Why are the Wright brothers considered first in flight? In part because the Smithsonian cut a slimy deal with the brothers. The cable access show Bridgeport Now that has been at the forefront of bringing attention to this issue and highlighting Bridgeport’s Gustave Whitehead’s first powered flight, will continue to explore that agreement Tuesday 8 p.m. on Cablevision channel 88 and also live on the Internet at www.soundviewtv.org.
Paul Jackson, editor of the bible of the aviation industry Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft, declared on March 8 the Wright Brothers were not first in flight. Aviation historian John Brown www.gustave-whitehead.com reviewed a large body of work that validated what supporters of Whitehead’s accomplishments have advanced for decades.
The contract between the Wright brothers and Smithsonian, uncovered in 1976 by William J. O’Dwyer, assisted by then Connecticut U.S. Senator Lowell Weicker, essentially requires that, in order to receive the Smithsonian’s top exhibit, the popularly named airplane “the Wright Flyer” for $1, the Smithsonian and all its affiliates must credit the Wrights as first to fly. If they don’t the plane will be returned to the Wright heirs.
O’Dwyer asserted the contract has been a roadblock to evaluating early aviation efforts and crediting strong contenders for first-to-fly, despite Smithsonian officials’ claims to the contrary.
Susan Brinchman O’Dwyer will call into the TV program to discuss her letter of demand to the Smithsonian.
See the Smithsonian contract here.
Tonight at 8pm on Bridgeport Now TV, the daughter of Major William J. O’Dwyer calls in to discuss her just-released ‘Letter of Demand’ to the Smithsonian Institution. Susan O’Dwyer Brinchman asks the Smithsonian to nullify the “contract” with the Wright Brothers.
She will discuss her father’s research work and his book “History by Contract” published in 1978, in which he unearthed the then-secret contract agreement between the Smithsonian and heirs of the Wright brothers, which unfairly hinders serious consideration of flight claims that precede the Wrights. Tonight we expect to be joined by a Connecticut Post journalist and will provide a link to the letter online.
The Smithsonian has not been silent on the Whitehead news.
www .thebridgeportnews.com/3338/letters-debate-whitehead-first-in-flight-claims/
This blog continues to take the lead in reporting on the Whitehead story. Our program interviewed the aviation authority after the historic statement earlier this month:
www .youtube.com/watch?v=qbSNiEBJ85g