Darrell M. Collins Highway honors Wright Brothers historian

(Submitted Story by Tonya L. Collins)

Tonya L. Collins is the wife of Darrell M. Collins and President/Chair Pea Island Preservation Society, Inc.

At its monthly meeting in Raleigh on Nov. 5, the North Carolina Department of Transportation announced a resolution officially naming a five-mile stretch of highway in front of the Wright Brothers National Memorial after historian Darrell M. Collins.

The Darrell M. Collins Highway will span from W. Kitty Hawk Road in Kitty Hawk to Colington Road in Kill Devil Hills. Darrell’s wife, Tonya L. Collins and close friend, Karen Warlitner of the First Flight Foundation, were on hand to say a few words of gratitude.

Darrell is best remembered for his storytelling prowess on the Wright Brothers and his ability to command audiences of all ages by taking them back in time to witness the “Miracle at Kitty Hawk” on that cold and windy day of Dec. 17, 1903. Darrell would speak to over 18 million visitors to the Memorial during his 40 years as historian and to over 25 million in front of the replica 1903 Wright Flyer at the EAA Museum in Oshkosh, WI, which is the home of the largest air show in the world.

The Wright Flyer area will be dedicated in his honor at AirVenture 2027. Darrell traveled internationally to share the story of the Wrights and Outer Banks Hospitality, most notably at the Air Show Downunder where Tonya joked that the two of them perfected the “art of the Australian salute…a rite of passage about the pervasive flies!”

Darrell’s sense of service was encouraged and nurtured by his mother, the late Dellerva Wise Collins, who led a long life of service to the Town of Manteo and Dare County. He loved this place and its people and truly appreciated how the way of life and shared experiences shaped the man he became. He used the broader history of the world, the country, states, regions and locally to connect the grass, trees, birds, wildlife, and food to breathe life into his storytelling that made it so authentic.

It was researching that history and Outer Banks history that would become the gateway for his becoming a leader in the community. Darrell coached Parks & Rec Youth Basketball for 25 years and coached and played with the Adult League for 35 years.

Darrell served as a Town of Manteo Commissioner, Mayor Pro Tem, Planning Board Advisor and 20 years ago, founded The Pea Island Preservation Society, Inc. whose members have been preserving and sharing the story of Richard Etheridge (first African American Keeper of a Life-Saving Station) and the brave men of Pea Island Station #17.

Darrell implemented the Junior Ranger program for the Wright Brothers National Memorial, regularly sharing it with school children, which inspired him to spearhead the education initiative entitled, Freedmen, Surfmen, and Heroes to teach this history to all 4th grade students.

A cherished recognition bestowed upon Darrell, nominated by then Senator Mark Basnight, was The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Darrell graduated with a BS degree in Geology and History from Elizabeth City State University, he was a published author on the Wright Brothers, the recipient of numerous awards and accolades for his storytelling skills and a source for many playwrights and authors. A direct descendant of the Freedmen’s Colony on Roanoke Island, Darrell is an OBX Icon who lived a life of service.

Tonya Collins also wishes to extend a special thank you to Tess Judge, The Kitty Hawk Town Council and Town Manager Melody Clopton, The Kill Devil Hills Board of Commissioners and Michael O’Dell, Karen Warlitner, Executive Director First Flight Foundation, Amanda Wright Lane, Great Grandniece of Wilbur and Orville Wright, and Tom Crouch, Curator Emeritus, Smithsonian Institution.

Information about the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to come later.

The Darrell M. Collins Aviation Science Scholarship has been established with the Outer Banks Community Foundation to benefit high school seniors planning to attend Elizabeth City State University in the Fall of 2027. Please consider investing in the careers of the next generation of aviation enthusiasts by supporting this fund between now and Dec. 31, 2026.

Invitation for Life-Saving Service/USCG descendants to Donate/Loan Artifacts to PIPSI

Darrell M. Collins Highway honors Wright Brothers historian

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