dare County Regional Airport, held in August
- Wright Brothers Day Celebration at Wright Brothers National Memorial, held On December 17th
Dr. Paul E. Garber First Flight Shrine
In 1966, First Flight Society established the Dr. Paul E. Garber First Flight Shrine to recognize significant achievements throughout aviation history each year. Dr. Paul Garber was the first curator of the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum.
On each December 17th, the Paul E. Garber Shrine inductee receives recognition, and the inductee’s portrait is placed on the Shrine at the Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center.
Mission
First Flight Society’s mission is to share the story of the Wright Brothers through community events, education, and commemorating the world’s very first powered flight, in Kitty Hawk, NC.
Contact
- First Flight Society
- 2 Juniper Trail Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
- dec17@firstflight.org
- (252) 441-1903