Wright Brothers Memorial Banquet
Friday, December 11, 2026
Sponsored By:
Wright Brothers Memorial Banquet
Friday, December 11, 2026
Sponsored By:
Join us for the EAA Wright Brothers Memorial Banquet for a memorable evening that celebrates the spirit, innovation, and achievements of Wilbur and Orville Wright.
This annual banquet brings together both aviation and history enthusiasts for an unforgettable evening of inspiration and reflection of the Wright brothers’ legacy that continues to shape the world of aviation. Enjoy cocktails and a full-service dinner inside the EAA Aviation Museum’s Eagle Hangar, a hall dedicated to the memory of those who have served valiantly.
The highlight of the evening is an inspirational presentation from our featured keynote speaker who will share his personal and professional story of adventure, camaraderie, and flight.
We are excited to be joined by Rob Collings Jr., executive director and chief pilot of the Collings Foundation, who will be talking about the history of the American Heritage Museum’s Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina, which is on display in the Eagle Hangar.
Featured Speaker – Rob Collings
Rob Collings Jr.’s career with the Collings Foundation has spanned more than 30 years, which has included overseeing the operations of a variety of World War II heavy bombers and fighters such as the world’s last flying B-24 Liberator, a TP-40N Warhawk, and many more. Today, the Collings Foundation has four distinct activities which includes the new American Heritage Museum in Stow, Massachusetts.
The American Heritage Museum’s Consolidated PBY Catalina BuNo 2459 is considered one of the most historic surviving PBYs and the most successful Allied patrol aircraft of WWII. Built in 1941 as one of the first PBY-5As, it flew anti-submarine patrol and air-sea rescue missions, earning a remarkable combat record that included sinking the German U-boats U-464, U-582, and U-194. Its extraordinary success and wartime service make BuNo 2459 a standout example of the Catalina’s vital role in the Allied war effort.
Featured Speaker – Rob Collings
Rob Collings Jr.’s career with the Collings Foundation has spanned more than 30 years, which has included overseeing the operations of a variety of World War II heavy bombers and fighters such as the world’s last flying B-24 Liberator, a TP-40N Warhawk, and many more. Today, the Collings Foundation has four distinct activities which includes the new American Heritage Museum in Stow, Massachusetts.
The American Heritage Museum’s Consolidated PBY Catalina BuNo 2459 is considered one of the most historic surviving PBYs and the most successful Allied patrol aircraft of WWII. Built in 1941 as one of the first PBY-5As, it flew anti-submarine patrol and air-sea rescue missions, earning a remarkable combat record that included sinking the German U-boats U-464, U-582, and U-194. Its extraordinary success and wartime service make BuNo 2459 a standout example of the Catalina’s vital role in the Allied war effort.
Featured Speaker – Rob Collings
Rob Collings Jr.’s career with the Collings Foundation has spanned more than 30 years, which has included overseeing the operations of a variety of World War II heavy bombers and fighters such as the world’s last flying B-24 Liberator, a TP-40N Warhawk, and many more. Today, the Collings Foundation has four distinct activities which includes the new American Heritage Museum in Stow, Massachusetts.
The American Heritage Museum’s Consolidated PBY Catalina BuNo 2459 is considered one of the most historic surviving PBYs and the most successful Allied patrol aircraft of WWII. Built in 1941 as one of the first PBY-5As, it flew anti-submarine patrol and air-sea rescue missions, earning a remarkable combat record that included sinking the German U-boats U-464, U-582, and U-194. Its extraordinary success and wartime service make BuNo 2459 a standout example of the Catalina’s vital role in the Allied war effort.
Event Information
Schedule
Doors open at 5 p.m.
Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m.
MenuFeatured speaker to begin their presentation immediately following dinner.
Suggested Attire - Guests are welcome to dress in business casual or cocktail party attire.
Parking - Vehicle parking is available in the EAA Aviation Museum parking lot.
Arrival - All guests must enter through the main EAA Aviation Museum entrance.
Bags/Carry-Ins - Any bags, backpacks, and purses must be 8.5 inches by 11 inches by 5 inches or smaller to be permitted inside the museum during the event. All items will be subject to search upon entry to the event.
Please have your tickets either printed or ready to scan on your mobile device upon arrival.
