Brasilia, Brazil, Aug 3, 2009 / 17:50 pm
The Santos Historical and Geographical Institute in Brazil is preparing to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the invention by Father Bartholomeu de Gusmao, a learned Brazilian priest who presented the King and Queen of Portugal with the first model of an airship that would use hot air to fly.
In order to commemorate the anniversary of the invention, Gusmao’s native city of Santos has prepared a schedule of activities that includes the release of a postal stamp and will culminate with the transfer of the “Flying Father’s” remains, which until now had been interred at the Cathedral of Sao Paulo.
In addition to his pastoral activity, Father Gusmao was one of the first scientists of the new world. He devoted much time to the invention of revolutionary ideas, such as the first airship. He also invented several hydraulic machines to increase production and to ease human labor, which usually fell heavily upon the slave population.
The Institute will present an expo on the Flying Father’s inventions beginning on August 3.