Octave Chanute, A Flying Pioneer

National Aviation Day celebrates the courage and ingenuity of aviation pioneers, whose perseverance and innovation paved the way for modern aviation as we know it. Beyond its historical significance, Aviation Day is an opportunity to foster interest and engagement in the field of aviation.
Please join us on August 16 to learn about one aviation pioneer, Octave Chanute, and his aeronautical activity in north-west Indiana 130 years ago. In 1896 and 1897, Chanute and his team came to the southern shore of Lake Michigan to experiment with gliders, thus setting the stage for the airplane to come.
Simine Short will highlight why Chanute selected this area in Lake and Porter County instead of experimenting with flying machines elsewhere in the country. If there is interest, a hike through Miller Woods to the lake can follow Short's presentation, allowing a discussion on Chanute's learning to fly.
National Park passes are required if hiking. For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/fees.htm