enginehistory.org

[joder]

Here is something I hope that all members will consider.

The Wright State University Libraries have around 1300 rolls of early Wright Aeronautical micro film they intend to restore due to the original film being contaminated / infected.

The project estimates / quotes total $51,090.00 US. This sum includes making both master and use copies and detruction of the original film.

The Libraries seek donations to help fund this project.

The film is currently inaccesible, being off site and stored in freezing temperatures.

If you want to make a donation, checks should be made payable to the Wright State University Libraries and mailed to:

Dawne Dewey
Head, Special Collections and Archives
Wright State University Libraries
3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy.
Dayton, Ohio 45435

I have a selfish interest here - I hope to eventually obtain Wright 1820 "F" Series drawings from this collection.

[jkinney]

The Wright Aero drawing collection is unprecedented and will prove to be a valuable resource once it is preserved and catalogued. I worked closely with Dawne Dewey and her folks at WSU to get the collection there. She is performing yeoman work in preserving those drawings and microfilm. Also, the USAF Museum is helping out with keeping the microfilm stabilized in cold storage.

I was able to take a look at some of the microfilm. In addition to Wright Aero drawings from 1919 to the late 1950s, the late 1910s-early 1920s Curtiss projects are on microfilm, including the D-12 racing engines. This stuff will not see the light of day until it can be preserved and catalogued, which requires funding.

Kudos to John for encouraging AEHS members to help.
_________________
Dr. Jeremy R. Kinney
Curator, Aeronautics Division
National Air and Space Museum
Smithsonian Institution