Local author and historian, Carolee Michener, will present a program about the exciting days of early aviation in Venango County on Thursday.
Sponsored by Franklin Preservation, the program will be held at 7 p.m. at DeBence Antique Music World in Franklin.
There is no charge to attend the program, but donations will be accepted.
“Come Fly With Me” will highlight the interest of Venango Countians in air travel, including the county’s claim to four record-setting events.
The first record goes back to a balloon flight in 1886 while the last came during World War II. There was a lot of activity in the intervening years, according to Michener.
The history of aviation in Venango County covers a wide spectrum. Local residents were challenged to build airfields and airplanes.
They welcomed the thrill of barnstorming days and gathered in muddy fields to get a glimpse of planes that dropped in for a surprise landing.
There were surprises, humorous incidents and tragedies, but rarely a dull moment as the county embraced a chance to go airborne, Michener added.
