Fly Girls of WWII tells the inspirational stories of the American women known to history as WASPs, (Women Airforce Service Pilots) who answered the call to service during World War II. More than 25,000 women applied for the experimental flight training program, only 1,830 were accepted.
In this exhibition, visitors will hear the stories of these pioneering pilots and the triumph and perseverance of these heroic pilots. Visitors will see original WASP World War II uniforms, military artifacts, and learn how these courageous women changed the face of our military.
In November 1942, the first training class of 28 women arrived at Houston Municipal Airport to complete their primary, basic, and advanced training. February 1943, due to complications with weather and heavy air traffic, the WASP program was moved to Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas. After earning their silver wings, these female aviators were deployed to 120 bases across the United States. Thirty-eight women lost their lives in the line of duty, but it wasn’t until 1977 that WASP were granted veteran status. In 2010, they received the Congressional Gold Medal.
Photo: Lone Star Flight Museum
In addition to the exhibit, curator and docent talks will feature never-before-seen artifacts and personal stories about the WASP group. An author talk and book signing by Katherine Sharp Landdeck, associate professor at Texas Women’s University, and globally recognized expert on the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of WWII will occur later in the spring. She will discuss the history of the WASP women and her book, The Women With Silver Wings: The Inspiring True Story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II, published by Crown Publishing.
Fly Girls of WWII was created by Wings Across America, a project of Baylor University. It has been on display at the university as well as the Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery and other notable flight and history museums.
Photo: Lone Star Flight Museum
Fly Girls of World War II, Exhibit runs through July 10 at Lone Star Flight Museum – 11551 Aerospace Avenue, Ellington Airport in Houston.
The Lone Star Flight Museum (LSFM) is a 501c3 aviation museum and STEM learning center with a mission to celebrate flight and achievements in Texas aviation as well as educate and engage our youth through science, technology, engineering, and math. Located 20 minutes from downtown Houston, LSFM is open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday Noon – 5 p.m. Visit online at lonestarflight.org for discount tickets, memberships and more. Or call 346-708-2517. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
