MANTEO – The futile efforts of the Wright Brothers to conduct secret flights on the Outer Banks in 1908 is the subject of the latest book by nationally known author Larry Tise. “Conquering the Sky: The Secret Flights of the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk” is a detailed narrative of the attempts at secrecy in a world enthralled with path breaking developments in speed, power and flight. Tise will discuss his book at the Outer Banks History Center on Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. in a free program.
The media circus surrounding the Wright Brothers after the 1903 first flight proved to be the second greatest challenge of their careers, Tise observes. What to do, when to go public with the flying machine were quandaries for the brothers as they considered the desire for wealth and fame versus historical legacy. Tise reveals how the brothers withheld or blocked publication of photographs of the plane until they had gone public in 1908. The very different brothers, a cast of local characters, and the challenging environment make for an exciting tale.
Historian and author Larry E. Tise lives and works in Philadelphia, Pa., and in North Carolina. He served as consulting historian for the North Carolina First Flight Centennial Commission. He also was appointed Wilbur and Orville Wright Distinguished Professor of History at East Carolina University. His research uncovered many new, unknown photographs and other objects and materials relating to the Wrights.
The Outer Banks History Center Associates sponsor this event. For information visit www.obhistorycenter.ncdcr.gov, or call (252) 473-2655. The Outer Banks History Center is a regional archives and research library administered by the State Archives within the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, the state agency dedicated to the promotion and protection of North Carolina’s arts, history and culture. Now podcasting 24/7 with information about the Department of Cultural Resources, all available at www.ncculture.com.