Sometimes Wiki is a good general warehouse:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claims_to_the_first_powered_flight
The Wright Brothers were the first to demonstrate
sustainedpowered flight...all with wing bending as the control on the air vehicle in the early versions. Others may have been first in powered flight.
The history of aviation is a boundless exercise in innovation and genius...really incredible stuff. Again, Wiki works:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_aviation
If you love aviation, go to Kitty Hawk.
I have also been to a few receptions at the WB House in Dayton...which I think is open to the public. Their story is magic.