The USS Birmingham, a U.S. scout cruiser, was commissioned in 1908. At 423 ft. in length she had a top speed of 24 knots. On 14 November 1910, the U.S. Navy conducted an experiment off of Norfolk, Virginia. Eugene Ely, a civilian pilot agreed to try a takeoff from the Birmingham. This first ever takeoff from a ship has been expertly captured by Bill Emerson of Rochester, a master ship modeler, who has many examples of his work in major museums around the country, including the USS Langley at the Smithsonian Institution. This model is 4 feet 6 inches in length and beautifully detailed. Bill will be attendance to discuss his model and its construction.
Military History Society of Rochester
Anderson Arts Building
250 N. Goodman St., 2nd Floor
Rochester, NY 14607
585-740-4041
Open noon-9 PM
ROCHESTERMILITARY.COM
