History of Amelia Earhart in Timeline

Amelia Earhart was a pioneering American aviator who disappeared over the Pacific Ocean in 1937 during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe. A champion of women's rights and commercial aviation, she was the first woman to fly solo non-stop across the Atlantic. Earhart set numerous aviation records, authored best-selling books about her experiences, and helped found The Ninety-Nines, an organization for female pilots. Her disappearance cemented her status as a global cultural icon, symbolizing courage and the pursuit of dreams.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

July 24, 1897: Birth in Atchison, Kansas

Amelia Mary Earhart was born on July 24, 1897, in Atchison, Kansas, to Samuel "Edwin" Stanton Earhart and Amelia "Amy" (née Otis).

1899: Birth of sister, Grace Muriel Earhart

In 1899, Amelia Earhart's sister, Grace Muriel Earhart, was born. She was two years younger than Amelia.

1904: Construction of Home-Made Roller Coaster

In 1904, Amelia Earhart built a homemade roller coaster with her uncle's help and famously exclaimed "Oh, Pidge, it's just like flying!" after her first ride.

1907: Family Transfer to Des Moines, Iowa

In 1907, Edwin Earhart's job led to a transfer to Des Moines, Iowa, relocating the Earhart family.

1909: Family Reunited in Des Moines

In 1909, the Earhart family was reunited in Des Moines, and the children were enrolled in public school for the first time.

1912: Death of Maternal Grandfather

In 1912, Amelia Earhart's maternal grandfather, Alfred Gideon Otis, passed away.

1913: Birth of David Binney Putnam

In 1913, David Binney Putnam, the explorer and writer and one of George Putnam's sons from a previous marriage, was born.

1914: Edwin Forced to Retire, Grandmother's Death

In 1914, Edwin Earhart was forced to retire due to alcoholism, and Amelia's grandmother Amelia Otis died, leaving an estate in a trust for her daughter.

1915: Family moves to St. Paul, Minnesota

In 1915, Edwin Earhart found work in St. Paul, Minnesota, where Amelia entered Central High School. They moved to Chicago, where Amelia enrolled in Hyde Park High School.

1916: Graduation from Hyde Park High School

In 1916, Amelia Earhart graduated from Hyde Park High School and continued to aspire to a future career by tracking successful women in male-dominated fields.

1917: Nursing in Toronto, Canada

During Christmas vacation in 1917, Amelia Earhart visited her sister in Toronto, Canada, and began working as a nurse's aide at Spadina Military Hospital, where she developed an interest in flying.

December 1918: Discharge From Spadina Military Hospital

In December 1918, Amelia Earhart was discharged from Spadina Military Hospital after contracting the Spanish flu and suffering from pneumonia and maxillary sinusitis.

1919: Enrolls in Smith College

In 1919, Amelia Earhart prepared to enter Smith College, but later enrolled in a course of medical studies at Columbia University.

December 28, 1920: First Encounter With Flight

On December 28, 1920, Amelia Earhart attended an "aerial meet" and expressed interest in flying lessons, marking a pivotal moment in her life.

January 3, 1921: First Flying Lesson

On January 3, 1921, Amelia Earhart had her first flying lesson with Neta Snook at Kinner Field, marking the beginning of her aviation career.

1921: Birth of George Palmer Putnam Jr.

In 1921, George Palmer Putnam Jr., one of George Putnam's sons from a previous marriage, was born.

October 22, 1922: World Record for Female Pilots

On October 22, 1922, Amelia Earhart flew the Airster to an altitude of 14,000 feet (4,300 m), setting a world record for female pilots.

May 16, 1923: Receives Pilot's License

On May 16, 1923, Amelia Earhart became the 16th woman in the United States to be issued a pilot's license by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).

1924: Sinus Operation and Career Ventures

In 1924, Amelia Earhart's sinus problems worsened, leading to another unsuccessful operation. She also explored other ventures such as photography after exhausting her inheritance.

1924: Transcontinental Trip

In 1924, following her parents' divorce, Amelia Earhart drove her mother across the country in "Yellow Peril" from California, stopping in the western United States and Canada, before ending the trip in Boston, Massachusetts.

1925: Employment at Denison House

In 1925, Amelia Earhart secured employment as a teacher and later as a social worker at Denison House in Boston, while residing in Medford, Massachusetts.

1927: First Flight out of Dennison Airport

In 1927, Amelia Earhart piloted the first official flight out of Dennison Airport in Quincy, Massachusetts, demonstrating her growing involvement in aviation.

1927: Dole Air Race

In 1927, participants of the Dole Air Race attempted the transoceanic route that Amelia Earhart flew in 1935.

June 17, 1928: First Woman to Cross the Atlantic as Passenger

On June 17, 1928, Amelia Earhart departed from Trepassey Harbor, Newfoundland, as a passenger aboard a Fokker F.VIIb/3m named Friendship, landing in South Wales after 20 hours and 40 minutes, becoming the first woman to cross the Atlantic Ocean by airplane.

June 19, 1928: Arrival in England

On June 19, 1928, Amelia Earhart flew to Woolston, Southampton, England, where she received a welcome. She then flew an Avro Avian aircraft owned by Lady Mary Heath.

August 1928: Commemorative flight retraces Earhart's 1928 transcontinental flight

In 2001, another commemorative flight retraced the route Earhart flew in her August 1928 transcontinental record flight; Carlene Mendieta flew an original Avro Avian, the same type of aircraft that was used in 1928.

August 1928: Solo Flight Across North America

In August 1928, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the North American continent and back, marking a significant achievement in her aviation career.

November 23, 1928: Broken Engagement

On November 23, 1928, Amelia Earhart broke off her engagement to Samuel Chapman.

1928: First Female Passenger Across the Atlantic

In 1928, Amelia Earhart gained celebrity status after becoming the first female passenger to cross the Atlantic by airplane.

1928: Earhart becomes aviation editor for Cosmopolitan

In 1928, Earhart became aviation editor for Cosmopolitan.

1928: Press Dubs Earhart "Lady Lindy"

In 1928, after becoming famous, the press dubbed Amelia Earhart "Lady Lindy". She also began an exhausting lecture tour.

1929: Lecture Tours and Endorsements

In 1929, Amelia Earhart continued her lecture tour and received endorsements for products, including luggage. However, an endorsement for Lucky Strike cigarettes led to McCall's magazine retracting an offer.

1929: Women's Air Derby Participation

In 1929, Amelia Earhart participated in the Women's Air Derby, finishing third in the heavy division after a competitor's accident. The race started on August 18 and ended on August 26.

1929: Promotion of Air Travel

In 1929, Amelia Earhart was appointed by Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT) along with Margaret Bartlett Thornton to promote air travel, particularly for women, and helped set up the Ludington Airline, the first regional shuttle service.

1929: Recognition by Experienced Pilots

In 1929, Amelia Earhart's piloting skills and professionalism were acknowledged by experienced professional pilots, highlighting her growing reputation in the aviation community.

1929: Putnam's Divorce

In 1929, George Putnam, later Amelia Earhart's husband, got divorced.

1929: Meeting of Female Pilots

In 1929, following the Women's Air Derby, Amelia Earhart called a meeting of female pilots.

1929: US Coast Guard cutter sent to Howland Island for communication and navigation support

In 1929, in preparation for Earhart's trip to Howland Island, the U.S. Coast Guard sent the cutter USCGC Itasca to offer communication and navigation support for the flight.

1930: Set Women's Aviation Records

Between 1930 and 1935, Amelia Earhart set seven women's speed-and-distance aviation records in various aircraft.

1930: Earhart works for Cosmopolitan

From 1928 to 1930, Earhart served as aviation editor for Cosmopolitan.

1930: Official of the National Aeronautic Association

In 1930, Amelia Earhart became an official of the National Aeronautic Association and promoted the establishment of separate women's records.

1930: First President of Ninety-Nines

In 1930, Amelia Earhart became the first president of the Ninety-Nines, an organization of female pilots.

1930: Death of Father, Samuel "Edwin" Stanton Earhart

In 1930, Amelia Earhart's father, Samuel "Edwin" Stanton Earhart, died.

February 7, 1931: Marriage to George P. Putnam

On February 7, 1931, Amelia Earhart married her public relations manager George P. Putnam in Noank, Connecticut.

April 8, 1931: World Altitude Record

On April 8, 1931, Amelia Earhart set a world altitude record of 18,415 feet (5,613 m) flying a Pitcairn PCA-2 autogyro borrowed from the Beech-Nut Chewing Gum company.

May 20, 1932: Solo Transatlantic Flight

On May 20, 1932, Amelia Earhart took off from Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, and landed in a pasture north of Derry, Northern Ireland, completing her solo transatlantic flight in 14 hours and 56 minutes.

1932: First Woman to Fly Solo Transatlantic

In 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to make a nonstop solo transatlantic flight, earning her the Distinguished Flying Cross.

1932: Helped by Isabel Ebel

In 1932, Isabel Ebel helped Amelia Earhart, leading to Earhart helping her in 1934.

November 1934: Fire at the Putnam Residence

In late November 1934, while Amelia Earhart was away on a speaking tour, a fire broke out at the Putnam residence in Rye, destroying many family treasures and her personal mementos.

1934: Intervention for Isabel Ebel

In 1934, Amelia Earhart helped Isabel Ebel be accepted as the first woman student of aeronautical engineering at New York University (NYU).

1934: Refusal to Open Race

In 1934, Amelia Earhart refused to fly Mary Pickford to Cleveland to open the Bendix Trophy Race, after women were banned from competing.

1934: Considering Business Partnership

Since late 1934, Amelia Earhart had been considering a business partnership with Paul Mantz.

January 11, 1935: Solo Flight from Honolulu to Oakland

On January 11, 1935, Amelia Earhart became the first aviator to fly solo from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Oakland, California, using a Lockheed 5C Vega.

April 19, 1935: Solo Flight to Mexico City

On April 19, 1935, Amelia Earhart flew solo from Los Angeles to Mexico City in her Lockheed Vega, nicknamed "old Bessie, the fire horse".

June 1935: Purchase of House in Toluca Lake

In June 1935, at Amelia Earhart's urging, George Putnam purchased a house in Toluca Lake, a celebrity enclave in the San Fernando Valley.

September 1935: Establishment of Flying School

In September 1935, Amelia Earhart and Paul Mantz established the Earhart-Mantz Flying School, operated through Mantz's aviation company, United Air Services, teaching instrument flying using Link Trainers.

1935: Contemplating a Circumnavigation

By 1935, Amelia Earhart was contemplating a circumnavigation of the globe near its waistline and needing a new aircraft for the venture.

1935: Visiting Faculty Member at Purdue University

In 1935, Amelia Earhart joined Purdue University as a visiting faculty member, advising in aeronautical engineering and counseling female students.

1935: Participation in the Bendix Trophy Race

In 1935, Amelia Earhart participated in the Bendix Trophy long-distance air race, finishing fifth, with her Lockheed Vega being outclassed by purpose-built aircraft. The race was marked by a competitor's death and challenging weather conditions.

1935: "Earhart Tree" planted in Hilo, Hawaii

In 1935, The "Earhart Tree" on Banyan Drive in Hilo, Hawaii, was planted by Earhart.

1935: Linda Finch retraces Earhart's final flight path

In 1997, on the 60th anniversary of Earhart's round-the-world flight, San Antonio businesswoman Linda Finch retraced the final flight path, flying a restored 1935 Lockheed Electra 10, the same make and model of aircraft as Earhart's.

July 1936: Lockheed Electra Built

In July 1936, Lockheed Aircraft Company built the Lockheed Electra 10E airplane for Amelia Earhart, funded by Purdue University, fitted with extra fuel tanks and other modifications. Earhart named the twin-engine monoplane her "flying laboratory".

1936: Planning Around the World Flight

Early in 1936, Amelia Earhart started planning to fly around the world, aiming to become the first woman to do so, covering a distance of 29,000 miles (47,000 km) along an equatorial route.

March 1937: Recovery of Earhart's Lockheed Electra engine nacelle after Hawaii crash

Following the March 1937 Hawaii crash, a small section of Earhart's Lockheed Electra starboard engine nacelle was recovered and confirmed as authentic. It is now used as a control piece for authenticating possible future discoveries.

March 17, 1937: Earhart's round-the-world flight attempt abandoned after crash

On March 17, 1937, Amelia Earhart and her crew began their round-the-world flight from Oakland, California to Honolulu, Hawaii. However, the attempt was abandoned after an uncontrolled ground-loop during takeoff at Luke Field in Pearl Harbor, which damaged the aircraft. The cause of the crash is unknown, and the aircraft was sent to Lockheed Burbank for repairs.

June 29, 1937: Earhart and Noonan arrive in Lae, New Guinea

On June 29, 1937, Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan arrived in Lae, New Guinea, after departing from Miami on June 1 and making numerous stops across South America, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia. At this point, they had completed approximately 22,000 miles of their journey, with about 7,000 miles remaining over the Pacific Ocean.

July 2, 1937: Disappearance Over the Pacific Ocean

On July 2, 1937, Amelia Earhart disappeared over the Pacific Ocean while attempting to become the first female pilot to circumnavigate the world.

July 6, 1937: Oakland radio amateur reported to have heard emergency transmissions

On the morning of July 6, 1937, it was reported that an Oakland radio amateur had heard emergency transmissions, seemingly from Amelia Earhart. In the days following their last confirmed transmissions, numerous further transmissions purporting to be from Earhart were reported, although many were later determined to be hoaxes.

July 1937: Putnam finances private search for Earhart

In late July 1937, immediately after the end of the official search, Putnam financed a private search of nearby Pacific islands and waters and chartered two small boats. While he remained in the United States, he directed a search of other islands.

July 19, 1937: Official search efforts for Earhart and Noonan conclude

On July 19, 1937, official air-and-sea search efforts by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard for Amelia Earhart, Fred Noonan, and the Electra 10E were concluded after being the costliest and most-intensive in U.S. history up to that time. Despite the extensive search, no physical evidence of Earhart, Noonan, or the aircraft was found.

1937: Disappearance During Circumnavigation Attempt

In 1937, Amelia Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan disappeared near Howland Island while attempting a circumnavigational flight of the globe.

January 5, 1939: Declared Dead

On January 5, 1939, Amelia Earhart was declared dead after she disappeared over the Pacific Ocean during her attempt to circumnavigate the world.

1940: Vice President of National Airways

By 1940, Amelia Earhart had been appointed Vice President of National Airways (later Northeast Airlines), further cementing her influence in the aviation industry.

1942: Launch of SS Amelia Earhart Liberty ship

In 1942, a United States Liberty ship named SS Amelia Earhart was launched.

1945: Report of wrecked aircraft that may have been Earhart's Electra

In 1945, Donald Angwin, a veteran of the Australian Army's World War II New Britain campaign, reported seeing a wrecked aircraft in the jungle that may have been Earhart's Electra.

1948: SS Amelia Earhart Liberty ship wrecked

In 1948, SS Amelia Earhart Liberty ship was wrecked.

1962: Death of Mother, Amelia "Amy" Otis Earhart

In 1962, Amelia Earhart's mother, Amelia "Amy" Otis Earhart, passed away.

1963: Amelia Earhart Commemorative Stamp issued

In 1963, the Amelia Earhart Commemorative Stamp (8¢ airmail postage) was issued by the United States Postmaster-General.

1964: Purdue University opens Earhart Hall

In 1964, Purdue University opened Earhart Hall in honor of her legacy and contribution to the university.

1967: Ann Pellegreno recreates Earhart's round-the-world flight path

In 1967, Ann Pellegreno flew a similar aircraft to Earhart's, a Lockheed 10A Electra, to complete a round-the-world flight that followed Earhart's flight plan. On the 30th anniversary of her disappearance, Pellegreno dropped a wreath over Howland island in Earhart's honor.

1967: Ann Pellegreno follows Earhart and Noonan's original flight path

In 1967, William L. Polhemous, the navigator on Ann Pellegreno's flight that followed Earhart and Noonan's original flight path, studied navigational tables for July 2, 1937, and thought Noonan may have miscalculated the "single line approach" to Howland.

1968: Inducted into National Aviation Hall of Fame

In 1968, after her presumed death, Amelia Earhart was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

1970: Book Amelia Earhart Lives published

In 1970, the book Amelia Earhart Lives was published, based on the research of Joseph Gervais, proposing that Earhart survived the world flight, changed her name, remarried, and became Irene Craigmile Bolam.

1971: Statue by Ernest Shelton erected in Los Angeles

Circa 1971, a statue by Ernest Shelton was erected in Los Angeles, California.

1973: Inducted into National Women's Hall of Fame

In 1973, Amelia Earhart was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame, solidifying her legacy.

1982: Death of Dorothy Binney

In 1982, Dorothy Binney, George Putnam's previous wife, died.

1982: Richard R. Black speaks about the Electra crash near Howland Island

In 1982, retired USN rear admiral Richard R. Black stated that, based on his presence in the radio room on Itasca, the Electra went into the sea around 10 AM on July 2, 1937, not far from Howland Island.

1990: Report of wrecked aircraft that may have been Earhart's Electra

In 1990, Donald Angwin, a veteran of the Australian Army's World War II New Britain campaign, reported that in 1945 he had seen a wrecked aircraft in the jungle that may have been Earhart's Electra.

1992: Earhart inducted into Motorsports Hall of Fame of America

In 1992, Amelia Earhart was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.

1992: Death of David Binney Putnam

In 1992, David Binney Putnam, the explorer and writer and one of George Putnam's sons from a previous marriage, died.

1996: Amelia Earhart Festival begins in Atchison, Kansas

Since 1996, the Amelia Earhart Festival has taken place annually in Atchison, Kansas.

1997: Linda Finch retraces Earhart's final flight path

1998: Death of sister, Grace Muriel Earhart Morrissey

In 1998, Amelia Earhart's sister, Grace Muriel Earhart Morrissey, passed away.

2001: Commemorative flight retraces Earhart's 1928 transcontinental flight

2003: Nauticos searches north and west of Howland Island with deep-sea sonar

In 2003, David Jourdan, through his company Nauticos, searched a 1,200-square-mile area north and west of Howland Island with deep-sea sonar devices, but did not find any wreckage.

November 2006: National Geographic episode aired suggesting Earhart survived the world flight

In November 2006, National Geographic Channel aired an episode of its series Undiscovered History that suggested Earhart survived the world flight, changed her name, remarried, and became Irene Craigmile Bolam.

2006: Nauticos continues search north and west of Howland Island with deep-sea sonar

In 2006, David Jourdan, through his company Nauticos, continued searching a 1,200-square-mile area north and west of Howland Island with deep-sea sonar devices, but did not find any wreckage.

May 2007: USNS Amelia Earhart named in her honor

In May 2007, USNS Amelia Earhart was named in her honor.

2008: Full-sized bronze statue of Amelia Earhart placed at Spirit of Flight Center

In 2008, a full-sized bronze statue of Amelia Earhart was placed at the Spirit of Flight Center in Lafayette, Colorado.

2009: Purdue erects bronze statue of Earhart

In 2009, Purdue erected a bronze statue of Earhart holding a propeller in front of the residence hall named after her.

2012: Hillary Clinton tribute to Earhart

In 2012, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton paid tribute to Earhart at a State Department event, emphasizing her legacy for those who dream of the stars.

2013: Flying magazine ranks Earhart as a hero of aviation

In 2013, Flying magazine ranked Earhart No. 9 on its list of the "51 Heroes of Aviation".

2013: Death of George Palmer Putnam Jr.

In 2013, George Palmer Putnam Jr., one of George Putnam's sons from a previous marriage, died.

2024: Deep Sea Vision finds possible wreckage near Howland Island that is found to be a rock formation

In 2024, Deep Sea Vision, a company that operates unmanned underwater vehicles, found via sonar what it said could be the remains of Earhart's airplane on the ocean floor. The object, which was 16,000 ft deep and about 100 mi from Howland Island, turned out to be a rock formation.