All Stories

Who were the first women in space? What were their stories? 

For many years, three-time Female Aerobatic Champion Betty Skelton was known as the “First Lady of Firsts.” The Florida native earned her nickname the hard way, whether as the International Female Aerobatic Champion, flying at 8,839 meters (29,000 feet), or traveling at speeds greater than 486 kph (300 mph) in a jet-powered car. In the process of setting 17 aviation and race car records, she also paved the way for women to enjoy equal opportunities in aviation, sports, and business. 

This is your captain, making history. Meet the first women to fly as captain for commercial airlines and discover their stories.  

Who were the first American women to fly? To earn their pilot’s licenses? What are their stories? Meet the determined women who took to skies at a time when opportunities for women were severely limited.

Travel across the globe and discover four women pilots that were taking to the skies and setting records.

Flying under all four bridges in New York by age 17.  Simultaneously holding the women’s world speed, altitude, and distance records.  Breaking their own world record with 930 barrel loops. The women in this article set and broke records with feats of flying. Discover their stories.  

One-hundred years ago, Bessie Coleman became the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license. Her remarkable journey reflects the racist and sexist struggles many faced across the nation, and worldwide, in the 1920s—both in the air and on the ground.

Pioneering aviator Bessie Coleman's life and legacy aren’t just limited to aviation. In the air and on the ground, she made history, changed history, and witnessed history.

On May 5, 1961, Alan Shepard became the first American to travel to space.

Explore all of the rich content about the Wright brothers' 1903 Flyer that can be found on the Museum's website.