Amelia Earhart - Facts for Kids

Early Life & Background

Amelia Earhart was born on July 24, 1897, in Atchison, Kansas, in her grandparents’ beautiful house overlooking the Missouri River.

Amelia Earhart’s full name was Amelia Mary Earhart, but her family lovingly called her “Millie.”

Amelia Earhart had a younger sister named Grace (nicknamed “Pidge”), and the two sisters were best friends who loved going on adventures together.

Amelia Earhart’s maternal grandfather was a successful judge who built a grand house where Amelia spent much of her early childhood.

Amelia Earhart learned to be brave at a young age, often climbing trees, hunting rats with a rifle, and keeping a scrapbook of newspaper clippings about successful women.

Amelia Earhart built a homemade roller coaster in her backyard when she was seven years old, using a wooden box and roller skate wheels.

Amelia Earhart saw her first airplane at the Iowa State Fair in 1908 when she was 10 years old, but wasn’t impressed by it at the time.

Amelia Earhart’s father worked for the railroad, which meant her family moved frequently during her childhood.

Amelia Earhart spent much of her early childhood in Atchison, Kansas, living in her maternal grandparents’ home.

Amelia Earhart came from a fairly comfortable (upper-middle class) American family with English and German ancestry.

Education & Development

Amelia Earhart attended six different high schools because her family moved often, but she graduated from Hyde Park High School in Chicago.

Amelia Earhart worked as a nurse’s aide in Toronto during World War I, helping wounded soldiers.

Amelia Earhart studied pre-medicine at Columbia University in 1919 but left after one year to join her parents in California.

Amelia Earhart took her first flying lesson on January 3, 1921, and knew immediately that flying was her passion.

Amelia Earhart saved up $1,000 to buy her first airplane, a second-hand Kinner Airster biplane painted bright yellow, which she nicknamed “The Canary.”

In December 1921, Amelia Earhart earned her first pilot’s license from the National Aeronautics Association, becoming the 16th woman in the United States to do so

In May 1923, Amelia received her international pilot’s license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, making her the 16th woman in the world to earn one.

Amelia Earhart was interested in mechanics and spent time studying them during her recovery from surgery in 1920.

o pay for her flying lessons, Amelia Earhart worked a variety of jobs, including as a photographer, truck driver, and stenographer.

Amelia Earhart set her first aviation record just two years after learning to fly, reaching an altitude of 14,000 feet.

Amelia Earhart learned to fly from Neta Snook, one of the first female flight instructors in the United States.

Career & Achievements

Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean as a passenger in 1928, making the journey in 20 hours and 40 minutes.

Amelia Earhart became the first woman (and second person) to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932.

Amelia Earhart set a record by flying from Hawaii to California in 1935, becoming the first person to fly solo across this dangerous stretch of the Pacific Ocean.

Amelia Earhart helped found The Ninety-Nines, an organization of women pilots that still exists today.

Amelia Earhart became the first person to fly solo from Los Angeles to Mexico City in 1935.

Amelia Earhart set a speed record by flying from Mexico City to Newark in 14 hours and 19 minutes.

Amelia Earhart wrote three books about her flying experiences: “20 Hrs., 40 Min.,” “The Fun of It,” and “Last Flight.”

Amelia Earhart designed a line of practical clothing for women, which was sold in Macy’s department stores.

Amelia Earhart served as aviation editor for Cosmopolitan magazine, writing articles to promote aviation and women’s opportunities.

Amelia Earhart became the first woman to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross from Congress.

Personal Life

Amelia Earhart married George Palmer Putnam on February 7, 1931, but kept her own last name, which was unusual for women at that time.

Amelia Earhart had a dog named Derry, an Irish terrier she named after her solo transatlantic flight. Derry was a cherished companion during her early years.

Amelia Earhart enjoyed photography and would often take pictures during her travels around the world.

Amelia Earhart preferred wearing comfortable, practical clothes and often wore leather jackets and trousers instead of dresses.

Amelia Earhart started each day with a glass of tomato juice, which she believed gave her energy for flying.

Amelia Earhart was an avid reader and enjoyed books from an early age.

Impact & Legacy

Amelia Earhart inspired millions of girls and women to pursue their dreams, especially in fields dominated by men.

Amelia Earhart fought for equal rights for women and proved that women could be just as skilled as men in aviation.

Amelia Earhart’s disappearance during her 1937 attempt to fly around the world triggered what was, at that time, the largest and most expensive air-and-sea search in U.S. history.

Amelia Earhart’s legacy lives on through the Ninety-Nines organization, which provides scholarships to women in aviation.

Amelia Earhart has airports, schools, and libraries named after her all across the United States.

Amelia Earhart’s childhood home in Atchison, Kansas, is now a museum where visitors can learn about her life and achievements.

Amelia Earhart was featured on U.S. postage stamps, honoring her contributions to aviation.

Amelia Earhart’s life story has inspired countless books, movies, and television shows.

Amelia Earhart received the Gold Medal of the National Geographic Society for her achievements in aviation.

Fun and Unique Facts

Amelia Earhart set an autogiro (an early helicopter-like aircraft) altitude record of 18,415 feet in 1931.

Amelia Earhart became the first person to fly solo from Honolulu, Hawaii to Oakland, California in 1935.

Amelia Earhart set a speed record flying between Mexico City and New York City in 1935.

Amelia Earhart became a faculty member at Purdue University, advising women on careers and counseling in aeronautical engineering.