Discovery Museum’s free day salutes Gustave Whitehead

Aviation pioneer Gustave Whitehead with his No. 21 flyer that is beleived to have made the first manned flight in Fairfield in 1901. Aviation pioneer Gustave Whitehead with his No. 21 flyer that is beleived to have made the first manned flight in Fairfield in 1901. Photo: Contributed Photo Photo: Contributed Photo Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Discovery Museum’s free day salutes Gustave Whitehead 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Many believed the day would never come.

For decades, many local researchers, pilots and aviation historians have worked diligently to prove that Bridgeporter Gustave Whitehead, a German immigrant, accomplished violinist and self-proclaimed "aeronaut" -- piloted Flyer No. 21 above Fairfield County on Aug. 14, 1901 -- more than two years prior to the Wright Brothers' flight at Kitty Hawk.

But recently, Jane's All the World's Aircraft, an authoritative aviation publication, acknowledged Whitehead as having flown the first successful heavier-than-air aircraft -- making him "first in flight."

So it is with great anticipation that local boosters are ready to celebrate. And celebrate they will with the public on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. to about 7 p.m. at the Discovery Museum, in Bridgeport. The museum will be hosting "Gustave Whitehead: First in Flight Day," just a few days after the 112th anniversary of his flight. Admission indoors and to the grounds is free.

Adam Zuckerman, the museum's director of exhibits and public programming, said the day will be bursting with fun events, educational demonstrations, hands-on projects and the opening of a Whitehead exhibit. Another new exhibit on view is NASA's "The Sun As Art" photography collection.

For Zuckerman, the highlight of the day will be presentations by three Whitehead supporters from 2 to 4 p.m.

On hand will be John Brown, an Australian aviation historian whose research led to Whitehead's recognition by Jane's; actor/activist John Ratzenberger, a Bridgeport native; and area resident Andy Kosch, an ultralight pilot, biology teacher and Whitehead historian.

Brown, who is based in Germany, is credited with revealing photographic proof of Whitehead's inaugural flight in the Bridgeport area (many believe it was on Tunxis Hill in Fairfield).

More Information The Discovery Museum, 4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport. Saturday, Aug. 17, admission will be free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.discoverymuseum.org; 203-372-3521. Rain or shine.

"While sifting through archives in the attic of a museum in Bavaria, Germany, Brown found a panoramic photograph from 1901 showing Whitehead flying his plane ... (and) as a direct result of this discovery" Jane's endorsed Whitehead as "first in flight," the museum wrote in notes on the celebration.

Ratzenberger, perhaps best know for his role as mail carrier Cliff Clavin on "Cheers," was the host and producer of "Made in America," a series on the Travel Channel, which the museum characterized as having "paved the way for a new series of shows celebrating the work ethic that made the United States into an industrial powerhouse." He also is the co-author of "We've Got it Made in America: A Common Man's Salute to an Uncommon Country."

According to the museum, Kosch "has worked tirelessly in Connecticut and internationally to keep Whitehead's achievements from being forgotten." Kosch was the leader of a team that in 1986 built and flew a replica of Whitehead's No. 21, "proving the airworthiness of the design and refuting many Whitehead critics."

Also featured will be free shows in the Henry B. duPont III Planetarium, displays and demonstrations by local model airplane clubs and a replica of Whitehead's Flyer No. 21 (weather permitting).

Beginning at 4 p.m., the Re/Max hot air balloon will begin setting up, with brief tethered rides offered from 5 to 7 p.m.; a $10 donation to the museum is requested.

Zuckerman said he would like those who attend the celebration to "gain a better understanding of just how amazing Bridgeport is and its place in the history of innovation in America. Over the decades it has been the place for inventive geniuses."

And, said Zuckerman, he hopes Saturday's events will give visitors "a new understanding of the origins of powered flight and a bit more understanding of the science of flight."

Another goal, Zuckerman said, is that free admission will encourage first-time visits by many area individuals and families.

Other than the hot-air balloon rides, activities will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Here are a few other events, all free, that are planned:

11 a.m.-3 p.m., Make-And-Take projects, and educational demonstrations for children;

1 p.m., planetarium show, "Dawn"; high-altitude balloon launch, tethered flight and demonstration;

2 p.m., planetarium show, "The Little Star That Could";

3 p.m., planetarium show, "Skies Tonight."

pasboros@ctpost.com; Twitter: @PhyllisASBoros

The Discovery Museum, 4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport. Saturday, Aug. 17, admission will be free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.discoverymuseum.org; 203-372-3521.