Wright Brothers: Then and Now
A Photography Book About the Birth of Aviation
Historic photographs of Wilbur and Orville Wright blended with contemporary photographs created from the same locations by Dayton photographer Dan Cleary.
Softcover $34.95 | Hardcover $49.95
Signed and personalized copies available when ordered directly from Dan.
27 Then and Now Images · Book Signed By Dan · Air Force and Corporate Gifts · Dayton, Ohio Made
A Meaningful Gift For:
Aviation:
Pilot and Flight Enthusiats
Dayton:
Ohio and Local History Lovers
Air Force:
Retirement and Recognition
Clients:
Corporate and Executive Gifts
Introduction
Flight #41 – Huffman Prairie
Horse Drawn Carriages – Pau, France
Kite Fliying – Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
The Hudson-Fulton Celebration-New York City
Scipio – Oakwood, Ohio
27 Then and Now Images · 8 1/2 x 11 · Soft and Hard Cover
The Story Behind The Project
Dan Cleary created the Wright Brothers: Then and Now photography project as a way to connect the remarkable story of Wilbur and Orville Wright with the places where their history was made. Inspired by the Wright Brothers’ own use of photography, Cleary retraced their footsteps across Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia, Michigan, New York, and France, returning to many of the locations where they experimented, traveled, and demonstrated the possibilities of flight. By blending historic photographs with his contemporary images, Cleary allows viewers to experience the past and present in a single photograph. The book brings together 27 of these unique “Then and Now” images, creating a memorable visual journey through one of America’s greatest stories of innovation, determination, and discovery—and offering readers a meaningful connection to the birthplace of aviation.
What People Are Saying
“I got this book as a gift for a friend of mine in the Air Force and he absolutely loved it and thought it was the coolest thing getting this while stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, so he can take it with him wherever he ends up next. Very cool history.”
Robert
“I was really like how interesting this book was. If you have ever been curious about the Wright Brothers, the author shares pictures of the Wright Brothers at pivotal moments and recreates them in the present day. A must for history lovers and people that love photography.”
Bill
“The photos are gorgeous. I love the way the author blends the original photo with a new image. The accompanying text adds context about the scene, along with the photographer/author’s thoughts. I reread it every few months to catch new bits.”
Pippin
Looking For A Meaningful Dayton Corporate Gift?
Are you looking for a corporate gift that feels thoughtful, memorable, and distinctly Dayton? Wright Brothers: Then and Now combines aviation history, fine art photography, and the story of innovation that began right here in the Birthplace of Aviation. Signed copies are available for client appreciation, employee recognition, executive gifts, retirements, speakers, and special events.
Corporate Orders: 5, 10, 25 or more
Signed copies and optional company messaging
How One Company Used 90 Copies As Corporate Gifts
When a Miami, Florida-based corporate training company needed a meaningful gift for doctors attending an educational event in North Carolina, they selected Dan Cleary’s Wright Brothers: Then and Now. Ninety hardcover copies were presented to attendees as a lasting keepsake, connecting the Wright Brothers’ story of innovation, perseverance, and progress with the work of today’s medical professionals. Blending historic photographs with Cleary’s contemporary images of the same locations, the book offered guests something memorable and distinctive. For companies seeking a thoughtful gift for clients, employees, executives, speakers, or event attendees, Wright Brothers: Then and Now offers a meaningful connection to history, innovation, and Dayton’s aviation legacy.
A Distinctive Air Force & Aerospace Retirement Gift
Wright Brothers: Then and Now makes a meaningful retirement gift for Air Force personnel, pilots, engineers, and aerospace professionals whose careers have been connected to flight. Created by Dayton photographer Dan Cleary, the book combines historic Wright Brothers photographs with contemporary images of the same locations, creating a unique connection between aviation’s beginnings and today’s achievements. Personally signed copies can be customized for the recipient, making the book a thoughtful way to recognize years of service, innovation, leadership, and dedication to the world of aviation.
About Dan Cleary
Dan Cleary is a Dayton, Ohio-based professional photographer, fine artist, and educator with more than 35 years of experience. His work has been commissioned by corporations, hospitals, universities, government agencies, and private collectors throughout the region and beyond. Cleary is especially known for projects that connect photography with history, place, and community, including his Wright Brothers: Then and Now and Indianapolis 500: Then and Now series. Through his photography, books, exhibitions, and teaching, he continues to explore how images can preserve history, tell meaningful stories, and connect people with the places that shape them.
Frequently Asked Questions
• Can Dan sign or personalize my book?
Yes. Books purchased directly from Dan can be personally signed, and you may request a short inscription for a gift recipient.
• Do you offer corporate or bulk orders?
Yes. Businesses and organizations can order multiple copies for clients, employees, retirements, conferences and events. Contact Dan for quantity pricing.
• Is the book available in hardcover and softcover?
Yes. The 8½ × 11 book is currently available in softcover for $34.95 and hardcover for $49.95.
• Who is this book a good gift for?
It is especially popular with aviation enthusiasts, American history readers, photographers, pilots, Air Force personnel, engineers and people with a connection to Dayton or Ohio.
• What makes the photographs different?
Each work connects an historic Wright Brothers photograph with Dan Cleary’s contemporary photograph from the same location, creating a visual connection between the past and present.
Own A Signed Copy Of
Wright Brothers: Then and Now
Soft Cover $34.95 • Hardcover $49.95
Order directly from Dan for a personally signed copy
Also available through major booksellers, the Wright Brothers National parks in North Carolina & Dayton and The National Museum of the United States Air Force