WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10), along with Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01), introduced bipartisan legislation that would expand the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Senator J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate. This legislation seeks to amend the Dayton Aviation Heritage Preservation Act of 1992 to adjust the boundary of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. The proposed expansion includes approximately one acre of land.
“The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park is a testament to Ohio’s rich aviation heritage first shown by the Wright brothers’ innovative spirit,” said Congressman Mike Turner. “By making certain this historical landmark can operate effectively, we are honoring our commitment to preserving our past and promoting Dayton’s preeminent aviation legacy. I appreciate the concerted effort with my fellow Ohio colleagues, Congressman Landsman and Senators Brown and Vance, to expand this landmark site. Our work will positively impact our community.”
“Thousands of people visit the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park every year to learn about the Birthplace of Aviation,” said Congressman Greg Landsman. “This legislation is essential to making sure the park can operate efficiently, allowing children and families to better experience this historic landmark in Southwest Ohio.”
“Ohio’s pioneering spirit is reflected today in Dayton’s National Aviation Heritage Area,” said Senator Sherrod Brown. “It’s a privilege to represent a state with such important historical significance, and I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in our effort to ensure that the Dayton National Aviation Heritage Area has what it needs to continue to prosper.”
“I’m proud to support this effort to bolster the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park,” said Senator J.D. Vance. “This legislation is a well-deserved acknowledgment of the great work the park does to recognize Ohio’s history as the birthplace of aviation.”
“This boundary adjustment legislation supports the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, allowing them to welcome local, national, and international visitors with safe and accessible parking,” said Mackensie Wittmer, Executive Director, National Aviation Heritage Alliance. “On behalf of the National Aviation Heritage Alliance, I commend and thank Congressman Mike Turner for his more than 20 years of consistent support of our National Historical Park and our region’s aviation heritage.”
Background:
The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park was authorized in 1992 through the Dayton Aviation Heritage Preservation Act of 1992. Under the law, the park contained four non-contiguous sites: the fourth building of the Wright Cycle Company and the building that housed the Wright brothers’ print shop, both on Dayton’s West Side; the 1905 Wright Flyer and Wright Hall, both at Carillon Historical Park (now the Wright Brothers National Museum); Huffman Prairie Flying Field, on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base; and the Paul Laurence Dunbar house, in West Dayton.
Since the establishment of the park, Congress enacted two laws expanding the boundaries to include additional sites. In 2000, Congress enacted the “Dayton Aviation Heritage Preservation Amendments Act of 2000,” adding residential properties at 26 South Williams Street and at 30 South Williams Street. These parcels were adjacent to the core parcel with the Wright Cycle Company building. The same law also added newly constructed buildings in Carillon Historical Park adjacent to Wright Hall, which made up the John W. Berry, Sr. Wright Brothers Aviation Center.
In 2009, Congressman Mike Turner led legislation that added the Wright Company Factory in Dayton and Hawthorn Hill, the City of Oakwood, home of Orville Wright, to the National Park. The Wright Company Factory includes the world’s oldest surviving buildings constructed specifically for manufacturing airplanes.
The Dayton Aviation National Historical Park does not have broad acquisition authority granted to some National Park units. Furthermore, as a partnership park with assets owned by private and government partners, it has limited access to minor boundary authorities under the Land Water Conversation Fund authority. For any adjustment to the park’s boundaries, congressional action is needed.
On average, 57,500 people visit the Dayton Aviation National Historical Park each year.
Read the full text of the bill here.