Eight years after women attained the right to vote in the US, Kansas-native Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. Nearly 100 years later, her story, success, and innovation is immortalized in a new museum.

The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum opens on Friday, April 14 in her home town of Atchison, KS — at 16701 286th Rd.

The museum's goals

This Amelia Earhart museum combines history with STEM, past with present, and storytelling with interactive fun.

"One of our missions is to get girls and boys to want to be pilots," Karen said.

But trust us, this museum is just as exciting for adults (or maybe more).

Along with innovative demonstrations of the science and tech behind flying, the museum also memorializes Amelia's achievements + legacy as an adventurer, a record breaker, and a multi-faceted woman.

"Adventure is worthwhile in itself." — Amelia Earhart, quoted on the museum wall.

The tech

Augmented reality: Live cameras will transform you from a museum visitor to a pilot, mechanic, or two of Amelia's other careers.
Virtual reality: Think you can fly? Strap into a headset and soar through storms and the night sky. This experience is an additional $5 fee.
Holograms: Glowing depictions of various aircraft accompany a history display of human flight
Working engines: Press a button and watch the inner workings of old + new engines.

Editor Travis was amazed at how immersive the VR flying felt. | Photo by KCtoday

The centerpiece

At the museum's centerpiece is "Muriel," the world's last remaining Lockheed Electra 10-E airplane. The craft is identical to the plane Earhart flew on her final flight around the world in 1937 — where she disappeared above the Pacific.

“Amelia picked this plane because it went higher, faster, bigger engines than any plane at the time," Karen said.

The details

Art Deco design elements are a beautiful nod to the era.
Exhibit interfaces (wooden vs. touch screen) mirror old vs. new.
A life-sized video reanimation of Amelia Earhart convincingly humanizes this larger-than-life person.

We can't imagine spending all day in this life-sized, cramped cockpit. | Photo by KCtoday

How to visit

Hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 12-5 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults. Seniors and veterans are $12, and kids get in for $8.

Oh, and you can also get there by plane.