The National Soaring Museum is the only comprehensive U.S. museum (and one of only two worldwide) focused on soaring and motorless flight. Our local community, Elmira, is regarded as the "Soaring Capital of America," in part because of soaring's central role for nearly 70 years in the social and economic history of the region by attracting individuals and associations from around the world for thousands of contests, lectures, symposia, and special events. Harris Hill, home to the Museum and HHSC, has hosted hundreds of other national, regional and international contests and exhibitions. National soaring contests of the 1950s brought about the concept of a national soaring museum.