Orville and Wilbur Wright at Their Home in Dayton, Ohio, circa 1910

Despite any formal training in physics or engineering, Wilbur and Orville Wright brought an utterly original and successful approach to the problem of human flight.

When Wilbur and Orville Wright established Wright Cycle Company in 1892, they joined a booming business. Americans loved bicycles. By 1895, over 300 manufacturers produced a combined 1.2 million bikes each year. The Wrights sold and repaired cycles and accessories. For a time, they even built bikes under their own brands. Bicycles gave the brothers the skills and resources to pursue loftier goals, and they closed Wright Cycle Company in 1908.

Part showmanship and part salesmanship, early aviation meets and air shows improved airplane technology and promoted the aviation industry. Air races celebrated speed, with pilots competing against the clock or against each other on marked courses. Reliability tours focused on stamina, with prizes awarded for dependable flying on specific schedules. Exhibition flying launched great careers for some -- and cut them short for others.

During the 19th century, the front porch was a popular feature on many buildings in American towns, crossroads villages, and rural areas. Porches served a multitude of purposes--from providing cooling breezes to bringing friends and family members together to welcoming outside guests. The porches on Greenfield Village buildings represent many different styles, eras, and places.