National Air and Space Museum
The Preservation of the Wright Flyer
February 8, 1985 – June 13, 1985
The Wright brothers' Flyer, usually on view in Milestones of Flight, is being restored while on public view. The philosophy of NASM emphasizes preservation more than restoration to an object's original appearance. The 3 basic steps in the work are cleaning, chemical treatment, and protection. This is the 1st extensive work to be done on the Flyer since Orville Wright prepared it for exhibition in 1916. After preservation work is completed, the Flyer will return to Milestones of Flight.
