The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, located in Atchison, Kansas, is dedicated to the memory of Amelia Earhart, the famous American aviator. She acted as a stimulus for womankind to replace outdated social norms, and encouraged them to work toward their empowerment in all fields.
Atchisonians paid tribute to Amelia by converting her birthplace and early childhood home, to the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum. The house was built by her grandfather, Judge Alfred G. Otis, in the early 1860s. Later, in 1956 it was purchased by Paul and Winnie Allingham, who lived there until 1984.
In 1984, the house was purchased by The Ninety-Nines, an International Organization of Women Pilots, to which Amelia not only belonged, but also served as the inaugural president.
The Ninety-Nines established a Board of Trustees, consisting of five elected members of the Ninety-Nines, and four Atchison and Greater Kansas City members. The Board of Trustees has conducted extensive fund-raising, restoration, and preservation efforts.
Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum features an abundance of Amelia’s personal and family memorabilia. Annually, thousands of visitors tour the National Historic Site (1971), to learn about the life of one of the world’s most influential female aviators.
The Ninety-Nines have consistently added developments to the museum. Since 1994, the state government, private organizations, private financial institutions, foundations, and the Atchison community have been helping the museum. Many fund-raising programs, like fashion shows, auctions, and yard sales have added to the wealth of the establishment.
Apart from the her birthplace, the museum also highlights a mural painting by the famous Kansas artist Stan Herd, named “The Amelia Earhart Earthwork, Warnock Lake.” “The Trinity Episcopal Church,” on 300 S. Fifth Street, where Amelia was baptized, “The Memorial Hall,” where she spoke as the guest of honor, and “The International Forest of Friendship,” at Warnock Lake are also attached to the museum.
The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum was awarded the Nyle J. Miller Award for their extensive restoration efforts.
The Ninety-Nines are very enthusiastic about promoting the fame and excellence of the museum, for the benefit of future generations. They are dedicated to preserving the memories of Amelia Earhart.