Goodyear blimps became popular advertising tools, kicking off in the 1920s. The blimps added illuminated signs in the 1930s to enhance their appeal. They gained fame for covering sporting events ...

The Hindenburg, the R-101, and the Shenandoah put an end to the age of the airship, at least for commercial passenger travel. But you can still fly your own with a helium balloon and some electronics.