|
In 1908, just five years after making their first, short pioneering flights, the Wright Brothers introduced their invention to the world with spectacular demonstrations in the United States and France. The flights of 1908 confirmed the accomplishments of the two brothers from Ohio not just to the public at large, but to the international community of experimenters who had also dreamed of a flying machine. The Wrights had been members of this community from the start of their inquiries in the 1890s. Once publicly presenting their invention, the Wrights immediately became leading figures in an international community dedicated to bringing the benefits of flight to the world Flight has been a truly international phenomenon ever since.
The centennial year of those flights affords the opportunity to reflect upon this international community of flight. A conference is being planned for the centennial in Dayton, Ohio, May 8-10, 2008, at Wright State University. Conference organizers are seeking paper and panel proposals focusing broadly on the international nature of the history and development of flight, 1908-2008. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, flight research, development of airlines and international transportation, important individuals, political and diplomatic initiatives, aviation and the arts, international cooperation, and international competition.
Both individual papers and panel proposals will be accepted. Those submitting an individual paper need to submit a one-page abstract of the paper and a one-page c.v. Panel proposals should include a brief explanation of the overall theme of the panel, plus one-page abstracts of each paper and one-page c.v.’s for each participant. Those submitting panels are strongly encouraged to also include the names and c.v.’s of proposed chairs and commentators. Established scholars and graduate students are encouraged to apply.
All materials must be submitted via e-mail to: François Le Roy, Chair, Program Committee, at Leroy@nku.edu by October 15, 2007.
|
