Amelia Earhart
Across the Atlantic and into the Headlines

40 artifacts in this set

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In June 1928, Amelia Earhart made headlines as the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. Though she had only been a passenger, Earhart became an instant celebrity. George Putnam, who’d helped to plan and promote the flight, continued to support Earhart’s aviation activities as her publicist (and eventual husband). Speaking engagements, book sales, and product endorsements helped fund Earhart’s career until her tragic 1937 disappearance.

Detailed Description

1923 Amelia Earhart Photo Used in a News Release While the "Friendship" was Held Up at Trepassey Bay, June 5-17, 1928

Photographic print

Amelia Earhart took her first airplane ride in December 1920 and, from then on, devoted her life to aviation. She worked odd jobs to pay for flying lessons and earned her pilot's license in 1923 -- only the 16th woman to do so. Earhart set records, made headlines and became one of the world's most famous pilots, female or male.