Ruth Rowland Nichols Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles

Ruth Rowland Nichols (1901-1960), who secretly took flying lessons while at Wellesley College, is the only woman to hold simultaneously the speed, altitude and distance records for a female pilot. She set speed and distance records in 1961, adding an altitude record (19,928 feet) on July February 14, 1932. The press called Nichols "the Flying Debutante," a name she hated. A sales manager for Fairchild Aviation, she co-founded the female pilots' club, the Ninety-Nines, with Amelia Earhart. In 1958, at age 57, she received US Air Force permission and flew a TF-102 Delta Dagger to new female speed (1,000 mph) and altitude (51,000 feet) records. Although not certified as an astronaut, she went through the training and testing program. Nichols was active in several charities, including UNICEF and Save the Children.