The Kansas City Museum is excited to announce that a new weathervane for the Carriage House has been created by artist Ed Dwight.  The Museum began working with Ed Dwight in early 2022 on the weathervane concept, and the weathervane was shipped to the Museum in February 2024.  It will be on temporary display in Corinthian Hall before it goes into storage for final installation on the cupola of the Carriage House when the entire building is restored and renovated.  Currently, the Museum is working with International Architects Atelier on the architectural design for the Carriage House. 

Through sculptural elements and imagery, Ed Dwight’s new weathervane includes a tribute to Loula Long Combs and Tom Bass, who were both leading figures in the American Royal Horse Show. Loula Long Combs (1881–1971), the youngest daughter of Robert Alexander Long and Ella Long, had a lifelong passion for horses. Considered the grand dame of show-horse owners, Loula rode in shows in North America and Britain.  Tom Bass (1859-1934) was a world-renowned saddle horse rider, trainer, and equestrian showman. Born into slavery in Boone County, Missouri, he was the first African American to ride in the American Royal Horse Show.

Born in 1933 and raised in Kansas City, Kansas, Ed Dwight joined the U.S. Air Force in 1953. After completing pilot training, he served as a military fighter pilot and obtained a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Arizona State University. In 1961, Dwight was chosen by President John F. Kennedy to enter training as an Experimental Test Pilot in preparation to become the first African American Astronaut. Dwight completed the Experimental Test Pilot course and entered Aerospace Research Pilot training in preparation for Astronaut duties. He successfully completed the course and continued to perform duties as a fully qualified Aerospace Research Pilot. Three years after the death of President Kennedy, Dwight left the military and began new endeavors. 

A new National Geographic documentary entitled The Space Race explores Dwight’s story, including the racial discrimination and injustice he experienced on his journey to become an astronaut. 

To learn more about Ed Dwight and the Carriage House project, visit kansascitymuseum.org.