Tom Hanks visits Wright Brothers landmark

Tom Hanks’ first stop in Dayton on Monday was to Carillon Historical Park, according to Brady Kress, president and CEO of Dayton History.

Hanks spent time looking at some of the artifacts, including the Wright Flyer III, which is the only plane that’s been designated as a National Historical Landmark.

Kress said he took Hanks into the pit where the plane is on display. “It contains more fabric than any other Wright plane built,” Kress said. “It’s the world’s first practical plane.”

Kress said Hanks didn’t discuss the making of the HBO miniseries that he’s collaborating on with two-time Pultizer Prize-winning historian David McCullough. “They’re putting the groundwork together to see what’s available,” Kress said.

Carillon Historical Park would be an ideal place for filming in Dayton, Kress said. “We feel we’re a great place contained in a central location. We’re a good spot for that kind of work.”

“Nothing Tom Hanks touches is insignificant. Having him involved is a huge boost and one more thing to put Dayton on the map and reaffirm we’re the birthplace of aviation,” Kress said. “We hope we were a good part of his Dayton experience.”

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