History books often tell the same story about Wilbur and Orville Wright, the aviation pioneers who made and flew the first motor-operated airplane in 1903. In the story, the brothers worked tirelessly on their calculations until their aircraft finally soared.
Historians, however, have increasingly begun to recognize the contributions of their outgoing younger sister, Katharine. Whereas the Wright brothers were shy and hesitant around dignitaries, Katharine was social and shrewd. She helped her brothers make important introductions and negotiated with government officials to promote their work and secure needed contracts.
Here are five ways Katharine Wright gave her brothers wings.
