Keywords
Feminism, Earhart, Aviation, Women's History, Purdue University
Select the category the research project fits.
Social Sciences/Humanities
Abstract
My research began with the question of what Amelia Earhart’s impact was on Purdue University. The focus of my research examined Earhart’s time at Purdue where she worked in the Department of Aeronautics as well as a consultant in careers for women. Most of my research was done by examining primary source documents from the George Palmer Putnam Collection of Amelia Earhart Papers. In accordance with the archival material, I also used secondary sources to gain a greater perspective of the Purdue community’s relationship with Earhart. My findings are that the impact of Amelia Earhart’s presence at Purdue University extends beyond her lifetime in terms of legacy. While at Purdue, Earhart proposed new academic curriculums, created support systems for female students, and made technological advances in the field of aviation. My research also suggests that AE influenced the mindset of women at Purdue and her achievements were jointly celebrated by her and the university. The impact of Earhart exist in the realms of aviation and also more broad aspects of university life, spanning from her time employed up to present day.
Recommended Citation
Perkins, Jessica, "The Amelia Earhart Legacy at Purdue University" (2019). Purdue Undergraduate Research Conference. 1.
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/purc/2019/Posters/1
The Amelia Earhart Legacy at Purdue University
My research began with the question of what Amelia Earhart’s impact was on Purdue University. The focus of my research examined Earhart’s time at Purdue where she worked in the Department of Aeronautics as well as a consultant in careers for women. Most of my research was done by examining primary source documents from the George Palmer Putnam Collection of Amelia Earhart Papers. In accordance with the archival material, I also used secondary sources to gain a greater perspective of the Purdue community’s relationship with Earhart. My findings are that the impact of Amelia Earhart’s presence at Purdue University extends beyond her lifetime in terms of legacy. While at Purdue, Earhart proposed new academic curriculums, created support systems for female students, and made technological advances in the field of aviation. My research also suggests that AE influenced the mindset of women at Purdue and her achievements were jointly celebrated by her and the university. The impact of Earhart exist in the realms of aviation and also more broad aspects of university life, spanning from her time employed up to present day.