Amelia Earhart is one of the most celebrated aviators in history, known for her pioneering spirit and mysterious disappearance. However, there are many lesser-known facts about her life and legacy that continue to inspire and intrigue. Here are 12 things you probably didn’t know about Amelia Earhart.
1. She Wasn’t Always Interested in Flying
As a child, Earhart had a variety of interests, including playing basketball and studying auto repair. She didn’t develop an interest in flying until she was in her early twenties after attending an air show.
2. Earhart Was a Nurse During World War I
Before becoming a famous aviator, Earhart served as a nurse’s aide in Toronto, Canada, during World War I. She worked at the Spadina Military Hospital, tending to wounded soldiers.
3. She Set Multiple Records
Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, but she also set other records. She was the first person to fly solo from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Oakland, California, and the first woman to fly solo nonstop coast-to-coast across the United States.
4. She Was a Fashion Designer
In addition to her aviation career, Earhart was also a fashion designer. She launched a clothing line called “Amelia Earhart Fashions” in 1933, which featured practical, yet stylish clothes for active women.
5. Earhart Was a Faculty Member at Purdue University
Earhart joined Purdue University as a visiting faculty member in 1935. She served as a career counselor for women students and a technical advisor to the Department of Aeronautics.
6. She Married Her Publicist
Earhart married George P. Putnam, her publicist, in 1931. Although she was initially hesitant about marriage, she eventually agreed, with an understanding that they would have a “dual control” partnership.
7. She Was an Advocate for Women’s Rights
Earhart was a strong advocate for women’s rights and worked tirelessly to promote women in aviation. She was a member of the National Woman’s Party and supported the Equal Rights Amendment.
8. Earhart Was One of the First Aviators to Promote Commercial Air Travel
Earhart believed in the future of commercial air travel and worked to promote it. She was involved in several promotional tours and served as Vice President of National Airways, which later became Northeast Airlines.
9. She Carried Charms for Good Luck
Earhart was known to carry various charms for good luck on her flights. These included a bracelet given to her by her mother and a small gold coin from her husband.
10. She Disappeared on an Ambitious Global Flight
Earhart’s disappearance occurred during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe along the equator. She and her navigator, Fred Noonan, vanished on July 2, 1937, while en route from Papua New Guinea to Howland Island.
11. Earhart’s Plane Was Specially Designed for Her Final Flight
The Lockheed Electra 10E that Earhart flew on her final flight was custom-fitted with extra fuel tanks and navigation equipment to aid in the long-distance journey.
12. Her Legacy Continues to Inspire
Earhart’s legacy lives on through various foundations, scholarships, and educational programs aimed at encouraging women in aviation and STEM fields. Her courage and determination continue to inspire new generations.