Visit 99s Museum of Women Pilots: See Amelia Earhart Memorabilia & More!

99s Museum of Women Pilots

The 99s Museum of Women Pilots is a 5,000 sq. ft. unique museum that celebrates the often-overlooked contributions of women in aviation. It’s dedicated to preserving the rich history of women in aviation and inspiring future generations of female pilots.

With an impressive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents, the museum offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the pioneering women who paved the way for today’s female aviators. In this article, we will explore the history of the 99s Museum of Women Pilots and highlight some of its most noteworthy exhibits.

A Brief History

The international organization of women pilots was originally founded in 1929 in New York City by 99 female pilots and was initially known as “The Ninety-Nines.” In 1955, its corporate offices were relocated from New York to Oklahoma City.

As the “Resource Center,” which includes a library, archives, museum, and oral/video history collection, the museum was formally created in 1972. A second museum was established and made public in 1999 as the number of objects quickly overwhelmed the available area.

The Mission of the Museum

Female pilots have written history time and again, and this museums presents an opportunity to showcase their spectacular contribution over the decades. This is particularly important as women are underrepresented in the aviation world. Women account for only around 6% of all pilots, according to the FAA Airmen Certification Branch.

The mission of this museum is to:

• Preserve the legacy of women in aviation
• Celebrate and acknowledge the accomplishments made by women in aviation
• Relay these stories through exhibitions, lessons, and online programs
• Raise awareness of the benchmarks that women pilots have achieved in both their personal and professional life
• Encourage women’s continued success in aviation

What You’ll Get to See

This museum’s collection and exhibitions shed light on the contributions that female pilots made to the history of aviation. The museum houses many historical documents, personal objects, video and audio histories, photos, mementos, and other noteworthy artifacts.

Among these noteworthy artifacts include some of Amelia Earhart’s belongings and details about her groundbreaking career in aviation. Some of her possessions you’ll find here include one of her well-known scarves, her lucky bracelet, which she unintentionally left on her final trip, and other personal items.

A presentation about the first ever Powder Puff Derby, that featured female aviators flying cross-country, is also available here, as well as detailed itineraries, equipment, pictures of the aircraft, and a sizable trophy collection.

Many facets of women aviators are included. There are displays about astronauts, airline & freight pilots, air races, WASPs, and more. There are also displays honoring the people who made significant contributions to the advancement of women in the aviation sector. The museum is setup well and tactfully addresses the many challenges women faced in aviation.

You’ll also find sections on the contributions made by women aviators to the United States military and other countries. Some of these include the Russian Night Witches, the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA), female combat pilots, the Civil Air Patrol, and the first woman to graduate from MIT.

Gifts & Souvenirs

After you visit the  museum, remember to stop by the gift shop and grab a souvenir to remember your trip by.  Inside the shop, you’ll find T-shirts, books, and other aviation-themed little trinkets!

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are reservations required to visit the 99s Museum of Women Pilots?

Reservations are only required for groups.

Are guided tours available?

The museum offers guided tours upon request. However, a two weeks’ notice is needed. The museum doesn’t guarantee guides as they are volunteers, but maximum efforts are made to provide a tour guide.

After COVID-19, are masks still required?

Masks are not required anymore, but it’s encouraged to wear masks.

 

Admission

Tickets are $10.00 for adults, but discounted rates are available for Seniors, Military, Students, and Children. See all museum admission prices here.

 

Museum Hours:

Tuesday – Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM.  Closed Sunday and Monday.

 

Map & Directions to 99s Museum of Women Pilots

4300 Amelia Earhart Ln, Oklahoma City, OK 73159
(Located inside the Will Rogers World Airport)
(405) 685-9990

https://www.museumofwomenpilots.org/

 

Our Conclusion:

The 99s Museum of Women Pilots is truly a remarkable tribute to the pioneering spirit and accomplishments of women in aviation. The museum not only preserves the legacy of the trailblazers who paved the way for women in aviation, but also inspires future generations of women to pursue their dreams of flying.

Through its engaging exhibits, educational programs, and outreach efforts, the museum continues to promote diversity and inclusion in the aviation industry. Visiting the 99s Museum of Women Pilots is a truly unique and enlightening experience, and it is definitely worth a visit for anyone who is interested in aviation or women’s history.