Amelia Earhart: Across the Atlantic and into the Headlines
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Saige Jedele is a former associate curator, digital content, for The Henry Ford
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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.
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1923 Amelia Earhart Photo Used in a News Release While the "Friendship" was Held Up at Trepassey Bay, June 5-17, 1928
Amelia Earhart took her first airplane ride in December 1920. From then on, she 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.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart and George Putnam Reviewing Plans for the Transatlantic Flight, June 1928
In 1928, when publisher-publicist George Putnam searched for a female pilot eager to be the first to fly the Atlantic, he found Amelia Earhart. The two developed a close working relationship. Putnam promoted Earhart at every chance, and Earhart used her promotional earnings to finance further flights. In time, their professional relationship became romantic and the two married in 1931.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart and the "Friendship" Crew in Nova Scotia before the Transatlantic Flight, June 8, 1928
When Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly the Atlantic in June 1928, she was a passenger. Pilot Wilmer Stultz and mechanic Louis Gordon operated the Fokker F.VII Tri-Motor Friendship while Earhart kept the flight log. The three were delayed 13 days in departing Newfoundland for Great Britain, waiting for favorable weather and shedding unnecessary weight from their airplane.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart and Wilmer Stultz in the "Friendship" with George Putnam, before the Transatlantic Flight, June 8, 1928
In 1928, when publisher-publicist George Putnam searched for a female pilot eager to be the first to fly the Atlantic, he found Amelia Earhart. The two developed a close working relationship. Putnam promoted Earhart at every chance, and Earhart used her promotional earnings to finance further flights. In time, their professional relationship became romantic and the two married in 1931.
View ArtifactThe "Friendship" in Flight, with Amelia Earhart and Crew, Seen from SS America, June 18, 1928
In June 1928 Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, but largely as a passenger. Wilmer Stultz and Louis Gordon did the actual piloting. The trio made their crossing in a Fokker F.VII Tri-Motor named Friendship. Their successful flight took them from Trepassey Harbour, Newfoundland, to Burry Port, Wales, in 20 hours and 40 minutes.
View ArtifactThe "Friendship" Anchored at Burry Port after the Transatlantic Flight, June 1928
In June 1928 Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, but largely as a passenger. Wilmer Stultz and Louis Gordon did the actual piloting. The trio made their crossing in a Fokker F.VII Tri-Motor named Friendship. Their successful flight took them from Trepassey Harbour, Newfoundland, to Burry Port, Wales, in 20 hours and 40 minutes.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart and the "Friendship" Crew Brought Ashore at Burry Port after the Transatlantic Flight, June 18, 1928
Amelia Earhart and her Friendship crewmates, Wilmer Stultz and Louis Gordon, had intended to fly from Newfoundland to Southampton, England, in June 1928. Instead, they landed off Burry Port, Wales. It did not matter. When the trio came ashore, some 2,000 people -- nearly the entire population of Burry Port -- came out to see the woman who had conquered the Atlantic Ocean.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart and the "Friendship" Crew at Burry Port after the Transatlantic Flight, June 18, 1928
Amelia Earhart and her Friendship crewmates, Wilmer Stultz and Louis Gordon, had intended to fly from Newfoundland to Southampton, England, in June 1928. Instead, they landed off Burry Port, Wales. It did not matter. When the trio came ashore, some 2,000 people -- nearly the entire population of Burry Port -- came out to see the woman who had conquered the Atlantic Ocean.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart and the "Friendship" Crew Leaving Burry Port for Southampton, June 19, 1928
When Amelia Earhart, Wilmer Stultz and Louis Gordon left Newfoundland on their transatlantic flight in June 1928, their intended destination was Southampton, England. Instead, they landed at Burry Port, Wales, 135 miles away. After a night's rest, they flew on to Southampton. Earhart, who never touched the controls over the Atlantic, got her chance to pilot the Friendship on this last leg.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart and the "Friendship" Departing Burry Port for Southampton, June 19, 1928
When Amelia Earhart, Wilmer Stultz and Louis Gordon left Newfoundland on their transatlantic flight in June 1928, their intended destination was Southampton, England. Instead, they landed at Burry Port, Wales, 135 miles away. After a night's rest, they flew on to Southampton. Earhart, who never touched the controls over the Atlantic, got her chance to pilot the Friendship on this last leg.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart and the "Friendship" Crew Arriving at Southampton, June 19, 1928
When Amelia Earhart, Wilmer Stultz and Louis Gordon left Newfoundland on their transatlantic flight in June 1928, their intended destination was Southampton, England. Instead, they landed at Burry Port, Wales, 135 miles away. It didn't matter. After a night's rest, they flew on to Southampton for pre-arranged ceremonies. They were greeted by cheering crowds, proud dignitaries and inquisitive reporters.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart Being Helped Ashore at Southampton, June 19, 1928
When Amelia Earhart, Wilmer Stultz and Louis Gordon left Newfoundland on their transatlantic flight in June 1928, their intended destination was Southampton, England. Instead, they landed at Burry Port, Wales, 135 miles away. It didn't matter. After a night's rest, they flew on to Southampton for pre-arranged ceremonies. They were greeted by cheering crowds, proud dignitaries and inquisitive reporters.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart Greeted by Crowd at Southampton, June 19, 1928
After her June 1928 transatlantic flight with Wilmer Stultz and Louis Gordon, in which she became the first woman to fly the Atlantic, Amelia Earhart was given a hero's welcome wherever she went. Receptions in Southampton and London, England, were followed by a ticker-tape parade through New York City and a visit with President Calvin Coolidge at the White House.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart in Her Hotel at Southampton after the Transatlantic Flight, June 19, 1928
Amelia Earhart took her first airplane ride in 1920. From then on, she devoted her life to flight. Earhart set records, made headlines and became one of the world's most famous pilots. Her speeches supported the growing aviation industry, and her product endorsements helped fund her flying. Earhart's disappearance during her around-the-world flight attempt in 1937 added to her mystique.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart on the Roof of London's Hyde Park Hotel, June 1928
After her June 1928 transatlantic flight with Wilmer Stultz and Louis Gordon, in which she became the first woman to fly the Atlantic, Amelia Earhart was given a hero's welcome wherever she went. Receptions in Southampton and London, England, were followed by a ticker-tape parade through New York City and a visit with President Calvin Coolidge at the White House.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart Visiting Children at Toynbee Hall Settlement, London's East End, June 22, 1928
After her June 1928 transatlantic flight with Wilmer Stultz and Louis Gordon, in which she became the first woman to fly the Atlantic, Amelia Earhart was given a hero's welcome wherever she went. Receptions in Southampton and London, England, were followed by a ticker-tape parade through New York City and a visit with President Calvin Coolidge at the White House.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart Meets Richard Byrd aboard SS President Roosevelt, Returning from the Transatlantic Flight, July 6, 1928
Amelia Earhart was congratulated by explorer Richard Byrd for her 1928 flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Earhart, riding as a passenger with pilot Wilmer Stultz and mechanic Louis Gordon, made the crossing in a Fokker F.VII Tri-Motor airplane. Byrd used a similar Fokker on his North Pole flight in 1926.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart Awarded New York City Medal for the Transatlantic Flight, July 6, 1928
After her June 1928 transatlantic flight with Wilmer Stultz and Louis Gordon, in which she became the first woman to fly the Atlantic, Amelia Earhart was given a hero's welcome wherever she went. Receptions in Southampton and London, England, were followed by a ticker-tape parade through New York City and a visit with President Calvin Coolidge at the White House.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart Greeted by the Mayor of Boston, July 9, 1928
After her successful June 17-18, 1928, transatlantic flight, Amelia Earhart embarked on a publicity tour arranged by her publicist (and eventual husband) George Putnam. She visited New York City, Boston, Pittsburgh, Toledo, and Chicago on the whirlwind trip. While in Boston, Earhart's home at the time, she received greetings and commendations from the city's mayor and the Massachusetts governor.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart Decorated by the Governor of Massachusetts, July 9, 1928
After her successful June 17-18, 1928, transatlantic flight, Amelia Earhart embarked on a publicity tour arranged by her publicist (and eventual husband) George Putnam. She visited New York City, Boston, Pittsburgh, Toledo, and Chicago on the whirlwind trip. While in Boston, Earhart's home at the time, she received greetings and commendations from the city's mayor and the Massachusetts governor.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart Speaking at a Banquet Honoring the "Friendship" Crew, July 19, 1928
After her June 1928 transatlantic flight with Wilmer Stultz and Louis Gordon, in which she became the first woman to fly the Atlantic, Amelia Earhart was given a hero's welcome wherever she went. Receptions in Southampton and London, England, were followed by a ticker-tape parade through New York City and a visit with President Calvin Coolidge at the White House.
View Artifact"'Girl Lindy' Sets New Ocean Air Speed Mark," 1928
After becoming the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean in 1928, Amelia Earhart was immediately -- inevitably -- compared to the similarly lanky Charles Lindbergh, whose 1927 solo transatlantic flight made him the world's most famous pilot. For his part, Lindbergh appreciated all that "Lady Lindy" did to bring press attention to aviation -- and to take it off him.
View ArtifactBanquet Given by Commander Richard Byrd in Honor of Amelia Earhart, New York Biltmore Hotel, July 1928
Amelia Earhart was congratulated by explorer Richard Byrd for her 1928 flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Earhart, riding as a passenger with pilot Wilmer Stultz and mechanic Louis Gordon, made the crossing in a Fokker F.VII Tri-Motor airplane. Byrd used a similar Fokker on his North Pole flight in 1926.
View ArtifactMedal Commemorating Amelia Earhart, the First Woman to Cross over the Atlantic Ocean by Airplane, 1928
Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly the Atlantic Ocean on June 17-18, 1928. She did not pilot the plane but rode as a passenger with pilot Wilmer Stultz and mechanic Louis Gordon. The trio flew in a Fokker F.VII Tri-Motor named Friendship. Four years later, Earhart crossed the Atlantic again -- this time as pilot on a solo flight.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart with the Automobile Received from Chrysler Corporation, July 11, 1928
Skilled aviatrix Amelia Earhart came to national attention in 1928, when she was invited to become the first woman to fly the Atlantic--as a passenger. Wilmer Stutz flew the plane, with Louis Gordon as co-pilot, as the trio made their challenging--and successful--journey from Newfoundland to Wales. Upon her return, Earhart received this sporty automobile from Chrysler Corporation.
View ArtifactArtist Painting a Portrait of Amelia Earhart, 1928
Amelia Earhart took her first airplane ride in 1920. From then on, she devoted her life to flight. Earhart set records, made headlines and became one of the world's most famous pilots. Her speeches supported the growing aviation industry, and her product endorsements helped fund her flying. Earhart's disappearance during her around-the-world flight attempt in 1937 added to her mystique.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart and George Putnam Leaving the Aero Club of Pittsburgh, 1929
In 1928, publisher and publicist George Palmer Putnam began to heavily promote aviatrix Amelia Earhart through a book, lecture tours, and product endorsements. These activities not only provided Earhart's chief source of income, but also enhanced her fame. Putman and Earhart's partnership flourished, both professionally and personally--in February 1931, they married.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart Leaving the White House after Meeting President Coolidge, November 1928
After her June 1928 transatlantic flight with Wilmer Stultz and Louis Gordon, in which she became the first woman to fly the Atlantic, Amelia Earhart was given a hero's welcome wherever she went. Receptions in Southampton and London, England, were followed by a ticker-tape parade through New York City and a visit with President Calvin Coolidge at the White House.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart Speaking at the Elks Air Circus, July 11, 1929
Amelia Earhart used her fame to advance the cause of aviation -- especially the work of women in the field. She gave speeches, wrote books and articles, and was a founding member of the Ninety-Nines, an international organization devoted to supporting women in aviation. Earhart also took an active role in promoting the budding passenger airline industry.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart with Fellow Pilots Competing at the First Women's Air Derby, August 1929
The inaugural Women's Air Derby of 1929 was the first all-female air race in the United States. Most of the 20 competitors suffered some misfortune during the race from Santa Monica to Cleveland, but none was worse than the accident that claimed Marvel Crosson's life. Louise Thaden won the event with a time of 20 hours, 19 minutes, 4 seconds.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart Christens the "City of New York," Inaugurating Two-Day Transcontinental Air/Rail Service, 1929
Amelia Earhart, famous for the 1928 flight that made her the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, helped inaugurate transcontinental airline service in 1929. She posed with a Ford Tri-Motor in New York City's Pennsylvania Station. This early service had passengers traveling by train at night and by airplane during daylight. Total travel time to California was 51 hours.
View ArtifactNew York Times Rotogravure Page for June 5, 1932, Showing Amelia Earhart in England after Her Solo Transatlantic Flight
Amelia Earhart made world headlines again in 1932 when she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The flight from Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, to Culmore, Northern Ireland, took Earhart 14 hours, 56 minutes in her Lockheed Vega. The press dubbed Earhart "Lady Lindy," and indeed her fame as a pilot was second only to Charles Lindbergh's.
View ArtifactReplica of the Gimbel National Award Medal Presented to Amelia Earhart after Her Solo Atlantic Flight, 1932
In 1928 Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, but she was only a passenger. Pilot Wilmer Stultz and mechanic Louis Gordon controlled the airplane. Four years later Earhart repeated the trip, by herself, at the controls of a Lockheed Vega. Earhart's flight took her from Newfoundland to Northern Ireland in 14 hours, 56 minutes.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart Brand Blouse, 1934
Amelia Earhart--the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic--launched a fashion line in 1934. The garments--with simple lines and mid-range prices--were inspired by Earhart's interest in functional clothing for active living. The brand's label featured Earhart's signature, along with a soaring red plane. Despite publicity garnered by Earhart's foray into clothing design, the line didn't catch on with the public.
View ArtifactWoman's Home Companion Magazine for August 1934
Famous aviatrix Amelia Earhart launched a fashion line in 1934. The garments--with simple lines and mid-range prices--were inspired by Earhart's interest in functional clothing for active living. For those who couldn't afford the ready-made versions, sewing patterns for some of Earhart's designs were available through Woman's Home Companion magazine. Page 33 of this issue features an Earhart two-piece dress.
View ArtifactAmelia Earhart in Pace Car as Honorary Referee at the Indianapolis 500, May 30, 1935
Celebrities are a longstanding tradition at the Indianapolis 500. Actors, musicians, athletes, politicians, and automotive industry leaders all have played various ceremonial roles in the race's festivities. Amelia Earhart served as an honorary referee at the 1935 race. The pace car that year was a Ford Model 48 convertible sedan, driven by Ford executive Harry Mack.
View Artifact"Worst is Ahead as Amelia Earhart Prepares for Howland Island Hop," June 30, 1937
Amelia Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan took off from Lae, New Guinea, on July 2, 1937, bound for Howland Island, some 2,560 miles away. The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Itasca waited at Howland to guide their approach. Radio difficulties plagued Earhart's communication with the Itasca and may have impaired her airplane's navigational equipment. Earhart and Noonan never reached their destination.
View Artifact"Weakening SOS Signals Set Ships on Hunt for Amelia Earhart," July 1937
When Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan failed to reach Howland Island, a planned stop on their 1937 around-the-world flight, United States Navy and Coast Guard crews launched an intensive search effort. When the official search ended after 17 days, Earhart's husband, George Putnam, financed an additional private effort. No trace of Earhart, Noonan or their Lockheed Electra was found.
View Artifact"Lady with Wings, the Life Story of My Wife, Amelia Earhart," 1939
Amelia Earhart married publisher George P. Putnam on February 7, 1931. She was a reluctant bride, fearing that marriage would derail her career. Earhart kept her last name and insisted on an equal partnership with her husband. Putnam agreed and the couple's relationship was professional as much as it was romantic. Earhart's husband supported her aviation activities and promoted them vigorously.
View ArtifactPoem, "For Amelia Earhart" by Nathalia Crane, 1937
Amelia Earhart's enduring fame is due in part to the mysterious nature of her disappearance. Since her failure to reach Howland Island in 1937, Earhart has been memorialized in poems, plays, novels, songs, and films. Many theories on her fate have been proposed but, whatever happened on that last flight, Earhart's life remains a source of inspiration today.
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