Trumbull resident Tom Pieragostini has been named the Chairman of the Gustave Whitehead Committee, USA.
On Saturday, Aug. 17, The Discovery Museum and Planetarium and the City of Bridgeport, will host a celebration to honor the 112th anniversary of Gustave Whitehead’s historic first flight. This free event is open to the public and runs from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., with a special post-event hot air balloon ride opportunity for a limited number of guests from 5-7 p.m.
Presentations by aviation historian John Brown, actor and Whitehead enthusiast John Ratzenberger, and pilot and builder of the replica Whitehead airplane Andy Kosch, will showcase this special day to promote awareness to aviator Gustave Whitehead who was the first man to fly in 1901.
Weather permitting, the replica of Gustave Whitehead Flyer “No. 21,” which Andy Kosch successfully flew, will be on display with an interactive presentation. Build Right–Fly Right Hobbies of Wallingford, will fly model planes and have demonstrations suitable for all ages throughout the day.
Planetarium shows, educational demonstrations for children and a tethered flight of The Discovery Museum’s high altitude balloon are also slated for a full day of family fun. Guests are invited to explore the new “First In Flight” exhibit featuring period photographs, news articles and personal accounts of Whitehead and his 1901 flight on the beaches of Bridgeport, Connecticut.
The Discovery Museum’s more than 100 hands-on, interactive exhibits will be open to the public. State and local officials and dignitaries are expected to attend a special VIP Reception from 11am to 1pm for an additional session with Brown, Ratzenberger and Kosch.
Event sponsors include City of Bridgeport, Fairfield Museum and History Center, Re/Max Heritage, Volo Aviation, Pullman & Comley, and the Connecticut Air and Space Center.