99's Museum of Women Pilots(13)

OKLAHOMA CITY

Let me start by saying I love this museum. I grew up around women that were confident, kind, and probably a little rebelious. My mom, aunts, cousins, and a few of my parent's friends fit this category quite well. I would later marry a woman that could be described this way. They seemed to be equal to or greater than some of the older men I knew. So, that was the norm. It wasn't until I got into high school that I began to see the chink in the notion of everyone was equal. I became aware that a great majority of women fought everyday to be seen as legitimate in whatever field they chose to be in. And it was simply because they were women that they were treated unfairly. It broke my heart. How could the world be this way? Why would men be threatened by strong women? I didn't get it. I still don't.

One world that women have been doing their own thing and having a good time with it is piloting aircraft. And I had the chance to see these courageous women at the 99's Museum of Women Pilots. From the pioneers of flight like Ruth Nichols and Amelia Earhart to the aerobatic pilots, commercial pilots, and military pilots, this museum covers them all. In this two story building, exhibits of flight suits, historical accounts, books, memorbilia, and awards fill the displays. The 99's International Organization of Women Pilots, which started in 1929, house this cool museum. In 1931, Amelia Earhart was the first president and since they had 99 charter members, they went with that as their moniker.

On the ground floor, Amelia has her own collection of achievements and cool gifts she was given on some of her journeys. Upstairs has everything from the Powder Puff Derby to outer space exploration. I learned about the WASPs that served our country (with very little thanks) and the Russian Night Witches who terrified Adolf in WWII. One other thing that intrigued me was the use of Powder Puff. I had heard that in reference to pretty much every activity associated with women like football, basketball, and now flying. As far as the Derby goes, it was officially called the 1929 Women's Air Derby, but it was given the nickname Powder Puff Derby by Will Rogers even though it was one of the most grueling events of the time. The racers were working with old aircraft, no navigation, and small minded men in the press. And yet, the women did what they set out to do, fly across the US. Not to be dispirited by naysayers, they went on to have other flying events and races like the Jacqueline Cochran All-Women Transcontinental Air Race.(AWTAR). And these great women continue these traditions without the need for validation from anyone but themselves. Rock on, ladies!

As should be the case, women have become some of aeronautic's top contributors. And you can see the journey they've been through here at this great museum. I noticed a couple of exhibit spaces that were in progress, so I know there will be more cool things to see in the future. Make your way over by Will Roger's Airport to see the achievements of women pilots.

4300 Emilia Earhart Ln., Oklahoma City

405-685-9990

Entry Fee: Adults-$10, Seniors(65+)-$8, Students(6-College)-$6, Military(w/ID)-$8

Hours: Tue-Sat: 10:00-4:00

https://www.museumofwomenpilots.org

Jonathan Elmore ©2025