The Langley Aerodrome in A&I

Historic Images of the Smithsonian

See also Neg. #s A17572 and A17573 for additional views.

Looking from the Rotunda, suspended above the East Hall in the United States National Museum, now the Arts and Industries Building, are several of the aerodromes built by third Smithsonian Secretary, Samuel P. Langley, in his attempt to create the first manned flight vehicle. In the Rotunda, two women visitors are seated on benches. Also in the Rotunda are exhibit cases. A reflection of the East Hall can be seen on the glass top of one of the exhibit cases in the Rotunda. A locomotive on exhibit in the East Hall is visible and the balcony holds exhibit cases on the second floor. This image was taken by Ruel P. Tolman, former Director of Smithsonian National Collection of Fine Arts and is included in a scrapbook of photographs of Smithsonian staff, grounds and buildings, exhibitions, and Washington, D.C. scenes. (Section A)

Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 7433, Box 3, Folder Ruel P. Tolman Collection Scrapbook II, 1

Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu