FREE LECTURE: USS Shenandoah & America’s Airships – The Dirigibles

Join us in the CAM library with presenter Robert Mergel as he outlines the development of Rigid Airships (Zeppelins) in Germany, their use in the First Battle of Britain in World War I, and their influence on the development of America’s Rigid Airships (Dirigibles). Following will be a discussion of The Treaty of Versailles and War Reparations; particularly the provisions regarding the United States. The discussion continues with the development, use, and fate of America’s Rigid Airships (USS Shenandoah ZR-1, R-38 Un-named ZR-2 and never delivered, USS Los Angeles ZR-3, USS Akron ZR-4, and USS Macon ZR-5). The presentation will conclude with a short discussion of America’s Airship Program and the Post Rigid Airships (Blimps).