The 99s Museum of Women Pilots (MWP) is a

non-profit A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...

museum and research institute that seeks to preserve the unique history of

women in aviation Women have been involved in aviation from the beginnings of both lighter-than air travel and as airplanes, helicopters and space travel were developed. Women pilots were also formerly called "aviatrices" (singular "aviatrix"). Women have been fl ...

. It is located on the second story of the international headquarters building of the non-profit International Organization of Women Pilots: The

Ninety-Nines The Ninety-Nines: International Organization of Women Pilots, also known as The 99s, is an international organization that provides networking, mentoring, and flight scholarship opportunities to recreational and professional female pilots. Foun ...

("99s") on the grounds of Will Rogers World Airport in

Oklahoma City Oklahoma City (), officially the City of Oklahoma City, and often shortened to OKC, is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The county seat of Oklahoma County, it ranks 20th among United States cities in population, a ...

, Oklahoma. The museum houses the largest collection of historical women aviator artifacts in the world.

History

First known as "The Ninety-Nines", the MWP was established in New York City by 99 women pilots during 1929. Its headquarters moved from New York to Oklahoma City in 1955. In 1972, the museum was formally established as the "Resource Center," that included a library, archives, museum and oral/video history collection. The quantity of artifacts soon outgrew its allotted space, so a separate museum was created and opened to the public in 1999.

Collections

The museum is the only one in the world dedicated to female pilots (another museum focusing on women in aviation is

International Women's Air & Space Museum The International Women's Air & Space Museum, Inc. (IWASM) is a museum in Cleveland, Ohio, that preserves the history of women in aviation and space and documents their continuing contributions. The museum began as a committee of the Ninety-Nines, ...

in Cleveland, Ohio). Artifacts include historical papers, personal items, video and oral histories, photos, memorabilia and other notable artifacts from pioneering women aviators worldwide. The museum collection and exhibits provide insight into the role women pilots played in the development of aviation and their historical footprint. The museum is home to personal artifacts of

Amelia Earhart Amelia Mary Earhart ( , born July 24, 1897; disappeared July 2, 1937; declared dead January 5, 1939) was an American aviation pioneer and writer. Earhart was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She set many oth ...

and information about her pioneering aviation career. The museum is open Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM.

References

External links

museumofwomenpilots.org
*
99s Museum of Women Pilots
- TravelOK - State of Oklahoma tourism (includes video of museum) *
Museum of Women Pilots Director Interview (including displays)
- OklaTravelNews (

YouTube YouTube is a global online video platform, online video sharing and social media, social media platform headquartered in San Bruno, California. It was launched on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim. It is owned by ...

) {{authority control Museums in Oklahoma City Aerospace museums in Oklahoma Women's museums in Oklahoma Museums established in 1999 1999 establishments in Oklahoma Women aviators Aviation in Oklahoma