Friendship Flight, 1928

Sub-Series — Box: 1

Identifier: MSP 9, Series 1, Sub-Series 2

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This subseries contains Earhart’s account of preparations for the flight, correspondence, newspaper clippings, press releases, and material related to a “Lucky Strike” cigarettes advertisement. See the photographs series for related photographs.

Dates

Creation: 1928

Creator

From the Collection: Earhart, Amelia, 1897-1937 (Person)
From the Collection: Putnam, George Palmer, 1887-1950 (Person)

Access Information

The collection is open for research.

Biographical Information

Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly the Atlantic. The flight started on the morning of June 3, 1928, from Boston Harbor on board the airplane Friendship. The plane was piloted by Wilmer (Bill) Stultz with Louis E. (Slim) Gordon serving as flying mechanic and relief pilot. The flight was originally intended to be completed by Amy Guest, but when Guest was unable to complete the flight herself, she decided to sponsor the venture for another suitable American woman pilot. Representatives for Guest interviewed and recommended Amelia Earhart for the flight, and Earhart accepted. After waiting many days for favorable weather, the Friendship departed from Trepassey Bay in Newfoundland at 9:51 a.m. on June 17, and after twenty hours and forty-nine minutes of flying, handicapped by severe fog, the crew reached Burry Port on the coast of Wales on June 18, 1928. Prior to Earhart’s flight, several other women, including Ruth Elder, had tried to cross the Atlantic, but all had failed.