Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine October/November 2022 Digital Issue
Pioneering aviator and women’s rights advocate,
Amelia Earhart, is the 11th woman
among 100 statues in the
National Statuary Hall Collection. This year marks 90 years since Earhart made history as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean — and 125 years since her birth on July 24, 1897, in Atchison, Kan.
ATCHISON, KAN. – A bronze statue of Amelia Earhart, solely funded by the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation, was unveiled July 27, 2022, during a Congressional ceremony in National Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Earhart is now one of only 11 women represented among 100 statues (two from each state) that comprise the National Statuary Hall Collection.
“As a pioneering force in aviation and for gender equality, Amelia Earhart captivated the world with her extraordinary bravery, unwavering perseverance and daring determination to defy the odds and pursue her dream of flight,” said Karen Seaberg, founder and president of the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation. “Her statue now stands at the U.S. Capitol as an inspiring symbol to encourage others — especially women and girls — to boldly pursue their own dreams.”
Following the private dedication ceremony, the foundation hosted a celebratory reception on Capitol Hill for members of the Earhart family, prominent Kansans and aviation and aerospace industry leaders, that was sponsored by Blue Origin, Spirit AeroSystems, and Textron Aviation, along with Airbus Americas, Inc., and other aviation industry partners.
“It’s been a great honor to lead this effort to bring Amelia Earhart’s statue to the Capitol during this 90th anniversary year since she made history as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean,” said Jacque Pregont, foundation board member and chair of the Amelia Earhart Statuary Hall Selection Committee. “This year also marks 125 years since Amelia was born on July 24, 1897, in Atchison, Kan., where her dream of flight began.”
Reviewing over 50 proposals from across the country, the Amelia Earhart Statuary Hall Selection Committee selected nationally renowned sculptors George and Mark Lundeen. The Lundeen brothers performed all sculpting, welding, and finishing work on the seven-foot bronze “Amelia” in their Loveland, Colorado, studios.
With invaluable perspectives from the Earhart family, the Lundeens focused on a genuine portrayal of Amelia. “In our initial clay designs, we had Amelia wearing jodhpurs, laced boots, her leather jacket, flying cap and goggles,” said George Lundeen. “Yet in our conversations with the Earhart family, they shared how they didn’t want an ‘iconic’ portrayal of Amelia, but rather to see her in how she most often, and most preferred, to dress – in trousers with a belt and sturdy shoes.”
Researching thousands of Earhart photos and videos, the Lundeens studied not only her clothing, but also her facial expressions and stance. “We captured her as she often stood, in a gentle breeze, looking toward the sky with a hint of a squint in her eyes, her scarf about to blow over her shoulder…as if she’s getting ready to fly,” said George Lundeen.
“We positioned Amelia standing with one foot slightly forward, one hand casually tucked in a pocket of her favorite leather jacket — the other holding her leather flying cap and goggles — to convey that approachable, relaxed confidence that captured the world’s admiration,” said Mark Lundeen. They encourage visitors to look closely to see a creative addition (something Amelia did not own but imagine she would have liked): a sunflower — the Kansas state flower — on Earhart’s bronze belt buckle.
The Lundeens won the Earhart family’s approval. “Amelia is rightly celebrated for the courage, skill and drive that led her to fly higher and farther than anyone ever had,” said Earhart’s great-nephew, Bram Kleppner. “But that’s only part of the story. She also worked for years to advance women’s rights, personally lobbying President Hoover to advance the Equal Rights Amendment and tirelessly promoting education and careers for women. George and Mark Lundeen’s statue really captures Amelia’s adventurous spirit, her work for equality, and that rare combination of charisma and quiet confidence that made her such an icon.”
“Statues can have a powerful influence on culture, standing as enduring symbols of our values, hopes and dreams,” added George. “That’s why it’s been a real honor to bring Amelia Earhart to National Statuary Hall where her presence will have a positive influence on the many people, especially younger generations, who tour the Capitol every year.”
The Lundeens recently completed a bronze statue of Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, that was unveiled on June 17 at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in New York. The duo, along with sculptor Joey Bainer, created the bronze statues at Space Center Houston depicting the safe return on April 17, 1970, of Apollo 13 astronauts Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert and Fred Haise. For the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Lundeens sculpted a bronze tribute to the Apollo 11 mission depicting the first astronauts to land on the moon on July 20, 1969: Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. A statue of John L. Swigert, Jr. created by the Lundeens stands in National Statuary Hall for the State of Colorado.
The bronze statue of Amelia Earhart stands on a three-foot pedestal made of Cottonwood Limestone, notably quarried in Kansas. Designed by Carthage Stoneworks in Kansas City, Mo., Earhart’s pedestal is unlike older pedestals carved from a block of stone. To lessen the weight on the Capitol’s older, often uneven floors, Earhart’s pedestal is comprised of 14 limestone pieces designed around an internal steel structure that is connected to adjustable feet. The front plaque can be removed to more efficiently level or move the statue.
About The Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation
The Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation was formed in 2016 to honor the world-renowned aviation legacy of Amelia Earhart, whose dreams of flying began in her Atchison, Kan., hometown. The foundation is dedicated to inspiring future aviation and aerospace leaders through the story of Amelia Earhart’s tenacity and determination to overcome obstacles on her journey to become the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The foundation is spearheading a capital campaign to build the new Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum in Atchison. The foundation is a 501(c)(3). For more, visit www.ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org
