99s Museum of Women Pilots

The 99s Museum of Women Pilots offers a collection of more than 70 years of historical artifacts and treasured stories from the adventures of women pilots around the world. Located on the second floor of the International Headquarters building at the Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City—this 5,000 square foot facility is home to a research library and several exhibit areas with information for visitors to learn more about the role women pilots played in the development of aviation.

The museum was established by the Ninety-Nines, Inc.—an international organization of licensed women pilots from 35 countries. The organization began in 1929 with less than 100 female pilots on board. Now, with more than 5,500 members, this exclusive group offers support and camaraderie to all women who love to fly. The headquarters are located at the 99’s Museum where a large collection of archival records, video oral histories, personal artifacts, memorabilia, and biographical files on thousands of women pilots from around the world are held.

On display in the museum portion, you’ll find the chronicles of women aviators beginning with Amelia Earhart, the first mother/daughter flying team and all the way through the women of today. There is an entire exhibit displaying items that belonged to Earhart including a pair of leather goggles, her "lucky" bracelet and one of her famous scarves.  You’ll also find fun facts about the first Powder Puff Derby—commemorating a group of women pilots who flew across the country. There are route maps, photos, trophies and some of the equipment that was used in the Derby on display.

Then, in 1929, a young Louise Thaden won the First Women's Transcontinental Air Race in a very special aircraft called the Travel Air--designed by Walter Beech. You’ll find a number of artifacts from this flight at the museum, and the actual aircraft—which is owned by the 99s Museum of Women Pilots—can be seen on display at the Science Museum Oklahoma. There is also a special section at the museum dedicated to honoring women aviators' in the military. There you’ll find stories, uniforms and memorabilia from the U.S. Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), the Russian Night Witches, the Civil Air Patrol, the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA), women combat pilots, and the first woman graduate of MIT.

HelloOklahomaCity Tip: The 99s Museum of Women Pilots is located near downtown Oklahoma City within close proximity to several other great Oklahoma attractions including the Oklahoma History Center, Red Earth Museum and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

- by Jennifer Pruett, Oklahoma City Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jennifer Pruett

A self proclaimed “queen of everything," Jennifer is a writer, planner and passionate lover of making exciting events extra special. As a creative mother of two she loves art, music, family, friends, exotic cuisine and exploring new areas of self improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma and has been writing restaurant and attraction reviews in the Phoenix Metro area since January, 2009.