USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, Inc.

PROVIDENCE, RI - Members of as many as 20 area aviation and military organizations will gather on December 16 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers historic first heavier-than-air manned flight. The dinner event, which will take place at East Greenwich's historic Varnum Armory, will be open to the public.

"We could not let this date pass without a fitting celebration,'' said Frank Lennon, president of the USS Saratoga Museum Foundation and head of the centennial dinner steering committee. "Rhode Island played a much larger role in the history of early aviation than most people realize," he added. "Given the state's many veterans groups, hundreds of professional and amateur flyers and scores of aviation history buffs, the idea of a centennial event is a natural. We are excited about the immediate, enthusiastic response we received as soon as we floated the concept."

A cocktail reception and tours of Varnum Armory will begin at 5 p.m. The dinner and speaking program will start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by calling the USS Saratoga Museum's Russian Submarine Museum box office at 401-521-3600. Seating is limited and reservations are required.

The evening, featuring live music, will include displays of historic aviation memorabilia assembled by participating organizations. Some of the artifacts also will serve as raffle prizes and auction items. EAA Warbird Squadron 7 will entertain guests with a multi-media presentation on the history of flight.

For more information, including ways to get involved as a participating group or event sponsor, contact Jennifer Wheeler at 401-521-3600.

A copy of the invitation brochure can be downloaded by selecting this link (Adobe Acrobat Format)

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Last Updated:
11/12/03