Inspired by accounts of the earliest public flights of Wilbur and Orville Wright in 1908, Chico resident Thaddeus Kerns constructed and flew a hang glider of his own construction at the age of sixteen.  In 1910, he built and flew an airplane patterned after the Curtiss Model D and travelled from Chico to San Francisco to participate as an amateur in the 1911 Tanforan Air Meet.  Kerns flew successfully at Tanforan twice, but experienced a crash landing on the third attempt.  Kerns received only minor injuries in this incident, with local newspapers noting his composure following the accident.

Despite repeated promises to his family to give up aviation for safer pursuits, Kerns remained intrigued with the possibilities offered by air travel and invariably returned to flying.  In 1913 Kerns experienced structural failure flying his second powered airplane and suffered a fatal crash not far from his family home.  Honored as Chico’s first aviator, Thaddeus Kerns exemplified the courage, adventurousness and perseverance of the pioneers who helped make the dream of flight a reality for all.

The Museum’s sculpture depicts Thaddeus Kerns with his original 1910 glider.  The sculpture, designed and constructed by John Chauncey Roll, was emplaced in 1998.  Renovations to the exhibit area were completed by BSA Eagle Scout Conor McCann, Troop 42, Pacific Skyline Council, September 21, 2013.

The Museum’s sculpture depicts Thaddeus Kerns with his original 1910 glider.  The sculpture, designed and constructed by John Chauncey Roll, was emplaced in 1998.  Renovations to the exhibit area were completed by BSA Eagle Scout Conor McCann, Troop 42, Pacific Skyline Council, September 21, 2013.