The Kalamazoo Air Zoo is commemorating the anniversary of women's suffrage with an exhibit relating women's contributions and achievements in aviation and space flight. The exhibit opened today.

The first name that generally comes to mind is aviatrix Amelia Earhart, but there were more women prior to her becoming a part of the national spotlight in the 1920's and '30's. There was Katharine Wright, the younger sister and silent partner of the Wright Brothers. There was Bessie Coleman, the first female black and Native American pilot; and the first female licensed pilot Harriet Quimby. In separate exhibit, astronaut Mae Jemison is featured. Jemison is an engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut. She became the first black woman to travel into space when she served as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

From the Air Zoo's description of their Earhart exhibit:

Among the exhibit’s anchors, Amelia: Adventurous Aviatrix highlights the three key eras of the iconic pilot’s life. Discover Amelia Earhart’s first passion (it wasn’t flight!), find out what she thought about comparisons to Charles Lindbergh, and note her numerous achievements. We’ve recreated a charming photograph of Amelia as she demonstrated flight basics to pint-size future pilots. The scene features a handmade 1930s demonstration model reproduction.

The Air Zoo, on Portage Road, south of the Kalamazoo Airport, has adjusted some of its hours due to the pandemic. Hours are Monday through Saturday 9a-5p and Sunday Noon to 5pm, with Monday reserved for what the Air Zoo terms "vulnerable populations".

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