Cradle of Aviation to Begin Year Long Salute to Wright Brothers With Anniversary of Flight Lecture Series

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The Cradle of Aviation will celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the Wright Brothers flight with the Anniversary of Flight Lecture Series. The four part series will
include a visit by Marianne Hudec, a niece of Orville Wright. "This four part lecture series will bring leading experts to Long Island as we celebrate this milestone in aviation history," said Claudia M. Oakes, Chief Operating Officer of the Cradle of Aviation. "This series will honor those who have made such incredible contributions to aviation and space travel worldwide and right here on Long Island."

The four part series will kick off at 7:30 on Friday evening, October 24th, when former astronaut, Fred Haise delivers the keynote address at Failure is Not an Option, the story of Apollo 13. Haise was one of 19 astronauts selected by NASA. Haise served as back up lunar module pilot for Apollo 8 & 11 missions and backup spacecraft commander for the Apollo 16 mission. During the infamous flight of Apollo 13, Haise was the pilot of the lunar module, which became their lifeboat home. The courage of Haise and his crewmembers will always be remembered as one of the most compelling and dangerous missions in NASA history.

Family Reminiscences of the Wright Brothers, will take center stage at 7:30 on Thursday, December 4th, less than 2 weeks before the centennial anniversary of the Wright Brothers first flight. Marianne Hudec, a niece of Orville Wright, will share special memories of the men who conquered flight. As a child, Hudec spent many memorable hours in "Uncle Orv's" home. She will share her fond recollections and those of her mother Ivonette Wright Miller, recalling the personality and character of Orville and Wilbur.