Road Trips: Iconic Ohioans
Ohioans changed the world. Here is where you can revisit history and learn more about some of our most notable names.
Wright Brothers National Museum, Dayton: Located at Carillon Historical Park, this museum displays more Orville and Wilbur Wright artifacts than anywhere else. The highlight is the 1905 Wright Flyer III, the world’s first practical airplane. It is displayed in Wright Hall, which was built for the purpose.1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton 45409, 937/293-2841, daytonhistory.org
Armstrong Air & Space Museum, Wapakoneta: This tribute to native son Neil Armstrong rises along I-75 like a futuristic moon base. The museum highlights Ohio’s role in aeronautics, but its focus is the first man to walk on the moon. Artifacts include the plane Armstrong learned to fly in as a teen, his Gemini 8 capsule and an Apollo 11 training spacesuit. 500 Apollo Dr., Wapakoneta 45895, 419/738-8811, armstrongmuseum.org
The National Annie Oakley Center, Greenville: Annie Oakley became famous for her sharpshooting talents as she shattered expectations of what a woman of her era could do. Today, the Greenville native’s legacy is preserved at the Garst Museum, which also has Oakley artifacts on display, including a collection of her guns and a traveling trunk with her name stenciled on the side. 205 N. Broadway St., Greenville 45331, 937/548-5250, garstmuseum.org
John & Annie Glenn Museum, New Concord: John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, was born in Cambridge, and his family moved to New Concord in 1923. Today, the home where he lived tells the story of Glenn and his wife, Annie, who also grew up in New Concord. Displays include artifacts from Glenn’s time in the military, space program and politics. 72 W. Main St., New Concord 43762, 740/825-3305 johnandannieglennmuseum.org
Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum, Milan: The man who brought the world the first commercially successful lightbulb, the phonograph and scores of other inventions got his start in the Erie County town of Milan. Today, the house he was born in reflects the time when his family lived there, and a home next door houses a small museum with some of Edison’s famous inventions. 9 Edison Dr., Milan 44846, 419/499-2135, tomedison.org
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