National Amelia Earhart Day is a celebration dedicated to the life and achievements of Amelia Earhart, a pioneering American aviator. This day commemorates her contributions to aviation and her role as a trailblazer for women in a male-dominated field. Celebrated annually on July 24th, the day marks Earhart’s birthday and honors her legacy, which continues to inspire people worldwide.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: July 24
  • Tagged as: Aviation, History, Women’s Empowerment
  • What’s the hashtag?: #AmeliaEarhartDay
  • When was it founded?: The exact founding date is unknown.
  • Who founded it?: The founder of National Amelia Earhart Day is not documented.

History of National Amelia Earhart Day

Amelia Earhart was born on July 24, 1897, in Atchison, Kansas. She developed a passion for flying at an early age and went on to achieve several aviation milestones. In 1932, she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, a feat that earned her the United States Distinguished Flying Cross. Her disappearance in 1937 during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe remains one of history’s great mysteries. National Amelia Earhart Day is celebrated on her birthday to honor her pioneering spirit and contributions to aviation.

Timeline

  • 1920: Takes her first airplane ride with pilot Frank Hawks.
  • 1921: Begins flying lessons with Neta Snook and buys her first plane.
  • 1928: Becomes the first female passenger to fly across the Atlantic Ocean.
  • 1932: Completes the first solo nonstop flight by a woman across the Atlantic.
  • 1935: Joins Purdue University as a visiting faculty member.
  • 1937: Disappears over the Pacific Ocean during an attempt to fly around the world.

Dates by Next Year

YearMonthDateDay
2025July24Thursday
2026July24Friday
2027July24Saturday
2028July24Monday
2029July24Tuesday

Observed

National Amelia Earhart Day is observed by learning more about Earhart’s life and achievements. People often engage in activities such as reading books about her, watching documentaries, or participating in aviation-related events. The day also serves as an opportunity to encourage women and girls to pursue careers in aviation and other STEM fields.

Fun Facts About Amelia Earhart

  • Amelia was also a fashion designer and created a line of functional women’s clothing.
  • She was instrumental in forming The Ninety-Nines, an organization for female pilots.
  • Earhart was politically active, advocating for women’s rights and aviation legislation.

Quiz

  1. In which year did Amelia Earhart become the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic?
  2. What was the name of Amelia’s first airplane?
  3. Which university did Amelia join as a visiting faculty member?

(Answers:)

  1. 1932
  2. The Canary
  3. Purdue University

FAQs

  • Why is Amelia Earhart important?
    She was a pioneer in aviation and an advocate for women’s rights, breaking numerous barriers for women in male-dominated fields.
  • What happened during her last flight?
    She disappeared over the Pacific Ocean while attempting to circumnavigate the globe in 1937.

Importance of National Amelia Earhart Day

The day highlights Amelia Earhart’s significant contributions to aviation and women’s empowerment. It serves as a reminder of her courage and determination, inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams regardless of societal barriers.

Related

  • Charles Lindbergh
  • Bessie Coleman
  • The Ninety-Nines
  • Women in Aviation International