
2024 Ohio Renaissance Festival Tickets Now On Sale!


By Y. K. Cuts

The cast of (title of show.)
Theater in Dayton continues to provide high quality programming for the area…and TheatreLab‘s (title of show) is one outstanding example. Two of TL’s directors, Phillip Drennen and Mackensie King gave us a look at the show, and what’s driving the new energy that is TheatreLab Dayton!
D9: The town is a-buzz with (tos). Mackensie, what makes this show a must-see in your opinion?
MK: This show is spectacular because it truly feels like watching a group of people write a musical in real time. We rarely get the opportunity to see that side of the creation process. All of the performers are letting themselves into each of the characters and allowing truly sincere moments that will bring you to tears while also having you split your sides open with laughter. The harmonies and vocals are SO tight you will question if you are listening to recordings!
D9: Philip, this show takes place in the TheatreLab space, which I hear is going through some changes. Why do this performance there?
PD: Presenting the show in the TheatreLab space is a perfect way to make this show feel even more immersive and really let the audience into the action. The show is mostly a comedy and the score is very intricate so our performers really had to have the chops to pull it off. The acoustics in the TLD space really highlight the complicated and beautiful harmonies in the show. We are finding new ways to bring people into the TheatreLab space as well. Our recent Holiday Trivia party was a huge hit, too. It’s intimate and it brings a whole new energy! More to come with our space, for sure.

Mackensie King
D9: And Mackensie, what do you feel the TL space affords for a patron?
MK: They can expect a very close-knit performance. We have less than 60 seats and the action happens right in their face! We have a donation bar and snacks available as well.
PD: Right. I feel like this is a launching pad for what people can expect more of from TLD going forward. Evocative and authentic pieces of theater told in an intimate setting. By the end of the show, you will feel like you’re just one of our friends, rooting just as hard to get our show to Broadway!
D9: I know there has been much chatter around TheatreLab’s new vision for their part in the Dayton Area Theater scene. With a ‘grassroots group’ of performers and pals, a new path is being forged! Tell us about that!
PD: Yes, we have some very dedicated folks…a group of volunteers made up of performers and friends that are putting their time and resources into all things TheatreLab! It feels very genuine and heartfelt! So thankful for their energy!
MK: With that, we want to continue to offer intimate and unique staging of unknown shows and familiar shows. We truly want to bring Theatre into Dayton by producing shows in unconventional spaces and partnerships with local companies.
D9: When can folks still catch (title of show?)
PD: [title of show] runs for one more week, Thursday, Jan 24 – Sunday Jan 28, 7:30pm on Wednesday and Thursday, 8p on Friday and Saturday, and 2p on Sunday. Tickets range from $10-25 and our Wednesday performance is pay what you can!
D9: Congratulations to you both….and to the entire cast and crew of (title of show.) Looking forward to more from TheatreLab Dayton!
For More Information Visit:
www.theatrelabdayton.org
By Dayton937
The iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile first hit the hot dog highways in 1936. Our 27-foot-long hot dog on wheels has made it a mission to spark smiles around the country even on their “wurst” of days. Created in 1988, the Hotdogger Program was designed to hire and develop top-talent, grow future leaders of the company, and create gamechangers, innovators, and cultural champions. The team of Hotdoggers and Wienermobile offer the Oscar Mayer brand an unparalleled competitive advantage, delivering incremental sales, merchandising, distribution, and creating a personal experience with thousands of consumers each year.

The Hotdogger program is seeking individuals who are ready to deliver creative solutions on Kraft Heinz’s journey to become the indispensable food company in North America.
The Hotdogger Tour
The Oscar Mayer Hotdogger Program is a 1-Year assignment (starting and ending the first week of June).
The twelve-month program includes:
Attributes/Skills/Background of a successful Hotdogger
The Life of a Hotdogger
While no two days are the same in the Hotdogger program, a tour includes:
They Are Looking For…
Their Values
Our Hotdoggers are expected to embody the Kraft Heinz values as cultural champions and leaders in the organization.
At Kraft Heinz, our values are:
The Must-Haves

What They Offer
A One-Of-A-Kind role in a full-time, 1-year assignment with a competitive package including a $35,600 base salary, a weekly allowance of $150 ($7,200/yr.) for meals & personal travel, 18 days of paid time off, full health benefits package, and 100% of hotel expenses covered. If you relish in the chance to hitch a ride in a 27-foot Hot Dog supporting one of the world’s most iconic brands, the Hotdogger program is the place for you!
Why Kraft Heinz
We grow our people to grow our business. We champion great people who bring ambition, curiosity, and high performance to the table as the guardians of our beloved and nostalgic brands. Good isn’t good enough. We choose greatness every day by challenging the ordinary and making bold decisions. All while celebrating our wins – and our failures – as we work together to lead the future of food. Challenging the status quo takes talent. We invest in your purpose and potential by developing skills and nurturing strengths that leave a legacy on our business and a lasting impact on your career. Because great people make great companies, and we’re growing something great here at Kraft Heinz.
Hot dog fans are invited to apply to represent the 37th class for one year in a full-time, paid gig behind the wheel of the iconic Wienermobile. Applications for the position, officially titled Wienermobile Spokesperson, are now open here through Jan. 31.
By Dayton937
The Greater West Dayton Incubator and Flyer Consulting are presenting a special workshop focused on the Cultural Capital Microlending Program. This workshop is scheduled for January 26, 2024, from 4 to 6pm at 1105 W. 3rd Street, Dayton, OH 45402.
This event is a must-attend if you’re interested in learning more about the Cultural Capital Microlending Fund and how it can benefit your business. Here’s what we have planned for you:
In-Depth Understanding of the Cultural Capital Microlending Fund: Get a comprehensive overview of the fund, its benefits, and guidance on filling out the application.
Personalized Feedback on Your Loan Application Materials:
Bring your application materials and receive direct feedback to enhance your chances of success.
Meet the Underwriters: This is a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with the underwriters of the loan. Ask your questions, understand the process, and get insights that could be crucial for your application.
This event is not just an informative session but an opportunity to take a significant step towards securing financial support for your business. Whether you are just starting or looking to expand, this program is designed to help entrepreneurs at all stages.
Attendance is available to active business owners who have consistently generated verifiable revenue for six months or more, across any industry.
Register to attend here.

Photo Credit: Kevin Lush
If you frequented the airport in the past, you likely don’t recall seeing windows near baggage claim. That’s because as the airport grew and needed space for rental car counters, a break room for airport staff, and the Military Welcome Center, the logical response was to place them where they would fit and be easy to locate for passengers. However, it meant blocking the light from the outside.
With the rental car counters moving to their own, dedicated building, and the Military Welcome Center moving to a larger space, the windows are once again visible, providing a sense of openness and connectivity with the outside world.
You’ve probably noticed the brand-new terrazzo floors that glitter in the light and look brilliantly shiny and new, but did you notice the airplane designs across the expanse of the terminal floor? Not only are 20 airplanes designed into the floor that are significant to Dayton’s aviation history, but these airplanes are also life sized. Want to see how you stack up next to a B-17 Flying Fortress? Step on up and see for yourself! (Spoilers: It’s bigger than you.)
On the exterior of the terminal, the canopy is ready for lift off thanks to the sleek, slender wing-shaped materials that taper just like the wing of an airplane. This nod to aviation design is a beautiful way to celebrate flight (and the city where it was invented).
The columns are actually built at a slight angle, just enough to emulate the wheels of the airplane and the experience of standing under an airplane.

There are so many ways we are working to make the airport more sustainable and easier to maintain for airport staff. Here are a few:
The 3,500 people who go through the Dayton Airport daily will likely enjoy the more obvious improvements, luster, and renewed energy of the terminal thanks to the many improvements that have been made so far. Only a few will catch all of the surprising little details that have been incorporated into the design to create one fascinating celebration of flight – in the city where powered flight was made possible.
By Dayton937
The Kettering Noon Optimists have been hosting THE MARKET at Town & Country on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 11am-4pm since 2017.

When the mall did their remodel they committed to use the breezeway space to support community and civic activities. Pam Cochran was the Property Manager at the time and was also a Kettering Noon Optimist member. Unfortunately Pam is no longer with us but her spirit to support the community and children of the area is still alive.
The Market features local small businesses such as Susan with Got Cakes, Christine with Red Lotus Essence and Kelly with Au Faux Me. There are also crafters such as Anthea with Chalk Couture decor and Sharell with Purple Mane. Direct sales vendors include Jennifer with Paper Pie, Carol with Tastefully Simple, Chery with Color Street Nails, Carrie with Thirty One, Janell with Origami Owl, Tammy with Mary Kay, Robyn with Norwex and Laura with Mary and Martha.
Every month We Care Arts is a vendor at no cost to them. Some months we have additional charities such as the Kettering Backpack Program, Goodworks Farm and Diaper Depot. According to Barbara Farris, the Immediate Past President of the club, “The Market is one of biggest fundraisers for the Optimist Club and we are grateful that Town & Country does not charge us to use their location. This allows us to keep vendor fees on the same level that churches and schools use.”
Farris shared that some of the activities of KNO uses the funds raised through The Market are scholarships, an essay and Oratorical contest, providing shoes for all Kindergarten students at Beavertown Elementary, sweat pants/shirts, socks and underwear to all the nurses in Kettering Elementary schools, supporting Crayons to Classroom and Kettering Back Pack.
By Lisa Grigsby
Planned2Give is launching a new fundraiser this January, based on the same format as their very successful Donut Fest on Tour. Buy a Ground For Hounds ticket booklet and use it to get a free coffee (up to a $5 value at eight area coffee houses) and the proceeds benefit Paw Patrol.
You can pick up tickets:
Sat, Dec 30th from 9-11am at Ghostlight Midtown- 800 S Patterson Blvd in Dayton
Sun, Dec 31 from 9-11am at Gather 37 W 4th St in the Dayton Arcade.

By Dayton937
The Dayton Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 Joseph T. Cline Awards. The Joseph T. Cline Awards Fund of The Dayton Foundation was established by his daughter, Carolynne H. Cline, in 1984 to honor City of Dayton employees who strive for excellence in their careers as public servants and in their civic contributions. A longtime supporter of Dayton, Joseph Cline was a British-born optometrist who founded, chaired and volunteered for many of Dayton’s civic organizations.

Cline’s granddaughter, Meredith A. Cline, presented the awards at the Dayton City Commission meeting on December 13. Recipients of this year’s award are:
The award amount varies each year, with recipients this year receiving $537.69 each. Since 1991, 230 city employees have been honored with this award for a total of $77,777 awarded to date.
“The Joseph T. Cline Awards Fund encourages excellence by city employees regardless of rank or position. As a testament to that, the 2023 recipients range from 2 to 25 in service years, with an amazing 81 total years of dedication to their jobs and their community,” said Lucy Baker, donor relations officer for The Dayton Foundation.
By Lisa Grigsby
Rabbit Hole Books and the Dayton Book Fair are looking for porcelain and other ceramic tea cups to be donated for an upcoming fundraiser they are hosting. It can be a single cup or a set. Funds raised will go to the Book Fair building fund, as they have outgrown their current building. 
Cups will be used for a Lewis Carroll birthday Tea Party on Saturday January 27th from 1pm to 4pm at the book shop. Carroll was an English author, poet, mathematician and photographer who’s most notable works are Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel Through the Looking-Glass. For $10 guests will get a cup to traditional tea, teacakes, biscuits and tiny sandwiches
If you have any tea cups to rehome, please deliver them to Rabbit Hole Books 29 West First Street downtown or Dayton Book Fair, 2181 Embury Park.
Many of you are off work for the holiday, and if you are looking for film, music, tv, podcast recommendations for the end of the holiday and year… here you go!! ![]()
HOLIDAY FILM – If you want something to watch as Christmas winds down, I love “A Very Murray Christmas” on Netflix. It’s a fun NYC romp that is delightful, entertaining, and lighthearted. It’s extra special if you’ve watched “Always at The Carlyle” documentary on Amazon Prime about the famous hotel where the Murray Christmas is filmed. 
TV SHOW – The Bear on Hulu – If you missed this one, definitely check out this show this winter. It came out of nowhere initially, and this year’s Season 2 was a thoughtful follow-up. The episode “Fishes” is a holiday episode for the history books. For my hard-working Midwestern friends, there is so much to relate to!
MUSIC DOCUMENTARY – Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert film – currently available to rent on streaming apps, including Amazon Prime, Apple TV, YouTube. I was not into Taylor until a friend took me to the concert film, and I was hooked. I loved the variety and depth of her music, the dancing, showwomanship, and the unbeliveable production. This film will make you a fan – prepare yourself!PODCAST / INTERVIEW – I love podcasts – and ending the year listening to the “How to be Happy” Arthur C. Brooks interview on the Tim Ferriss show was a great mental reset before the start of a fresh new year!
By Lisa Grigsby
Too much stuff? Instead of adding to the deluge of material items, consider giving experiences instead of gifts. Dayton937.com’s gift guide helps you make it a holiday with less packaging and more memories by giving the gift of experiences. Here are some we suggest:

Every class comes with helpful knowledge from our Mixologists, 3 tastings, 1 cocktail, along with a complimentary recipe card and tasting glass.
Tickets are $15 per seat.
Cocktail Class Schedule:
( 1/6/24) Class 3: Gin
( 2/3/24) Class 4: Rum
( 3/2/24) Class 5: Tequila
( 4/6/24) Class 6: Liqueurs

Join us for an exciting art workshop with the renowned artist, Mike Elsass! This in-person event will be held at the Dana L. Wiley GALLERY Featuring Mike Elsass, a perfect venue to inspire your creativity.
During the workshop, you’ll have the unique opportunity to learn directly from Mike Elsass himself. He will share his techniques, tips, and tricks for creating stunning artworks. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this workshop is designed to help you explore your artistic potential.
Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to learn from one of the best in the industry. Reserve your spot today and get ready to unleash your artistic talents! All supplies are provided. Participants will receive two 8″ squares to take home and a free drink at Gather By Ghostlight. $100

Join New Ales Brewing for their first workshop of the new year .
20 seats available, this workshop includes a charcuterie cup for snacking and everything needed for everyone to make and take home your own charcuterie board! $50

In Level 1, students learn to be comfortable and have fun on stage using the #bbimprov approach to improv comedy. We will focus on learning to actively listen and responding in a “YES AND” manner. The listening and awareness techniques you will learn can be invaluable in your personal life, or at your work. No experience necessary!
Did we mention that your friends and family will get to watch you perform on stage at the end of your 8 week class?
Time: 8 Sundays beginning 1/14 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm, $175
Requirements: Age 18+


JEIO Prosecco Brut & a poached pear and prosciutto salad with a white pear balsamic vinaigrette
Punta Crena Lumassina Bianco & fried calamari and calabrian chili pepper lemon beurre blanc
Spinelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo & duck ragu & taleggio cheese lasagna
Benati Etna Rosso & creamy kalamata olives & caper risotto topped with octopus
Prelius, Meremma Toscana Cabernet Sauvignon & selection of Italian cheeses and nuts



7th Annual Bloody Mary Showdown – The Quest for Dayton’s Best Bloody Mary
Bartenders from Dayton’s bars and restaurants will compete, bringing their own bloody mary mix and garnishes to the table. Guests will have a chance to sample the different cocktails and then vote for their favorite.
The event takes place this year from noon – 2:00 PM on Sun, Feb 4th at Top of the Market on Webster Street.
There are two options to purchase your judging credential:
VIP Tickets: Include a buffet breakfast of eggs, bacon & sausage, and toast and an exclusive VIP hour from 11:00 AM and 12 Bloody Mary sampling tickets and judging credentials for $75.
General Admission: Includes 8 Bloody Mary sampling tickets and judging credentials for $30. Doors open for GA at noon, and the event concludes at 2:00 PM.
Guests will also vote for the best garnish and best table decor. Best Bloody Mary walks with bragging rights and a $500 cash prize!
By Lisa Grigsby
Could your Dayton area non-profit use an extra $10,000? Of course it could! Each fall the Dayton Book Fair Foundation pick 3 local charities to be the beneficiary of the proceeds from the Book Fair.
The application process to become a beneficiary of the Book Fair Foundation is outlined here, with an application form and guidelines posted below.
There are three requirements:
It really happens, I received this check for FilmDayton in 2016 from the Book Fair Foundation’s Larkin Vonalt.

Application deadline is January 9, 2024 and applications can be dropped off at our offices at 2181 Embury Park They are open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday 10am to 4pm. You can also drop them at Rabbit Hole Books, open noon to seven pm every day at 29 West First St. Dayton. If mailied, Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, January 3, 2024 .
The board will meet in January to talk about the applications we’ve received. Some of the things that ar consider is what kind of “match” the applicant feels like for the foundation—does this seem like a group whose mission is in concert with our own? We also look at the 990-N documents that each organization has filed. They work very hard to make the book fair a success and they’d like the gift they give to have significant impact on the organizations we choose.
It’s possible that they may want to schedule an interview with finalists if they cannot agree on three. They get so many applications from wonderful organizations that choosing just three is quite a challenge.
If your group is chosen as a beneficiary, there are certain requirements you should be aware of.
They require 40 volunteer hours from your organization. It can be 40 people for one hour, 4 people for ten hours, one person for 40 hours—the volunteer hours can be at the sale, during the year at the Book Loft, at Rabbit Hole Books or a combination of any of these. At least four of those forty hours must be fulfilled on November 11th, 2024, the Monday following the book sale.
Additionally, they expect that you will promote the 53rd Annual Dayton Book Fair among your own volunteers, staff and fans—through your newsletter, website, Facebook page, emails or tweets. We want the people who love your organization to help support you by supporting the Book Fair.
If you have already been a recipient of a Book Fair Foundation grant, you must wait at least three years before applying again.
Letters of application should be sent to the Book Fair Foundation, 2181 Embury Park Rd, Dayton, OH 45414. You are also welcome to drop off your letter at our Embury Park Road office. (Look for the flamingos in the yard.) We are open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday 10am to 4pm.
You may also drop them at our brick-and-mortar bookstore, Rabbit Hole Books, 29 West First St. We are open there noon to seven every day.
Beneficiaries of the 2024 Dayton Book Fair on or around February 2, 2024 on their website and r Facebook page. Organizations chosen for this year will be contacted prior to that date.
If you have questions, you’re welcome to call the Foundation at (937) 999-4491 to or email us at [email protected].
Please download the application form here:
By Dayton937
It’s here! The Dayton Battle of the Bands 2024 line-up has been announced! The 4th annual local music showcase features 6 weeks of playoff rounds starting on January 18, 2024, and a finale on March 9, 2024 at The Brightside Music & Event Venue.
The series was launched in 2020 pre-pandemic by The Brightside, Venus Child Productions, and Sound Valley Dayton. A few of the features that differentiate this showcase from other Battle of the Bands include: playoff rounds are decided by a mix of audience and judge’s votes, each week of the playoff rounds features a different genre of music, and plays down the idea of it being a “competition.”

Photo by Jordan Lynn Freshour
Organizers explained that in this competition, simply participating is a “win.” All the bands who participate get to network with industry professionals, perform in front of area music bookers, and get professional photos from Jordan Lynn Freshour. The finalists who move on all get a cash prize, the opportunity to perform on the big stage at The Brightside, and get a live music video of one of their songs from Ashley Karsen, of Sound Valley Dayton. The grand prize winner gets all of the above, plus free pizza for rehearsals from Dayton Pizza Factory, custom band merchandise from Little Monster Printing, a performance next summer at Levitt Pavilion, and an EP recording session at Dayton Sound Studios.
Along with helping up-and-coming bands get to the next level in their music journey, the Dayton Battle of the Bands team is inspired to help introduce Dayton audiences to new music to love.
“People are busy, so it’s hard to keep up with what’s new with the local music scene,” organizer Libby Ballengee shared with us. “Having a curated showcase like this during the winter especially, when people have fewer other entertainment options, makes it more enticing to come out and check out new bands. We’re trying to stimulate Dayton’s curiosity about the music being created here. Plus the shows are 7:30-10pm, so plenty of time to get home and to sleep!”
FULL SCHEDULE:
Jan 18, 2024 – WEEK 1 – POP / ROCK
– Ace Slite, Arianna Holiday, Dukes of Owls, The Bruins
Jan 25, 2024 – WEEK 2 – AMERICANA / FOLK / SINGER-SONGWRITER
– Austin Wolfe, Jeff William Butcher, Mrs. Midwestern, The Nautical Theme
Feb 1, 2024 – WEEK 3 – HIP-HOP / R&B
– Blanch Robinson, Damac, D. Knight, Dos.Grandiose, MelinaMarie
Feb 8, 2024 – WEEK 4 – ALTERNATIVE / PUNK / METAL
– ATTN Deficit Squirrel, DayGloom, Sheller, Toxic Nobility
Feb 15, 2024 – WEEK 5 – COUNTRY / BLUEGRASS
– Controversy For Breakfast, Possum Creek Ramblers, The Barnharts, The Shady Pine
Feb 22, 2024 – WEEK 6 – FUNK / JAM / PROGRESSIVE / JAZZ
– EverybodyEats, Freakquency, Intergalactic Spaceforce, KindHost
HOW TO GO?
The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St., Dayton, OH
Tickets available at thebrightsidedayton.com by Jan 1, 2024
$10 advance / $15 day of show for the playoff rounds
7pm Doors open / 7:30pm – 10pm music starts
All ages welcome
More information: https://www.daytonbattleofthebands.com/
By Lisa Grigsby
Earlier this month we shared some photo’s of the Unicorn House, and annual lights display in the Belmont neighborhood of Dayton, on Martel Drive off Patterson and Smithville. Many of you shared comments about your delight in seeing this display. Chris and Natasha Croft started decorating their yard in 2018 and the lighting display has grown each year.

Sadly, the magic of this twinkling unicorns met with some destruction when someone chose to rip one of the unicorns from their yard a little after midnight a couple nights ago. The Croft family posted this on their facebook about the theft: “Unfortunately, the little unicorn that they stole, (Marshmallow) is what the kids had named it, was discontinued in 2021. We work very hard to add a little sparkle to the season, but we cannot promise the display will continue in years to come. It is disheartening for anyone to have something stolen, but particularly something that we love sharing so much.”

They’ve posted a Go Fund Me page stating “we wonder if the time, money, and energy is worth bringing with us into 2024. This is why we are asking our community to offer a few dollars for the display to keep going. It’s not a surprise that Christmas lights have a short shelf life, requiring all new strands each season; or that the unicorns require repair (and replacement if possible) as early as the summer months.
Do not be surprised if your dementia suffering loved one seems to decline in December. It’s dark early, and routines are disrupted–holidays–which bring travel, visitors, and even decorations can add to the confusion of our dementia suffering loved ones. Your holidays and theirs will be easier with a plan.
In our family, we had a sign up sheet. We told my mom that everybody wanted to spend time with her, so we had to take reservations! She was flattered, and all the family (including grandkids) enthusiastically claimed “their turn with grandma” instead of glumly submitting to “babysitting grandma.” Each family member introduced the next… “Oh, is my turn up? Grandma, here’s Curtis to claim her special time with you,” and then the previous person would exit. Make sure to schedule people who can manage bathroom breaks, medications and food at the appropriate times.
Early stage sufferers may respond to notes taped on doors, for example. “Betty, we are visiting our grandchildren at their house. Stay in our/your room until it is light outside so you do not wake the children.” Make sure to write large enough for those without glasses to read.Alzheimer’s Association®
Step into the realm of aviation history as we embark on a captivating journey through the Wright Brothers National Museum. Home to the iconic pioneers of flight, Orville and Wilbur Wright, this museum offers a glimpse into the extraordinary lives and groundbreaking innovations that shaped the course of aviation forever. Aviation enthusiasts and history lovers alike can revel in the extraordinary tales behind the artifacts.


Nestled within the confines of the museum lies an unparalleled treasure trove for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Interestingly enough, through all his hard work with elements like grease and oil, it was hard to find Orville Wright in disarray. Visitors can marvel at Orville Wright’s impeccably preserved tuxedo and distinctive suede Stetson shoes. This display not only showcases Orville’s commitment to sartorial elegance but also provides a glimpse into his meticulous attention to personal appearance.
Additionally, the museum showcases the artifacts of the Wright brothers’ father, Bishop Milton Wright, including his spectacles, canes, and a 1668 Holy Bible, emphasizing the familial roots of the Wright brothers’ achievements in aviation. Their mother, Susan Catherine Koerner Wright, is often credited for their mechanical prowess, which is why her hand-knit cape, tools from her father, John Gottlieb Koerner, and tintypes showcasing her parents, John and Catherine Freyer, are on display.
Skilled not only in aviation but also in photography, the Wright Brothers obtained a Korona V camera, using it to capture their iconic first flight photo. Orville set up the camera, and John T. Daniels, a member of the U.S. Life Saving Service Station, took the historic snapshot by squeezing the bulb – a moment that marked Daniels’ inaugural venture into photography. Stroll through the museum and find it as well as other fascinating artifacts illuminating the lives of the famous Daytonian Brothers.

2. The Museum Houses the 1905 Wright Flyer III
In 1946, the vision for Carillon Historical Park, a museum celebrating the region’s influential role in transportation history, was unveiled by Dayton industrialist Edward Deeds. The Wright brothers were slated to be featured prominently, and Deeds initially proposed constructing a replica of their 1903 Wright Flyer. However, Orville suggested a different approach, advocating for the restoration and display of the 1905 Wright Flyer III, which he considered their most significant aircraft. This particular flyer, recognized as the world’s first practical airplane, had the capability to perform figure eights, land, and take off again—an achievement that distinguished it from earlier models.
Why did it need restoration? Later on in 1905, the Wright brothers disassembled the plane and placed it in storage until the spring of 1908. During this period, they modified the aircraft to accommodate two individuals—a pilot and a passenger. It was then transported to Kitty Hawk, where they conducted the inaugural passenger flight with their mechanic Charlie Furnas as the passenger. Unfortunately, Wilbur encountered a crash on the same day, leading them to disassemble parts of and abandon the aircraft at Kitty Hawk, with only the engine returning to Dayton. For three years the plane suffered from vandalism and exposure to the elements until the remaining parts were stored in a small museum in Pittsfield, MA. Orville’s reconstruction would then begin in 1947.
The 1905 Wright Flyer III has since been deemed a National Historic Landmark- the only airplane to ever be designated as so. Although Orville Wright passed away before the opening of Carillon Park in 1950, he played a role in the design of Wright Hall, where the Flyer resides.

3. An Original Wright Bicycle is a Rare Sight to See
The first portion of the museum replicates Orville and Wilbur’s original bicycle shop. Yes, that’s correct, the brothers were involved with more than one form of transportation. In 1938, with Orville Wright’s approval, Henry Ford acquired the original Wright brothers’ bicycle shop building from 1127 W. Third Street. The historic structure was then moved to Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan, where it stands today. Carillon Park’s cycle shop faithfully replicates the appearance of the Wright brothers’ store during the crucial period between mid-October to mid-December 1901.
In 1896, the Wright brothers initiated the production of their own bicycle brand, starting with the Van Cleve model. Named after their paternal great-great grandmother, Catherine Benham Van Cleve Thompson, the Wrights manufactured and sold a total of 95 Van Cleve bicycles. Today, only four are known to exist, with two preserved at Carillon Historical Park, ensuring the enduring legacy of the pioneering aviators.
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As you explore the exhibits and delve into the story of the Wright brothers, you’ll not only witness their contributions to aviation but also discover the family ties, meticulous craftsmanship, and innovative spirit that define their enduring legacy. The John W. Berry Wright Brothers National Museum stands as a testament to the indelible mark left by Orville and Wilbur Wright on the world of aviation in hope to ensure that their groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire generations to come.
This post originally appeared on the Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau web page.
Dayton History
1000 Carillon Blvd
Dayton, OH 45409
(937) 293-2841
Hours:
9:30am – 5:00pm Monday through Saturday
12:00pm – 5:00pm on Sunday
Admission: $14 per adult (ages 18-59), $12 per senior, $10 per child (3 –17), Children age 2 and under and Dayton History members are FREE
Members must present their ID with their membership card during every visit.