Lasting Legacy of Amelia Earhart: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Amelia Earhart—a timeline of influence.

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

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.

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.

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.

1942: Launch of SS Amelia Earhart Liberty ship

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

1948: SS Amelia Earhart Liberty ship wrecked

In 1948, SS Amelia Earhart Liberty ship was wrecked.

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.

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.

1992: Earhart inducted into Motorsports Hall of Fame of America

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

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

2001: Commemorative flight retraces Earhart's 1928 transcontinental flight

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.