The First Flight Society Marks Wilbur Wright’s Birthday, Raises Over $7,000 for Educational Programs

The First Flight Society marked Wilbur Wright’s birthday with an event in Nags Head that raised over $7,000 for educational programs. The gathering highlighted ongoing efforts to preserve and share the history of early aviation.

Amreetam Basu Published May 4, 2026

The First Flight Society, Kitty Hawk, NC, marked the birthday of aviation pioneer Wilbur Wright with a fundraising event on April 16, drawing more than 100 attendees. Held at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, the event raised over $7,000 to support the organization’s educational initiatives focused on preserving the legacy of the Wright Brothers.

Wright Brothers planes being flown over what was then Fort Myer now the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall in Virginia — This image, original date and photographer unknown, is of one of the Wright Brothers’ planes being flown over what was then Fort Myer, now the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. It cannot be determined who is piloting the plane in this photograph. The color photograph was taken in a similar location near the edge of Summerall Field and Bldg. 417, March 16. Lt. Thomas Selfridge is credited with being the first military officer to fly a solo flight on May 19, 1908, in Hammondsport, N.Y., according to the First Flight Society’s website. On Sept. 17 of the same year, Selfridge, while test-flying the “Flyer A” with Orville Wright on what was then known as Fort Myer, crashed due to a broken propeller where the Tri-Service parking lot is located today. Selfridge was killed, becoming the first fatality in powered aviation, while Orville Wright was injured and brought to the installation hospital, now known as Bldg. 59, seen in the bottom of the image. Selfridge is buried in Section 3 of Arlington National Cemetery, about one mile from where the accident occurred. His obelisk reads, in part, “Killed in the service of the United States in an aerodrome accident.” (Image credit: JBM-HH photo illustration by Rachel Larue)

According to the organization, the funds will support programs and events that share the history of the first powered flight and its impact. These include educational outreach efforts and community programming tied to early aviation history. “We are thrilled by the community’s overwhelming support during this celebration. Raising these funds ensures that we can continue to inspire future generations by keeping the story of the Wright Brothers alive through education and outreach,” said K. Lynn Tadlock, Vice President, First Flight Society.

Portrait of Wilbur Wright. (Image credit: Orville Wright and Wilbur Wright (credited as photographers) - Library of Congress)

Founded in 1927, the First Flight Society organizes commemorative events, educational programs, and outreach initiatives centered on aviation history. Its work focuses on preserving the story of the Wright Brothers and promoting public engagement with early flight milestones. The April 16 gathering reflects ongoing local support for aviation-related events in the Outer Banks, where the Wright Brothers achieved the first powered flight in 1903. For more information and to support the First Flight Society, click on this link: firstflight.org.