Dayton Aviation Heritage Historical Park

For as long as I can remember, I have loved flight and space. I use to look up at the sky and stars at night- wondering who was out there. I made paper airplanes out of newspapers and gliders out of balsa wood and flew them in the backyard. I remember even pulling one out during a Sunday School class and flying it. (That didn't end too well).

There is so much for students to learn through the study of flight, thus our visit to the Dayton Aviation Heritage Historical Park. You can find lots of neat exhibits involving Wilbur and Orville Wright and their lifelong friend, Paul Laurence Dunbar. We had a great conversation with a young ranger (a native Daytonian) and she shared so much about the bicycle repair shop and the influence of Otto Lilienthal. Upon hearing of his death, Wilbur was convinced that he needed to make his mark in the world of flight- and boy, did he. 

We also enjoyed checking out the Parachute Museum. The Museum tells the story of the development of the free fall parachute from its invention at Dayton’s McCook Field after World War I, up to the vital role it plays in safely landing today’s spacecraft. There is even a great place for a parachute photo. 

Our National Parks Expedition Challenge will be linked here soon along with some new STEM content. We suggest you spend some time getting to know the Wright Brothers and Paul Laurence Dunbar. Great friendships can truly make a difference. 
​
​Traveling along, Dacia & Steve