LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin (Deutsches Luftschiff Zeppelin 127) was a German passenger-carrying hydrogen-filled rigid airship that flew from 1928 to 1937.

Graf Zeppelin made 590 flights totalling almost 1.7 million kilometres (over 1 million miles). It was operated by a crew of 36, and could carry 24 passengers. It was the longest and largest airship in the world when it was built. It made the first circumnavigation of the world by airship, and the first nonstop crossing of the Pacific Ocean by air. It offered the first commercial transatlantic passenger flight service. The ship was named after the German airship pioneer Ferdinand von Zeppelin, a count (Graf) in the German nobility.

Learn about the rise and fall of the Graf Zeppelin.

1:30 refreshments
2:00 program

FREE for members; $5 for non-members

Marc Mercado is a passionate historian, author, and leader with a deep fascination for the golden age of airships. His notable achievement includes writing the book The Rise and Fall of Lighter than Air Aircraft, where he delves into the history, technology, and cultural impact of these majestic flying vessels. Marc’s enthusiasm for studying Zeppelins, particularly the world’s first airline, DELAG (Deutsche Luftschiffahrts-Aktiengesellschaft), is evident in his meticulous research and engaging narrative style. His work not only chronicles the engineering marvels of these airships but also captures the imagination and spirit of an era when the skies were dominated by lighter-than-air travel. In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Marc serves as the Co-Founder and President of TeachTeam, a nonprofit organization that harnesses cutting-edge technology and AI to deliver vocational training and job placement services. His leadership and innovative thinking have driven the organization to secure substantial partnerships and resources, furthering its mission to end the cycle of poverty through education and employment. With a rich background in history and law, Marc seamlessly blends his academic interests with his dedication to social impact, making him a dynamic and visionary leader in both the historical and nonprofit spheres.

Contact the host of Kaffee und Kuchen: Graf Zeppelin over Davenport