Ida Van Smith Flight Clubs, Inc. Journal and Negro Airmen International, Inc. Membership Cards

Ida Van Smith (1917--2003) was an African American pilot and educator. The Negro Airmen International, Inc. (NAI) is the oldest African American civilian aviation organization in the country. This collection consists of a 1974 edition of the Ida Van Smith Flight Clubs, Inc. Journal, signed by Smith, and two Negro Airmen International Inc. membership cards for Teddie N. Hayes, 1976 and 1978.

In 1967, Ida Van Smith (1917--2003) founded a series of flight training clubs for minority children to encourage their involvement in aviation and aerospace sciences. Born in North Carolina, Smith graduated from Shaw University and earned a master's degree from Queens College. She became a teacher in the New York City Public Schools in the fields of history and special education. In 1967, at the age of 50, she finally fulfilled a personal dream to learn to fly. Once she had her private pilot's license and instructor rating, Smith founded the Ida Van Smith Flight Club on Long Island, New York. Training for the students was provided in an aircraft simulator funded by the FAA and an operational Cessna 172. Soon there were more than 20 clubs throughout the country, with members ages 13-19. As a result, thousands of children were exposed to aviation and many pursued careers in aviation. Smith also produced and hosted a cable television show on aviation and taught an introductory aviation course at York College of the City University of New York. Although she retired from teaching in 1977, Smith remained active in her namesake clubs. She was a member of the Tuskegee Airman's Black Wings, Negro Airmen International, and the Ninety-Nines. She published or was featured in many educational, aviation, and historical journals. Smith received numerous awards for her contributions to aviation and youth education.

The Negro Airmen International, Inc. (NAI) was founded in February, 1967 by aviator Edward Gibbs. NAI is the oldest African American civilian aviation organization in the country and encourages African Americans to enter the field of aviation by providing aviation learning opportunities and creating job opportunities.