Ohio is known as the “Birthplace of Aviation” because it is home to Wilbur and Orville Wright who invented and flew the first “heavier than air” aircraft. Although the “lighter than air” dirigibles aircraft were first flown in Germany by the Count Von Zeppelin, Ohio played an integral role in the development, operation of America’s Rigid Airships (Dirigibles). This presentation outlines the development of the German Rigid Airships (Zeppelins), their use in the World War One and their post-war influence on the development of America’s Rigid Airships (Dirigibles). This presentation emphasizes Ohio’s role in the development, operation and fate of America’s Rigid Airships (Dirigibles) as Akron, Ohio became the focus of Airship Development.

After thirty years of teaching and coordinating Civil Engineering Technology, Robert (Bob) Mergel retired in 2012 from Columbus State Community College, Columbus, Ohio and was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus. In 2018 he retired as a senior lecturer at the Ohio State University College of Engineering Civil Engineering Department. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Ohio State University (1972), Master of Education Degree, Ohio University (1990) and a Master of Science Degree in Geodetic Science and Surveying, Ohio State University (2002).

This event is sponsored by the Washington County Public Library and is FREE and open to the public.