Stories of daring, stories of technological feats, stories of prevailing against the odds ... these are the stories we tell at the National Air and Space Museum. Dive in to the stories below to discover, learn, and be inspired. 

Showing 61 - 70 of 207

Several women in 1920s fashion smile at the camera in a group portrait.

November 26, 2021

Meet Members of the Ninety-Nines

Story

In 1929, a group of 99 women pilots decided to form an organization for social, recruitment, and business purposes. Living in a society that limited women's social and economic independence, these group formed for women to mutually support each other in the aviation profession. Thus the Ninety-Nines were born.

Ellen Church

November 22, 2021

Flight Attending Firsts

Story

Flight attendants improve the flying experience for passengers by ensuring their safety and providing for their comfort. How did this role start? Who were some of the first flight attendants? Discover their stories.  

Suzanne Asbury-Oliver

November 21, 2021

Skywriting Your Name in History: Suzanne Asbury-Oliver

Story

Suzanne Asbury-Oliver and her husband, Steven Oliver, became America’s only husband and wife professional skywriting and aerobatic team.

Osa Johnson

November 20, 2021

Flying for Photography

Story

Combining flying and photography skills, Osa Johnson and Mary Light both flew on documentary missions, photographing remote areas in Africa. Discover their stories.  

Sally Ride in astronaut flight suit and headset

November 18, 2021

Reaching New Heights in Space

Story

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

Vera Rubin and Kent Ford

November 17, 2021

Meet Vera Rubin

Story

Vera Cooper Rubin produced clear observational evidence in the 1970s that finally convinced astronomers worldwide of the existence of dark matter.

Two sisters sit in an airplane, laughing and smiling.

November 16, 2021

Five Facts about the Record-Breaking Stinson Sisters

Story

Katherine Stinson was the fourth woman in the U.S. to obtain a pilot's license. Encouraged by her sister Katherine's success, Marjorie Stinson decided to learn to fly.

A woman in a flying suit raises her hand in the air.

November 04, 2021

Early African American Aviator Willa Brown

Story

Willa Brown’s work in the air and on land promoted awareness of African American pilots, made the way for them to join the military, and set an example for others.. Discover her story.

A black and white photograph of a plane with striped wings.

November 03, 2021

Meet Betty Skelton

Story

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. 

Bonnie Tiburzi

November 03, 2021

Firsts in Commercial Flight: Barrier Breaking Women in the Flight Deck

Story

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