Rare Curtiss Oriole biplane makes long journey back home to Long Island
During its lifetime, the aircraft traveled far from Long Island, spending time in Argentina, where it contributed to some of South America's earliest aerial mapping efforts, according to the museum.
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A century after it was built on Long Island, a rare biplane has returned home.
The Cradle of Aviation Museum has revealed the mystery aircraft recently added to its collection: a Curtiss Oriole. It is a three-seat biplane built in Garden City more than 100 years ago.
The aircraft's arrival from the West Coast marks the museum's first aircraft acquisition in over a decade.
There are only three Curtiss Orioles known to exist currently.
Introduced in 1919 by the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company and christened at Roosevelt Field, the Oriole was among the company's first civilian aircraft following World War I. The museum says the plane represents a moment in aviation history where manufacturers shifted from wartime production to serving a growing civilian market.
Constructed using steam-bent wood covered with fabric, the Oriole was built much like a wooden boat.
During its lifetime, the aircraft traveled far from Long Island, spending time in Argentina, where it contributed to some of South America's earliest aerial mapping efforts, according to the museum.
It also earned a place in the history books as the first aircraft to fly over the Arctic during a polar exploration.
Museum curator Josh Stoff is hoping that showing the history of the plane will get kids interested in STEM subjects.
"So we're both preserving the history for future generations and hopefully getting people excited for the future too," he said.
Restoring the century-old aircraft is expected to take about five years. Many original components remain intact, including the wicker seats, wing spars and radiator.
Once restoration is complete, museum officials plan to suspend the aircraft from the ceiling of the museum's café, where it will be displayed alongside the historic Aline Rhonie mural.
Before restoration work gets underway, visitors may get a chance to see the plane in its current condition. The museum hopes to feature the unrestored Oriole as part of a special retrospective exhibit planned for 2027.
The museum already owns a rare Curtiss C-6 engine, the same model that originally powered the Oriole.
