Learning Center Our Enshrinees

John Joseph Montgomery

Inventor & Promotor

Born: February 25, 1858 in Yuba City, California
Death: October 31, 1911
Enshrined: 1964

Became the first person in America to be freely supported in gliding flights in 1883.

Developed a manned glider in 1905 that was raised by a balloon to substantial heights and released. An associate demonstrated the glider at a pre-selected landing site.

Continued to develop and improve gliders until he was killed in a gliding accident in 1911.

Brought widespread attention to aviation through the public demonstrations of his glider.