05/30/2026
Did you know?
The 1909 Wright Military Flyer was the first military aircraft built for and accepted by any military in the world. Its creation came just one year after the tragic crash of the 1908 Wright Flyer at Fort Myer, Virginia, where a propeller failure caused a catastrophic accident that claimed the life of Lt. Thomas Selfridge, the first person to die in the crash of a powered aircraft. Orville Wright survived the accident with serious injuries.
From tragedy came perseverance, innovation, and success. The Wright brothers continued their work, ultimately delivering the 1909 Wright Military Flyer and helping launch the era of military aviation.
Coming soon to the Shannon Air Museum in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the Genesis of Flight Experience will immerse visitors in the incredible story of the Wright brothers and the birth of aviation. Explore the Wright bicycle shop, discover the evolution of their aircraft production, and experience the aircraft and innovations that changed the world forever. Along the way, visitors will also explore how mankind’s pursuit of flight reflects God’s design and purpose, as He gave man dominion over His creation and the ability to discover, develop, and responsibly use the laws of nature He established.
From the first flights at Kitty Hawk to the first transcontinental flight in the famous Wright Brothers Vin Fiz Flyer, you’ll journey through one of the greatest stories of innovation, determination, and the responsible exercise of God’s given dominion over creation.
Stay tuned as we prepare to open this exciting new experience and share the story of flight like never before!
