Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Anne Morrow Lindbergh was an accomplished pilot and author. In 1929, she became the first woman in the US to earn a glider pilot's license. The following year, she served as navigator on a transcontinental flight with her husband, Charles Lindbergh, which set a new speed record. Morrow Lindbergh earned her private pilot's license in 1931.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh and her husband were partners in life and in aviation. Their daughter, Reeve Morrow Lindbergh, reflects on her parents' accomplishments.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh embarked with her husband Charles on a survey flight over northern Canada to Asia in the Lockheed Sirius Tingmissartoq. Anne's role was one of crew — she held her pilot’s license and had skilled knowledge of radio procedures, Morse code, and celestial navigation. Together, Charles and Anne explored potential air routes between North America and Asia for Pan American Airways. Join us for a special lecture as their daughter Reeve reflects on their partnership as aviators, writers, and parents. Reeve, who has written extensively on her parents, notes: “There were wonderful years as well as tragic ones but the partnership held. It was remarkable.”
The Charles A. Lindbergh Memorial Lecture is sponsored by Pratt & Whitney.
Morrow Lindbergh served as radio operator on the couple's 1931 and 1933 flights, having learned Morse code and earned a radio operator's license.
Aerial Archaeology
Anne and Charles Lindbergh became involved in aerial archaeology, taking some of the first images of historic sites from the air.
Perhaps the most famous flight the Lindberghs made together was the 1931 Great Circle survey through Northern Canada, Alaska, and the Far East, described so eloquently in Morrow Lindbergh's book North to the Orient. She served as a copilot and radio operator in the Lockheed Sirius.
The Sirius was also used for the Lindberghs' 1933 North Atlantic Ocean survey flight for possible commercial air routes for Pan American Airways.
Anne Lindbergh received the U.S. Flag Association Cross of Honor. In 1934, she became the first woman to receive the National Geographic Society's Hubbard Gold Medal.
Lindbergh established herself as a distinguished author as well; her literary works include North to the Orient (1935), Listen! The Wind (1938), and Bring Me a Unicorn (1972).
In the Collection
Object Highlight
Wherever Anne Morrow Lindbergh flew, this helmet was also there. Join our conservation department taking a look at the helmet's history, and future.