STRATFORD — The Connecticut Air & Space Center is paying tribute to a Connecticut aviation pioneer this weekend, celebrating Gustave Whitehead Day.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15th. The rain date for the celebration is Aug. 16th.

Whitehead designed and built multiple flying machines and propulsion systems, and an eyewitness report that appeared in the Bridgeport Herald claimed that he made a sustained powered flight in Fairfield on Aug. 14th, 1901. Although this would have predated the Wright Brothers’ celebrated first flight at Kitty Hawk, N.C. by more than two years, the claim has been the subject of considerable controversy.

Gustave Whitehead Day will feature replicas of the No. 21 Condor, the machine Whitehead allegedly used in this flight. Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase a ride in an AT-6 trainer aircraft.

For more information, click here.

Gustave Whitehead Day

Saturday, August 15
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Connecticut Air & Space Center
225B Main Street
Stratford

Expanded coverage of Fairfield County cultural events is made possible with support from the Fairfield University Quick Center for the Arts