2022.115 Photograph of the First Flight from an Aircraft Carrier

Containers:
Box Manuscripts Oversize Box 17
Extent:
0.1 Linear Feet
Scope and content:

A photograph of the first flight from an aircraft carrier. The image shows two large ships. One is in the background, and part of another is visible in the foreground. A small aircraft Curtis Model D (also called the Curtis Pusher) is midair over the water just off the deck of the USS Birmingham, the ship in the foreground. The pilot was Eugene Burton Ely (1886-1911). This photograph is mounted on a piece of cardboard. The orginial negative credited to Harry C. Mann is held at the Library of Virginia.

Biographical / historical:

Eugene Burton Ely (1886-1911) was a civilian stunt pilot. The first flight off the USS Bermingham was launched from an improvised wooden ramp, and due to the plane dipping down on launch, the landing gear touched the water. Ely managed to land safely on a nearby beach. Two months after the first attempt, he landed the Curtis Pusher on the USS Pennsylvania in the first succesful ship landing. He was awarded the Distingusihed Flying Cross for his pioneering flights.

Access and use

Location of collection:
College of William and Mary
Special Collections Research Center
Earl Gregg Swem Library
College of William and Mary
400 Landrum Drive
PO 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (757) 221-3090
Fax: (757) 221-5440
Restrictions:

The collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

Terms of access:

Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.

Parent restrictions:
Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.
Parent terms of access:
Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.
Preferred citation:

Photograph of the First Flight from an Aircraft Carrier, Special Collections Research Center, William and Mary Libraries.