Copper busts of Orville (left) and Wilbur Wright at Wright Brothers National Memorial/NPS

A copper bust of Orville Wright, who made history with his brother in 1903 when they achieved the first manned flight, was stolen from the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina.

National Park Service staff reported Sunday morning that the thieves damaged the granite pedestal in the act of stealing the bust, which was paired with one of Orville's brother, Wilbur. The theft happened either late Saturday or early Sunday morning.

Thieves made off with the bust of Orville sometime late Saturday or early Sunday/NPS

Park Service rangers and local law enforcement officials were investigating this crime. If you have information that could help solve this case, you're asked to contact the Dare County Community CrimeLine or the National Park Service’s Investigative Services Branch (ISB).

National Park Service ISB Tip Line

• Call or text the ISB Tip Line at 888-653-0009

• Online at http://www.nps.gov/isb and click “Submit a Tip”

Big Kill Devil Hill may be closed to visitors for a period of time today while the investigation continues.