Wright Brothers National Memorial: Cultural Landscape Report, Wright Brothers National Memorial, National Park Service
Hitchcock S. 2003. Wright Brothers National Memorial: Cultural Landscape Report, Wright Brothers National Memorial, National Park Service. Cultural Landscape Report. NPS Southeast Regional Office. Southeast Regional Office
The overall goal of the historical research is to document significant landscape changes over time. The research findings are used to draw comparisons to the site’s conditions in order to assess what resources remain from the Wright era and from later commemorative overlays. Based on this analysis, recommendations are proposed to suggest how the landscape resources can most effectively be treated and interpreted. The Park’s Historic Study (1998) and Administrative History (1967), as well as the recently completed National Historic Landmark nomination for the visitor center (2000), served as essential starting points for understanding the changes that have occurred at the site. A number of secondary sources provided additional background information on the history of flight, regional geography, culture, and local history. Other park documents reviewed include the General Management Plan (1997), the Statement for Management (1993), the Grounds Management Plan (1981), historical maps and drawings, archival photographs, and various early park documents, including “Superintendent’s Reports” for Wright Brothers National Memorial. Field research included site visits during September and October 1999. Historical investigation was limited primarily to review of pre-existing park research and documentation, supplemented by conversations with persons having specific site history information. A program of rehabilitation is the most viable treatment approach for the site with the goal of preserving the elements that best interpret the Wright brothers era: the open character of the site with minimal intrusions. Treatment recommendations are proposed that would strengthen the spatial relationship between the Wright Brothers Monument and the First Flight Marker by reinforcing the primary of the mall. Treatment recommendations also suggest how improving pedestrian circulation can enhance the visitor experience at the site. Treatment recommendations are proposed for preservation of the Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center landscape. Additional recommendations suggest linking the primary and secondary periods of significance by explaining the evolution of the site. Direction is also given for appropriate areas for future development.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Hitchcock, Susan
- Date of Issue
- 2003
- Publisher
- NPS Southeast Regional Office
- Units
- HIST , SER , WRBR
- Keywords
- Aviation, bronze, Commemoration, Copper, Cultural Resources, Dayton, ehistory, flight, foredune, glider, Granite, grassed mall, History, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Mission 66, monument, North Carolina, Orville Wright, powered aircraft, sandflats, War Department, Wilbur Wright
- Subjects
- CRIS-CL: 550169: Wright Brothers National Memorial Landscape