Amelia and Muriel Earhart | A Tale of Two Sisters
Amelia Earhart became one of the most recognizable aviators of her time, embodying female aviation endeavor and inspiring future generations. Born in Atchison, Kansas, in 1897, Amelia and her younger sister Muriel shared an adventurous childhood, fostered by a love of reading. Their stable upbringing ended due to their grandfather's alcoholism, leading to a move to Los Angeles and financial struggles. Both sisters excelled in their studies, with Amelia initially pursuing pre-med before realizing it wasn't for her.
Amelia’s life changed when she moved to California and attended an air show, igniting her obsession with flying. She began lessons with Netta Snook, one of the few women pilots at the time. With financial help from Muriel, Amelia bought her first aircraft, a Kinner Airstar, in 1921. Her career truly took off in 1928 when she was selected to be the first woman to fly across the Atlantic as a passenger, an opportunity that arose after Mrs. Guest's family objected to her undertaking the flight. This journey, facilitated by publisher G.P. Putnam, made Amelia an international sensation.