BBC HomeExplore the BBC
This page has been archived and is no longer updated. Find out more about page archiving.

16 October 2014
News image

BBC Homepage
BBC NI


Contact Us

Programme: Jason Hughes
Aeroplane
News image

on next : Gerry Anderson

News image
News image

REMEMBERING AMELIA EARHART

She set off from Newfoundland on 20 May 1932, aiming her plane for Paris, and instead hit a field in Derry. She was one of the most significant women of the last century, but local people are concerned that memories of the aviator, Amelia Earhart, are being "rubbed out" in the place she touched down.

.
.

Listen LISTEN

FIRST SOLO FLIGHTJohn Thompson with Deirdre Donnelly

Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, when she touched down in Ballyarnott, in Derry. This flight, in a Lockheed Vega, from Newfoundland made her a household name. She was given a tickertape tickertape parade in New York, and President Herbert Hoover presented her with the Special Gold Medal from the National Geographic Society.

But, Derry's museum, where that historic flight ended, is being closed down. Local historian, John Thompson, says more should be done to keep her memory alive.

.
.

Listen LISTEN

TOUCHDOWN

When she touched down in Ballyarnott, it's said, she was asked, "have you come far?" The answer came, "Just from America." In 1935, the woman who owned the field, Mrs Gallagher, told the BBC about that day.

.
.

Listen LISTEN

SEAT IN THE PLANE

Theresa recalled the day Amelia Earhart touched down in Derry - and how she was lifted into the plane.

.
.

Listen LISTEN

KANSAS

Lou Foudray, the curator of the museum to Amelia Earhart in her birthplace, of Kansas, explains the aviator's significance.

RELATED LINKS

Video of Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart Website

Amelia Earhart birthplace museum

Amelia Earhart Centre in Derry

Have your say

THE BBC IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT ON EXTERNAL WEBSITES.

Listen LiveEmail Radio Foyle
News image
Listen Live

028 7126 6522

News image
Listen Live

Text FOYLE to 81771

News image
News image

News image

News image

Mark Patterson Facebook page - for anyone who wants to find out more about Mark's show.

News image

Have your say on the BBC NI messageboard »

News image



About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy