In December 2017, mankind celebrated the 114th anniversary of the first powered, controlled, sustained flight of a heavier-than-air craft. Through the course of those years, a generation of amateur aviation historians – the “first wave” – came of age themselves, and laid down the basis for recording this human achievement thoroughly.

Formally established museums in this country dedicated to the subject numbered exactly 1 as of 1941, but today there are more than 120. The preservation of historic aircraft didn’t really get its legs until well into the late 1950s but today, a combination of static and flying museum’s - and organizations supporting them – have multiplied. Some have prospered, and some have not.

Dan Hagedorn, a self-described member of “the second wave,” walks us through this evolving movement, and will challenge the audience to ponder exactly how we are doing as we take part – as enthusiasts, actively or passively - in this captivating avocation.

Scholarly Saturdays are free with paid FHCAM Museum Admission.