WACO Aviation Lecture Series

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October 22, 2026 - WACO Air Museum, Troy, Ohio:

Author Diana Bittern to Present “The Mechanical Boy: Discovering an Aviation Legacy” at WACO Aviation Lecture Series on October 22

TROY, Ohio — The WACO Education Center & Air Museum will welcome author Diana Bittern on Thursday, October 22, for a special presentation, “The Mechanical Boy: Discovering an Aviation Legacy,” as part of its Aviation Lecture Series. The free public lecture begins at 7 p.m. at the WACO Education Center & Air Museum, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

The Mechanical Boy tells the inspiring true story of Diana Bittern’s father, Joseph Ochedowski, an orphan who was selected to attend Henry Ford’s Wayside Inn Boys School in 1929. During his time at the school, Joseph developed a passion for aviation and a dream of building his own airplane. His story offers a fascinating look at Henry Ford’s unique educational philosophy, which emphasized hands-on learning and nurturing individual potential.

Bittern’s book, The Mechanical Boy: An Aviation Enthusiast at Henry Ford’s Wayside Inn Boys School, was inspired by her father’s experiences and her desire to share the remarkable story of his years at the school. Published in 2024, the book combines family history with aviation and educational history, bringing Joseph’s story and Henry Ford’s educational experiment to life. In 2026, the book was named Book of the Year by the Henry Ford Heritage Association. Bittern continues to explore aviation history, engineering, education, and family stories through The Mechanical Boy Chronicles.

Following the presentation, books will be available for purchase, and the author will host a signing for attendees.

The Aviation Lecture Series at the WACO Education Center & Air Museum is free and open to the public. Programs begin at 7:00 p.m. and run approximately one hour, including time for audience questions. Lectures are held in the Willis Wing of the Air Museum, located at 1865 South County Road 25A in Troy, Ohio. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Donations to support the educational programs of the WACO Education Center & Air Museum are gratefully accepted. The Aviation Lecture Series is sponsored in part by Collins Aerospace. For more information, call 937-335-9226 or visit the WACO Air Museum website at www.wacoairmuseum.org.

WHO: WACO Education Center & Air Museum

WHAT: Aviation Lecture Series

WHERE: WACO Air Museum - Willis Wing1865 South County Road 25A, Troy, Ohio

WHEN: Thursday October 22, 2026Doors open at 6:30 PM, lecture starts at 7 PM

CONTACT: Jennifer Thomas, Aviation Educator avnedu@wacoairmuseum.org, (937) 335-9226