Our History
History
In 1929, The 99s, an international organization of women pilots, was established by 99 women pilots. The mission of this newly formed women's pilot organization is to promote the "advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight."
In 1955, The 99s Headquarters moved from New York City to the Will Rogers World Airport Terminal Bldg. in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
In 1972, The 99s Museum of Women Pilots was Initiated by the 99s.
In 1975, land became available to build a large headquarters facility for the 99s. Within it, a Resource Center was created to include a library, archives, museum and oral/video history collection. As the organization grew the need to retain its history grew. The collections expanded out into display cases and shelves. The need for a separate museum became apparent.
In 1999, The 99s Museum of Women Pilots opened their doors to the public.
Summary
The 99s Museum of Women Pilots (MWP) is a non-profit museum and research institute that was initiated by The Ninety-Nines, Inc.®, (The 99s) in 1972. The MWP opened its doors to the public in 1999. The MWP has over 5,000 square feet of displays and artifacts focused on preserving the history of women in aviation, and providing education and inspiration for young adults to enter the field of aviation and aerospace. In addition, archives and other resources are maintained on site. Another goal of the MWP is to educate the public about the important contributions that women have made to aviation.
The story of the museum as it happened, by those who lived it, as written in the 99s magazines.
Museum reaches first-stage completion point!
November 12, 1996
We wanted the cover to be festive and magical—an antique aviation poster-style. Betty Bazar Robin, mother of San Fernando Valley member Paula Sandling, has an extensive collection of paintings by the well-known aviation artist Douglas Ettridge. We obtained permission from both the artist and Betty Bazar Robin to use one of these unique paintings on our cover. This early airfield is an inspiring symbol for our museum.
New displays at Ninety-Nines Museum
July 8, 1994
The Ninety-Nines Museum contains several handsome new displays. The Jerrie Cobb collection, which has been in storage for several years, is at last prominently exhibited. Thanks to the generosity of Oklahoma City museum display expert Stan Byers, a representation o f Jerrie 's corporate flying, her astronaut testing and years of flying in Amazonia are all represented . Copious scrapbooks are available to researchers for Jerrie's inspiring story.
Resource Center Special
January 2, 1989
$25,000 grant from the Grayce B. Kerr Fund of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma was awarded to The Ninety-Nines, Inc. in late December. Monies will be spent on completion of the second story on the new addition o f our headquarters building.
Novetah Holmes Davenport, a 99 since 1930 and colleague o f such pioneer aviators as Amelia Earhart, Ruth Nichols and Louise Thaden was the designated honoree o f this award. She was active in various fields of aviation and an avid supporter of the Wing Scout Program.
Her name will be added to the Wall of Wings, to hang in International Headquarters in perpetuity. Our sincere thanks to the Grayce B. Kerr Fund for this generous gift.
Archivist, Glass Cases, HQ Begins
December 1, 1986
Archivist Virginia J. Oualline replaces a book on a crowded shelf of the Aviation Research Library which now contains more than 400 volumes, including all issues of the famed Airwoman and The 99er, along with The Ninety-Nine scrapbook collection. The library is in the International headquarters of The Ninety-Nines, located on Amelia Earhart Lane at Will Rogers World Airport. The need for additional library space is one of the reasons the headquarters is expanding.