On December 9th 2009 the Powerhouse Museum celebrated the centenary of the first powered flight in Australia through a joint meeting with the Royal Aeronautical Society and Aviation Historical Society of NSW and a small display. In Victoria, the same centenary is celebrated on March 18, 2010. It is possible that in South Australian a similar celebration could be held the day before, on March 17, 2010. But how can all three States claim a national first? It?s a long story but nevertheless an interesting one which includes, of all people, the renowned escapologist and showman, Harry Houdini. If I?ve whetted your interest then this story of claim and counter claim is unravelled in the four episodes attached to this theme. I did mention that it is a long story!

Ian Debenham,
Curator, November 2009

Note: Note: this article was written for the Museum's "Object of the Week" Blog. "Object of the Week" can be found under Online Resources on this site.

+ Air transport
+ Australian history

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