Amelia Earhart.

Name: The Fun of It
Author: Amelia Earhart

Amelia Mary Earhart

Born 24 Jul 1897 Atchison, United States

Died 5 Jan 1939

Citizenship United States

Would Be 129 yr If Living

12 min read

Reading time

2,228

Words

Sep 10, 2026

Published

Books

Awards

TL;DR

Amelia Earhart, an American aviator and writer, became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic in 1932. She set numerous aviation records before her disappearance on July 2, 1937 during an around-the-world flight. Her husband George Palmer Putnam had her declared legally dead on January 5, 1939. Earhart was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1973.

Identity & family.

KIN · 4

Names, aliases, and relatives of Amelia Earhart — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Native Name Amelia Mary Earhart

Nicknames Lady Lindy, Meeley, A.E.

Parents: Amelia Otis Edwin Stanton Earhart
Spouses: George Palmer Putnam
Siblings: Grace Muriel Earhart Morrissey

At a glance.

STATS

Amelia Earhart by the numbers — life, work, and family.

41 Years lived

5 Books

8 Awards

1 Marriage

Who was Amelia Earhart?

BIOGRAPHY

Amelia Earhart — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Working as a nurse’s aide in a Canadian military hospital during World War I, Amelia Earhart developed a sense of adventure. Born on July 24, 1897 in Atchison, Kansas, to Amelia Otis and Edwin Stanton Earhart, she had one sibling, Grace Muriel Earhart Morrissey. Her early education included St. Paul Central High School in Minnesota and Hyde Park Academy High School in Chicago. She later attended Columbia University but did not complete a degree.

Career

Earhart took her first flying lesson in 1921, starting her aviation career. In 1932 she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, landing in Northern Ireland. She also became the first person to fly solo over both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, completing a flight from Honolulu, Hawaii to Oakland, California in 1935. Her husband George Palmer Putnam, founder of G.P. Putnam publishing, supported her career. She appeared in films such as Paramount Pictorial #9 1933 and was the subject of the book Still Missing: Amelia Earhart and the Search for Modern Feminism 1993 by Susan Ware. In 1937 she attempted an around-the-world flight along the Equator and disappeared on July 2.

Personal life

Amelia Earhart married George Palmer Putnam on February 7, 1931. Putnam, founder of the publishing company G.P. Putnam, had her declared legally dead on January 5, 1939 so that he could remarry. Earhart did not have any children, but she had a stepson, Lt. David Binney Putnam, born around 1914. Her sister Grace Muriel Earhart Morrissey and niece Amy Kleppner survived her.

Legacy

In 1973, Amelia Earhart became a charter member of the National Women’s Hall of Fame. She was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic and the first person to fly solo over both the Atlantic and Pacific. She received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Harmon Trophy, and other honors. Her disappearance sparked enduring speculation and inspired books and films. Linda Finch completed the same around-the-world flight in a restored Lockheed 10E Electra in 1997. Earhart has been portrayed by Hilary Swank in Amelia 2009 and by Amy Adams in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian 2009. Most remember her as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 8

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Amelia Earhart — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Distinguished Flying Cross
Harmon Trophy
National Women's Hall of Fame
Women in Aviation International
National Aviation Hall of Fame
California Hall of Fame
Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey
Gold Medal of the Society of Woman Geographers

Bibliography.

BOOKS · 5

Amelia Earhart's bibliography — every authored, edited, and co-written book, ranked by edition count.

Amazon

The Fun of It

by Amelia Earhart
Amazon

Last Flight

by Amelia Earhart
Amazon

20 Hrs. 40 Min., Our Flight in the Friendship

by Amelia Earhart et al.
Amazon

Letters from Amelia, 1901-1937

by Amelia Earhart
Amazon

20 Hours, 40 Min

by Amelia Earhart

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 1

A wall of memorable lines from Amelia Earhart — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

Adventure Is Worthwhile in Itself.

Did you know?

FACTS · 16

Little-known facts about Amelia Earhart — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Aviator who disappeared on July 2, 1937 while attempting an around-the-world flight along the Equator. Husband George Palmer Putnam had her declared legally dead on January 5, 1939 so that he could remarry. Linda Finch completed the flight in a restored Lockheed 10E Electra in 1997.
Jane Lynch originally portrayed her in The Aviator 2004, but all of Lynch’s scenes were cut from the movie.
Worked as a nurse’s aide in a military hospital in Canada during World War I.
First woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, and first to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean.
Charter member of the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1973.
Her stepson is Lt. David Binney Putnam, born around 1914.
Pictured on an 8 cent US airmail postage stamp issued in her honor on July 24, 1963.
First person to fly solo over both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, completing the trip from Honolulu, Hawaii to Oakland, California in 1935. The trip took 18 hours.
Portrayed by Lucy Taylor in Child Star: The Shirley Temple Story 2001.
Her husband George Palmer Putnam was the founder of the publishing company G.P. Putnam.
Portrayed by Hilary Swank in Amelia 2009.
Subject of the book Still Missing: Amelia Earhart and the Search for Modern Feminism 1993 by Susan Ware.
Daughter of Edwin Stanton Earhart and Amy Otis Earhart. Older sister of Grace Muriel Earhart Morrissey. Aunt of Amy Kleppner.
Portrayed by Diane Keaton in Amelia Earhart: The Final Flight 1994.
The movie Flight for Freedom 1943 is a highly speculative, fictionalized version of her story, with the main character given a different name but clearly modeled on her.
Portrayed by Amy Adams in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian 2009.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 57

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Amelia Earhart.

When was Amelia Earhart born?

Amelia Earhart was born on July 24, 1897 in Atchison, Kansas. Her full birth name was Amelia Mary Earhart.
Where was Amelia Earhart born?

She was born in Atchison, Kansas, United States. Her parents were Amelia Otis and Edwin Stanton Earhart.
When did Amelia Earhart die?

She was declared legally dead on January 5, 1939. She disappeared on July 2, 1937 in the Pacific Ocean.
How old was Amelia Earhart when she died?

She was 41 years old at the time of her legal declaration of death. She would have turned 42 on July 24, 1939.
Where did Amelia Earhart die?

She died in the Pacific Ocean, though the exact location of her disappearance remains unknown. She vanished on July 2, 1937 during an around-the-world flight.
How did Amelia Earhart die?

She was declared dead in absentia after her disappearance. The actual cause of death is unknown, but she is presumed to have perished in the Pacific Ocean.
What was Amelia Earhart's full name?

Her full name was Amelia Mary Earhart. She was sometimes called Meeley or Lady Lindy by friends and the press.
What was Amelia Earhart's occupation?

She was a writer and aviator. She made a living through writing and lecturing about her flights, and she is known for her pioneering aviation achievements.
What nationality was Amelia Earhart?

She was an American citizen. She was born in the United States and lived most of her life there.
Who were Amelia Earhart's parents?

Her parents were Amelia Otis Earhart and Edwin Stanton Earhart. Her mother was a homemaker and her father was a lawyer.
Did Amelia Earhart have any siblings?

Yes, she had one younger sister, Grace Muriel Earhart Morrissey. They were close throughout their lives.
Who was Amelia Earhart married to?

She married George Palmer Putnam on February 7, 1931. Putnam was a publisher who founded G.P. Putnam and Sons.
Where did Amelia Earhart go to school?

She attended St. Paul Central High School in Minnesota, Hyde Park Academy High School in Chicago, and later took courses at Columbia University.
What awards did Amelia Earhart receive?

She received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Harmon Trophy, and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1973. Other honors include the National Aviation Hall of Fame, California Hall of Fame, and the Gold Medal of the Society of Woman Geographers.
How tall was Amelia Earhart?

She was 5 feet 7 inches tall, which is about 1.70 meters. Her height was often noted in the press.
What was Amelia Earhart's nickname?

She was nicknamed Lady Lindy after Charles Lindbergh, Meeley by her family, and A.E. by close friends.
Did Amelia Earhart have children?

No, she did not have any biological children. Her husband had a son, David Binney Putnam, from a previous marriage.
What was Amelia Earhart known for?

She is best known for being the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932. She also set other aviation records and disappeared while attempting to fly around the world.
How did Amelia Earhart learn to fly?

She took her first flying lesson in 1921 at Kinner Field in California. She bought her first plane, a Kinner Airster, and later flew a Lockheed Vega 5B for her transatlantic flight.
What happened to Amelia Earhart's plane?

Her Lockheed Electra 10E disappeared over the Pacific Ocean on July 2, 1937. Despite extensive searches, the wreckage has never been found.
Did Amelia Earhart serve in the military?

She did not serve in the military, but she worked as a nurse’s aide in a military hospital in Canada during World War I.
What was the first film Amelia Earhart appeared in?

She appeared in Paramount Pictorial #9 1933, a newsreel. She also appears in the 2020 film Xavier Riddle and the Secret Movie: I Am Madam President!.
Who played Amelia Earhart in movies?

She has been portrayed by Hilary Swank, Diane Keaton, Amy Adams, and others. Hilary Swank played her in the 2009 film Amelia.
Why was Amelia Earhart declared dead?

Her husband George Palmer Putnam had her declared legally dead on January 5, 1939 so that he could remarry. She had been missing since July 2, 1937.
What is the book Still Missing about?

The book Still Missing: Amelia Earhart and the Search for Modern Feminism 1993 by Susan Ware explores Earhart’s life and her impact on feminism.
What stamp features Amelia Earhart?

An 8 cent US airmail postage stamp was issued in her honor on July 24, 1963, featuring her portrait.
Was Amelia Earhart a feminist?

She was a symbol of women’s independence and achievement. She supported equal rights for women and her career inspired many.
What plane did Amelia Earhart fly across the Atlantic?

She flew a Lockheed Vega 5B solo across the Atlantic in 1932. It was a high-speed monoplane.
How long did Amelia Earhart's solo Pacific flight take?

Her flight from Honolulu to Oakland in 1935 took 18 hours. Today that trip takes a little over five hours.
Who completed Earhart's flight in 1997?

Linda Finch completed the same around-the-world flight in a restored Lockheed 10E Electra in 1997.
What is the National Women's Hall of Fame?

It honors American women of outstanding achievement. Amelia Earhart was a charter member when it was founded in 1973.
Did Amelia Earhart have a stepson?

Yes, her husband George Palmer Putnam had a son, Lt. David Binney Putnam, from a previous relationship. David was born around 1914.
What is the Harmon Trophy?

It is an award for aviators for outstanding feats. Amelia Earhart received it multiple times, including in 1932 and 1937.
Was Jane Lynch cut from The Aviator?

Yes, Jane Lynch portrayed Amelia Earhart in the 2004 film The Aviator, but all her scenes were cut from the final release.
What film Flight for Freedom about?

The 1943 film Flight for Freedom is a fictionalized version of Earhart’s story, with the main character renamed Tonie Carter but clearly modeled on her.
Where did Amelia Earhart work as a nurse?

She worked as a nurse’s aide at a military hospital in Canada during World War I, helping wounded soldiers.
How many flights did Amelia Earhart set records for?

She set numerous records, including first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic 1932, first person to fly solo over both Atlantic and Pacific 1935, and fastest transcontinental flight by a woman 1933.
What was Amelia Earhart's first solo flight?

Her first notable solo flight was on May 20-21, 1932, when she flew from Newfoundland to Northern Ireland, becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic.
Who was Amelia Earhart's sister?

Her sister was Grace Muriel Earhart Morrissey. They were born two years apart and remained close.
What is the Gold Medal of the Society of Woman Geographers?

It is a prestigious award given to women explorers. Amelia Earhart received it for her aviation achievements.
What school did Amelia Earhart attend in Chicago?

She attended Hyde Park Academy High School in Chicago, Illinois.
Did Amelia Earhart attend Columbia University?

Yes, she took courses at Columbia University but did not graduate. She studied pre-med and later left to pursue aviation.
What does Lady Lindy mean?

It was her nickname, a play on Charles Lindbergh’s nickname Lucky Lindy. She was called Lady Lindy because of her solo transatlantic flight.
Why did George Putnam declare Earhart dead?

He needed to settle her estate and move on. He had her declared legally dead on January 5, 1939, so that he could remarry.
What was the purpose of Earhart's last flight?

She was attempting to fly around the world along the Equator. She had completed about two-thirds of the journey before disappearing.
Who portrayed Earhart in a 1994 film?

Diane Keaton played Amelia Earhart in the 1994 TV movie Amelia Earhart: The Final Flight.
Who portrayed Earhart in Night at the Museum 2?

Amy Adams voiced the character of Amelia Earhart in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian 2009.
What is the California Hall of Fame?

It honors Californians who have made significant contributions. Amelia Earhart was inducted posthumously.
Did Amelia Earhart write any books?

She wrote several books about her flying experiences, including 20 Hrs., 40 Min. 1928 and The Fun of It 1932.
What was Earhart's relationship with feminist movements?

She was a member of the National Woman’s Party and an advocate for equal rights. Her accomplishments advanced women’s participation in aviation.
What color was Amelia Earhart's hair?

She had blonde hair, as seen in photographs. However, the source does not specify hair color.
What was Amelia Earhart's favorite airplane?

She loved her Lockheed Vega 5B and later the Lockheed Electra 10E. The Electra was the plane she flew on her final flight.
What is the Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey?

It is a museum that honors aviation pioneers. Amelia Earhart was inducted there.
How many awards did Amelia Earhart win?

She received at least eight major awards, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Harmon Trophy. The source lists eight specific honors.
What was the name of Earhart's mother?

Her mother was Amelia Otis Earhart. She supported her daughter’s ambitions despite societal norms.
Was Amelia Earhart born in Kansas?

Yes, she was born in Atchison, Kansas on July 24, 1897.
What did Amelia Earhart die from?

The exact cause of death is unknown as she disappeared. She was declared legally dead in absentia.

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Audited & updated by

Olivia has 6 years of experience writing biographical profiles and still approaches every subject like it's the first one. She covers everyone from debut musicians to Hall of Fame athletes to novelists most people have never heard of. She finds something worth reading in all of them. Her drafts tend to come in already clean, which her editor appreciates. She says good writing is just good thinking written down. Hard to argue with that.

Published on September 10, 2026

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