About Us

The First Flight Foundation, formerly known as the First Flight Centennial Foundation, continues as a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to assist the National Park Service in enhancing the visitor experience at Wright Brothers National Memorial. This assistance has taken the form of raising funds for providing physical improvements that were completed as a prelude to the First Flight Centennial Celebration at Wright Brothers National Memorial in December, 2003.

In 2008, the foundation in conjunction with NPS performed the first major repairs on the monument in over 10 years. The facelift included cleaning the interior and exterior of the monument; repointing the mortar; painting the stairs, rework of the dome and beacon; replacement of the mechanical and electrical systems, and the addition of a new external lighting scheme to enhance the architectural design on the granite.

Other improvements, educational programs and exhibits that will enlighten the public on the importance of the lives and accomplishments of Wilbur and Orville Wright will be considered for future projects.