Dayton, OH- Today, following a tour of the Carillon Historic Park and the Wright Company Factory in the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park with Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14), Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) highlighted his federal efforts to preserve Dayton's history, specifically his pieces of legislation that designated the Wright Factory as a national park and officially established the Wright Brothers National Museum in Dayton. Turner also announced his intention to revitalize the Wright Company Factory through the federal appropriations process.
"In 2009, I had the Wright Company Factory placed under protection of the National Park Service and it seems only fitting we celebrate this historic site on the day the National Park Service was created in 1916." said Turner. "I will continue to put forth legislation that bolsters the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Park and other historic sites in our communities to keep our history alive for future generations."
Looking forward, as co-chair of the House Historic Preservation Caucus, Turner will be leading the charge in securing funds for the Wright Company Factory in West Dayton. The National Park Service's initial assessment of restoring the Wright Company Factory is an estimated cost of $20 million. So far, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Park has received $6 million in funds from the Dayton community for development of the park's campus. During Turner’s time as Mayor of Dayton he found restoring historical sites brought economic growth and revitalization to communities. The restoration of the Wright Company Factory will increase economic development in West Dayton.
Joyce serves as the Top Republican of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies and oversees the federal funding that many historical preservation sites receive.
"It was great to join Congressman Turner today for such an informative tour of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park,” said Congressman Joyce. “Historic places like this site tell the story of America. By preserving them, we don’t just keep our nation’s cultural resources alive, but we also protect their patriotic significance, create jobs, and expand local economies. That’s why, as the lead Republican in charge of funding for the Historic Preservation Fund and Heritage Partnership Programs, I’m committed to preserving nationally significant museums, historic sites, and collections, especially those here in Ohio. It’s critical that we continue to save the past so we can enrich the future.”
Background on Turner's previous legislative efforts:
On March 24, 2009, Turner's historic preservation legislation passed the House of Representatives and soon after became law. The legislation placed Hawthorn Hill and the Wright Factory buildings in the Dayton area under the protection of the National Park Service. The legislation also authorized grants for local community organizations such as Dayton History to help with operating costs.
In December 2017, Turner's legislation, which renamed the John W. Berry Sr. Wright Brothers Aviation Center as the Wright Brothers National Museum, was signed into law after passing in the FY18 National Defense Authorization Act. Turner's efforts made Dayton the official birthplace of aviation.
On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Service Organic Act, establishing the National Park Service that allowed Turner nearly a century later to preserve these historic sites.
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