All Stories

NASA astronauts would receive numerous training information about Space Shuttle. Today they're in the Museum's Archives.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Brown made history again and again as a pilot, civil rights advocate, and leader. 

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.