Apr

Women’s History Month: No one could keep these women down

Since the early days of aviation and space, women have defied the odds and accomplished the unexpected, setting records and leaving their marks. They continue to break new barriers, challenge stereotypical patterns, and inspire tomorrow’s generation of young women. Here are just a few stories of these remarkable women and their contributions.

Katharine Wright

Katharine Wright played an important role in the early aviation industry. The younger sister of Wilbur and Orville Wright, inventors of the first heavier-than-air powered aircraft, she was a key representative within the Wright Company. Learn why.

Women’s Archival Collections

A member if the WASPS in uniform striding across the tarmac — A WASP, or member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (also Women’s Army Service Pilots or Women’s Auxiliary Service Pilots), a civilian women pilots’ organization, whose members were United States federal civil service employees. (Photo courtesy NASM Archives)

The Museum’s Archives holds both large and small digitized collections highlighting the contributions of women in aviation and space flight. The collections of these women can be found in-person at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, or in digitized format on the Smithsonian Online Virtual Archives. Explore the collection.

Tiny Broadwick

Woman in skirt with cap and parachute standing next to plane — *Tiny Broadwick shown posed beside plane in flying gear, with parachute, circa 1912.*

Tiny Broadwick was one of the most popular and prolific parachutes in the early 20th century. She made over 1,000 jumps in air shows across North America, beginning her professional career as a parachute jumper at age 15. Learn more from this video

Know their stories

WASP pilot in the cockpit of plane with male technician checking equipment — *From “WASPS-Pictures of Life and Training of Women’s Air Service Pilots” collection of the National Air and Space Museum Archives*

Despite their contributions throughout history, many women in aviation remain relatively unknown to the public. From forgotten trailblazers to unsung heroes, the stories of these three lesser-known women in aviation are a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and a love of flight. Read more.