Grosse Ile, Michigan’s 2010 Women’s History Month focuses on the daring and unconventional Amelia Earhart, the pioneering aviatrix who disappeared in 1937 while attempting to be the first pilot to circumnavigate the globe at the Equator.
Earhart, an author, record-setting pilot, fashion designer, women’s rights advocate and celebrity, participated in several long distance flight training sessions at the Grosse Ile airport.
Four community events celebrating the life of the fascinating and inspirational Earhart are listed below. All programs are free!
Amelia Earhart Women’s History Month Kick Off Celebration
Friday, March 5, 2010 – 7:30 PM – Grosse Ile Township Boardroom
Island poet Patty Barnes begins the evening by reading an original poem she wrote about Amelia Earhart. Winning entries of the “Dear Amelia” letter writing contest will be read aloud with first through third place prizes awarded.
Local author, actor and historian Mark McPherson closes the program with his original presentation “The Mystery of Amelia” which focuses on Earhart’s training days on Grosse Ile. McPherson’s presentation is based on his personal research and first person interviews with those who interacted with Earhart on her visits to Grosse Ile.
Amelia Earhart Biography
Saturday, March 13, 2010 – 1 PM – Grosse Ile Township Boardroom
View the documentary film of Amelia Earhart. Popcorn and pop served.
My Friend Amelia
Monday, March 15, 2010 – 7:30 PM – St. James Chapel
An original, one-act play written and produced by Judy Dery. The play focuses on the amicable relationship between Amelia Earhart and Dorothy Binney Putnam, the first wife of Amelia’s husband, George Putnam.
The My Friend Amelia cast:
Amelia Earhart………..Debra Dykeman
Dorothy Binney Putnam…………..Judy Dery
George Putnam………………..Mark McPherson
Guest Speaker Pilot Patty Smart followed by Vintage Airplane Tour
Saturday, March 27, 2010 – 1 PM – Grosse Ile Municipal Airport
The final event of the Amelia Earhart Women’s History Month Celebration concludes with a presentation by island resident and pilot Patty Smart. A guided tour of four vintage World War II airplanes housed in hangar one given by a member of the Yankee Air Museum will follow Smart’s talk.
Women’s History Month Book Raffle
At each event, $1 raffle tickets will be sold. Winning ticket holder will be the recipient of the over-sized book 1,000 Years of Women in History. The winner keeps the book for six months then donates it to the Grosse Ile High School media center.
The winner’s name will be inscribed on the book’s name plate in recognition of his or her contribution to the media center’s growing collection of books on noteworthy women provided through previous fund-raising efforts of the Women’s History Month project.
Founding members of the Grosse Ile Women’s History Month committee are Rena Kloska, Irene Will and Pam Frucci. Michelle Lepidi and Karin Risko have joined the committee to help carry out the 2010 program.
HOMETOWN HISTORY TOURS 