Dayton History and the Oakwood Historical Society will once again present Wright at Home, a special Hawthorn Hill open house, on Sunday, April 23, 2017 from 12:00-5:00pm.
During this popular event (it sold out in 2016), visitors join the ranks of Charles Lindbergh, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison as guests to Orville Wright‘s success mansion.
Nearly 100 years ago — April 3, 1917 — the Wright brothers’ father, Bishop Milton Wright, died. To commemorate the anniversary, Dayton History will present a special exhibit in honor of Bishop Wright.
Stephen Wright, Wilbur and Orville’s great grand-nephew, will interpret his family’s home alongside Dayton History staff members. The Oakwood Historical Society will provide walking tours of the surrounding historic neighborhood, and Ashley’s Pastry Shop will provide snacks.
For the first time ever, a 1932 Essex Terraplane will be featured at Wright at Home. In 1932, Amelia Earhart christened the Terraplane, and Orville Wright was one of the first people to purchase the new vehicle.
Many regional residents have long wondered what rests inside Hawthorn Hill, the mysterious Oakwood mansion high upon a hilltop. After Orville died on January 30, 1948, the historic home was wonderfully preserved by NCR for 58 years, but only open intermittently.
But today, Hawthorn Hill is open to the public, and Dayton History is meticulously returning the property to its original appearance. Join us on Sunday, April 23, 2017 for this special visit to Hawthorn Hill, the world’s first pilot’s last home.
Please contact the Education Scheduling Desk at (937) 293-2841 Ext. 127 or education1@daytonhistory.org for tickets and more information.