The Franklin Institute, a Philadelphia museum, claims one of its prized possessions, a Wright Model B plane from 1911, was gifted by Grover C. Bergdoll, a man infamous for dodging the draft during World War I.
The plane, a testament to early aviation engineering with inventive features, has been a treasured exhibit since its acquisition in 1933, albeit under murky circumstances due to Bergdoll's status as a fugitive.
Bergdoll's legacy is controversial; a wealthy individual who bought the plane from the Wright brothers, he became despised for his actions during WWI and his subsequent escape to Germany.
The Franklin Institute's narrative surrounding the plane does not reflect the complex history of its donor, who while recognized as a figure of aviation history, is equally noted for his draft evasion and life as a fugitive.
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