Flying through Arizona: The Story of the First National Women’s Air Race with Natalie J. Stewart-Smith

In 1929, the first national women’s air race from Santa Monica, California to Cleveland, Ohio passed through Arizona. Stopping in Yuma, Phoenix, and Douglas, the intrepid fliers solidified their determination and sisterhood along these Arizona waypoints. Who were these aviators? What were their planes like in 1929? What challenges did they encounter along the way? And what about that telegram sent to pilot Thea Rasche, “Beware of sabotage”? There is much to explore!

This program is cohosted by Agave Library. This is an in-person event.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

A native of the Adirondacks of New York, Natalie J. Stewart-Smith’s multi-faceted careers included military service and education, from the elementary to college levels. Stewart-Smith’s research primarily addresses women in the military and as military aviators. Stewart-Smith is a Professor Emeritus of English, Director, Reading Programs and Writing Center at New Mexico Military Institute. She received her MA in History from Washington State University and M.Ed. in Reading Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.