In support of an official event 

The Museum will be closed Sunday, May 25
In addition, the Fourth Hangar will be closed Saturday, May 24

Access to the Presidential Gallery will be limited from May 15 to June 5
 

Kirkham Four-Cylinder

Charles B. Kirkham of Savona, N.Y., made this four-cylinder, water-cooled engine around 1912-1914. Its exact origin is unclear, but Hillery Beachy, a well-known early aviator, was likely involved in its design or use. Though it resembles an auto engine, similar Kirkham motors powered several early aircraft. Roe Tanner, a brick mason and inventor, used this 40-hp Kirkham in Attica, Ohio, around 1914 to ground test ideas for variable-pitch propellers.

Click here to return to the Early Years Gallery.