Harris Hill Soaring Center

1st National Soaring Contest, Harris Hill, Elmira, New York

News Reel from 1932 showing some of the very first glider contest ever held in the United States.

National Soaring Museum | Path Through History | WSKG

NATIONAL SOARING MUSEUM

Located at the top of Harris Hill in Elmira, 1700 feet above sea level and directly across from the Harris Hill soaring airfield, is one of only two museums in the country dedicated to motor-less flight.

Long regarded as the Soaring Capital of the World, Elmira started hosting national soaring contests in the 1930's. Popularity of the sport grew and during World War II, Elmira was chosen to develop a glider program to train pilots for the war effort.

Over the years it became clear that a dedicated museum was needed, and in 1969, the Soaring Society of America designated Harris Hill as the site for a National Soaring Museum. The museum now houses the world's largest collection of motor-less aircraft and is recognized as the primary historical institution for motor less flight in the United States.

The National Soaring Museum is an invaluable resource for those who love aviation history and another important stop along New Yorks Path Through history.

Photos Courtesy of:
The Chemung County Historical Society
The National Soaring Museum


Links:
Path Through History:
WSKG's Path Through History:
Chemung County History Museum:
National Soaring Museum: