Wilber Wright's Birthplace

While in Indiana for the field study, I got to visit the Wilber Wright Birthplace & Museum near Millville in Henry County.  The grounds include an old farm house, original smoke house, and a community center attached to the museum.  The house was made to replicate the home of Milton and Susan Wright, where Wilber was born in 1867.  It sits on the original foundation despite three fires in the course of its history.  Inside the house includes items typical in 1867, such as photographs of Abraham Lincoln and a working loom.  Not every item is labeled, but the home includes some fun text panels with recipes in the kitchen and audio in the living room for guidance.  The smoke house out back is the most original piece on the property, both in location and materials.  

Front of the farm house 

In the museum, there are many photographs, newspaper clippings, document copies, and small artifacts relating to Wilber and his family.  A stained glass window was gifted to the museum that was originally located at Milton Wright's church.  We watched a video on the Wright Brother's first flight in 1903, which included interviews from Carillon Park!  The museum also includes a full scale replica of the 1903 flyer and a Kitty Hawk room with tools, plane rib construction, and a small kitchen area.  Main Street, Dayton is the museum's newest edition that includes a general store, dress shop, and the Wright Brother's printing and bicycle shops.  

Main Street, Dayton

The docent's name slips my mind, but he was a former pilot and very passionate about Wright family history.  He explained that the museum and grounds run almost entirely on donations and grants.  The only paid staff member is the grounds keeper, who lives at the museum.  One thing I noticed was the docent's focus on education and community involvement.  He pointed out activities specifically included for school age children and mentioned wanting to include more technology to keep youth interested.  The site is growing and volunteers seem committed to keeping the grounds authentic and inviting.  I really enjoyed the tour around Wilber Wright's birthplace!

*Update:  The docent's name in Charlie Fields.