Santos Dumont (1873-1932) Maker and Open Sourcer

While traveling this summer my family we went to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome and what struck me immediately was the amazing dedication and maker culture that enveloped the aerodrome.  Every person there was excited and the guides in suspenders and general 1900’s attire were more then happy to assist with any questions my 4 and 6 year old had.

 

One of the most striking things we saw was the reproduction of the Demoiselle first created by Santos Dumont. The information written about it made me think of how not only was he an incredible maker/inventor but a supporter of open source.

The information on the board: “Santos Dumont, a Brazilian, Made the first officially observed flight in history; a flight of 722 Ft. In 1906.  In 1907 he designed the Demoiselle using bamboo in its construction.  He made the plans for his plane public  property and some were built.  It was nicknamed “the Infuriated grasshopper””