Kitty Hawk artifacts donated to Flight Museum

By Abigail Erickson 

The Frontiers of Flight Museum proudly announces a momentous gift from the Armstrong Family Collection — a rare piece of the original “Wright Flyer” fabric that flew both at Kitty Hawk in 1901, and on Apollo 11 which landed on the moon on July 20, 1969. 

Additionally, the family is including a companion piece — an original Apollo 11 patch made by Texas Art Embroidery to enhance the presentation of the fabric swatch in the museum. 

“This donation is an important piece of American history linking two pioneers to another — the first men to take flight to the first person to set foot on the Moon,” Todd Imhof, of Heritage Auctions, said.   

The artifact will become a centerpiece in the museum’s aerospace collection, further inspiring generations of visitors with its connection to the Apollo program and its profound impact on space exploration. 

“We are honored to receive this extraordinary gift from Armstrong Family,” said Abigail Erickson-Torres, president and CEO of the Frontiers of Flight Museum. 

“This donation deepens our mission to connect visitors to the stories that have shaped aviation and space history.” 

Mark Armstrong, eldest son of Neil will serve as the keynote speaker at the Frontiers of Flight Museum Legacy In-Flight Luncheon-on October 1. 

Their “Legacy In-Flight” Luncheon event, chaired by esteemed engineer, pilot and parachutist Dyan Medina Gibbens, will celebrate the legacies of the past while supporting its Aerospace-STEM education programs of the future, which impacts thousands of students annually. 

A panel of youth leaders will weigh in on what a future career in Aerospace could mean for them and the country. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Mark Armstrong as our keynote speaker,” said Gibbons. “His insight into the life and legacy of his father, coupled with his commitment to inspiring the next generation, aligns perfectly with the museum’s mission.” 

The Legacy In-Flight Luncheon will provide a unique opportunity to hear from Mark Armstrong while showcasing the newly donated artifact and exhibit around Neil Armstrong. 

Proceeds from the luncheon will directly support the museum’s programs, which serve to educate and inspire future aviators, engineers and astronauts. 

Frontiers of Flight Museum The Frontiers of Flight Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is located at Dallas Love Field, is a world-class aerospace museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of aviation and space exploration. The museum features more than 40 exhibits, and 300,00 artifacts including the Apollo 7 Command Module and the Wright Flyer replica and serves as a hub for innovative Aerospace- STEM education. 

For more information, visit flightmuseum.com.