Amelia Earhart

In 1932, the aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart (1897–1937) became the first woman to cross the Atlantic Ocean by air.

Amelia Earhart, in plane, wearing flight helmet and pearls, 1926. Amelia Mary Earhart Papers. Hollis #: olvwork20003755

Earhart—an aviator, mentor, and advocate for women's equality—was also renowned for piloting the first solo flight from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Oakland, California, in January 1935, and from Los Angeles to Mexico City in April 1935.

She made two attempts to fly around the world in 1937. Her first attempt ended in March, when her airplane was badly damaged during takeoff in California. In June, she departed from Miami with Fred Noonan as navigator to fly west around the equator. On July 2, having completed 22,000 miles of the trip, Earhart and Noonan took off from New Guinea for Howland Island. They never reached their destination, and the circumstances of their disappearances remain unresolved.

Amelia Earhart and Paul Mantz looking at a flight chart or map together

Amelia Earhart standing on the wheel of her airplane, probably the Lockheed "Vega."

Amelia Earhart and three men checking the propellor of her airplane

Amelia Earhart, in plane, wearing flight helmet and pearls, 1926. Amelia Mary Earhart Papers.

Amelia Earhart and Paul Mantz looking at a flight chart or map together, 1937. Amelia Mary Earhart Papers.

Bradley, Frederick. Amelia Earhart standing on the wheel of her airplane, probably the Lockheed "Vega.", 1934 Jan 22. Janet Mabie Papers.

Amelia Earhart and three men checking the propellor of her airplane, ca. 1935-1937. Janet Mabie Papers.

Amelia Earhart leaning against a wall, ca. 1932-1936. Janet Mabie Papers.

Amelia Earhart

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Women's Educational and Industrial Union Records