Amelia Earhart Collection

The Amelia Earhart Collection of Purdue University Libraries The Amelia Earhart Collection in Purdue Libraries Special Collections is the largest single repository of materials in the world relating to the life, career, and mysterious disappearance of famed aviator Amelia Earhart (1897-1937?). The articles in this collection were donated to Purdue University by Amelia's husband, George Palmer Putnam, in recognition of her connection with Purdue as a consultant on women's career issues as well as Purdue's sponsorship of her final flight attempt. The Earhart Collection contains numerous rare and unique items pertaining to her aviation career and personal life. These include hundreds of photos; aviation maps and flight plans; as well as correspondence from and to Amelia. There are also some flying related items including a circa 1935 flight suit, flying cap and goggles, leather jacket, and various pieces of survival gear. Amelia Earhart had a brief but rewarding relationship with Purdue. She served as a women's career counselor during the 1935-36 school year at the invitation of President Edward C. Elliott who, at that time, was seeking to attract more women to the university. Amelia proved to be a talented and respected role model; her tireless efforts on behalf of Purdue's young women were much appreciated and reinforced the belief that women were as capable as men in succeeding at their chosen vocations. Amelia Earhart proved this point time and time again in her own career as an aviator. She was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic (1928), the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic (1932), and the first pilot to fly solo across the Pacific (1935). In addition to her flying exploits, Alnelia was a noted author and lecturer: two of her works, "20 Hrs., 40 Min." (1928) and "The Fun of It" (1932), are included in the collection. Although she mysteriously disappeared during her 1937 around-the-world flight attempt, Amelia' Earhart's trailblazing accomplishments continue to serve as a challenge and inspiration for all Americans to this day. To the Purdue Aviation Celebration Page To the Purdue News and Photos Page