The Adventurist Launches “The Adventure Hall of Fame”: First Inductee, Amelia Earhart–You Vote For the Next One
Posted by Jason A. Hendricks on July 2, 2008 |
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward. ” Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart’s life has come to symbolize many things: Courage, Adventure, Tenacity, and Achievement. She was a leader of feminine rights. A true rebel of her day. In a time where women were not treated as equals, Amelia Earhart stood her ground and proved that women could be successful in a man’s world. She offered inspiration to generations, not just in flight, but in theory and courage and her relentless pursuit of equality.
Through Flight, her spirit would soar…..
- Woman’s world altitude record: 14,000 ft (1928)
- First woman to fly the Atlantic (1928)
- Speed records for 100 km (and with 500 lb (230 kg) cargo) (1931)
- First woman to fly an autogyro (1931)
- Altitude record for autogyros: 15,000 ft (1931)
- First person to cross the U.S. in an autogyro (1932)
- First woman to fly the Atlantic solo (1932)
- First person to fly the Atlantic alone twice (1932)
- First woman to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross (1932)
- First woman to fly non-stop, coast-to-coast across the U.S. (1933)
- Woman’s speed transcontinental record (1933)
- First person to fly solo across the Pacific between Honolulu, Hawaii and Oakland, California (1935)
- First person to fly solo from Los Angeles, California to Mexico City, Mexico (1935)
- First person to fly solo nonstop from Mexico City, Mexico to Newark, New Jersey (1935)
- Speed record for east-to-west flight from Oakland, California to Honolulu, Hawaii (1937
On July 2nd, 1937, Amelia Earhart would disappear while attempting the last leg of an around-the-world flight. A nationwide search and rescue would ensue, but Amelia would never be found. Her legacy would be recorded in history books, but her death would remain one of the world’s true mysteries.
Books have been written about her life. Theories have been spread about her death. The mystery of Amelia Earhart may never be solved, but through her pursuit of adventure, she will always inspire.
In 2008, The Adventurist kicks off a new project. A project to recognize those that, through adventure and achievement, offer courage and inspiration for the future. This will not be a celebration of death, but rather a celebration of a life well lived and the events that have changed our world forever. Amelia Earhart represents that true adventure spirit. She forged new paths, inspired those who followed, and will be remembered for changing the way that women were seen, at a time when it mattered most.
The Adventure Hall of Fame will recognize those both living and deceased, as well as specific events, for their contributions to the adventure world. The select group of individuals and events will be chosen based upon their accomplishments, courage, and inspiration, as well as the adventure spirit that they instill. They should encourage our dreams, inspire our lives, and touch the world in a positive manner. These men, women, and events will come from many fields and backgrounds. Not all will represent adventurers. Some will be scientists, teachers, explorers, and writers–many fields that expand on what we know, where we go, and push us farther than we could have been without them.
Click Below To Read More And Vote For The Next Adventure Hall of Fame Induction
The Adventure Hall of Fame will be a community driven project. Every two weeks a new member or event will be added based upon a given list of ten that you can select and vote upon. With that being said, now is your chance to select ten individuals or events for the next Hall of Fame induction. Who would you like to see represented? Who deserves recognition for courage, inspiration, and their adventurous spirit? What events deserve to be immortalized? Don’t limit yourself to any one field–Who are your ten?
At the end of the week, I will look at the names and events mentioned. I will tally up those with the most interest and then make a list of 10 individuals and events that will encompass the next vote, leading to the next induction. This should be fun for all of us, but also represent those that inspire us in everyday life. This should be looked upon as a serious project, but one where you have a voice.
I will kick off the list with three items of my own. These might not make it in the final tally. You can add to this list, take away, discuss, but most important, have fun–I need 10 by the end of the week. Here’s my three:
Make a comment and add to the list. Help me kick this project off in grand fashion and help me show the world who and what inspires us…I look forward to seeing your lists and comments. Comment below.
Be sure to subscribe to The Adventurist RSS Feed or Email Newsletter to catch future updates to the Adventure Hall of Fame.
I think this is a fun idea. I’ll have to give some thought to who I want to nominate. There are a lot of good possibilities.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:27 am
The very first name that came to my head was also my #1 inspirational figure growing up: John Muir.
I’m sure there are plenty of others I would nominate, but this is the name that sticks out. For his daring, his writing, and his wit. I read so much of his work in high school and college, I’m still discovering more.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:33 pm
A recommendation: Nominate Sir Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay together, since the achievement commonly ascribed to the former was a team effort that relied on the latter.
There is such a broad history of adventurism that I think you ought to consider an inaugural class, instead on one initial inductee. Some potential nominations (in no particular order of priority):
1. Reinhold Messner (for his ascents of the 8000ers)
2. Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton (for leading - and surviving - the Trans-Antarctic “Endurance” Expedition)
3. Glenn Exum (for efforts that opened exploration to thousands)
4. Leif Ericson (first European-African to reach the new world)
5. Sir Alexander Mackenzie and Meriwether Lewis and William Clark (the first explorations across North America)
6. Marco Polo
7. Charles Lindbergh(first pilot to solo across the Atlantic, and holder of other records)
8. Chuck Yeager (first pilot to break the sound barrier)
9. Yuri Gagarin (first human in space)
10. Armstrong, Collins, and Aldrin (first crew to land on the moon)
Admittedly, this is an anglo-centric first cut, and there are others who belong in an inaugural class as well.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Nice mentions, thus far. Summer, John Muir’s influence has inspired millions–nice one.
Ben–very good list. I actually thought about the inaugural class idea, but I wanted to spread this out over a period of time. I chose Amelia Earhart as the first inductee because today represents the day 71 years ago that she disappeared, plus her influence still ranges wide as inspiration for women adventurers. Your list is pretty good, with all of them worthy of mention.
Any discussion to Ben’s list? Feel free to add to and take away. Agree. Disagree? Let’s remember that specific events can be nominated, as well as individuals.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:53 pm
I would agree with everyone on Ben’s list. Particularly Messner, Shackleton, and if not Yuri Gagarin, then Albert II, the first monkey in space
I would add Thor Heyerdahl and maybe Robert Peary?
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:12 pm
If in fact, Hillary is nominated, Tenzing will go in with him. Ben is correct. Hillary is given much of the credit, but let’s not forget where credit is due. Hillary actually wanted Norgay to step foot on the summit of Everest first. In the end, they decided to do it together, at the same time. Hillary would always mention that he wasn’t alone, and would, in fact, suggest Norgay as the first-
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Great idea Jason - For me it’s….
Anderl Heckmair, Ludwig Vörg, Heinrich Harrer and Fritz Kasparek for the first ascent of the Eiger North Face.
Andreas Hinterstoissier for unlocking the north face and Toni Kurz for sheer doggedness and unwillingness to give up his fight for life that has constantly influenced climbers of many generations.
(Not that I’m biased towards the Eiger north face of course
)
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:59 am
I like Ben’s list; especially Shackleton & Marco Polo.
Then I would add Powell for the adventure of exploring the Grand Canyon…
DSD
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Jo- thanks for adding to the list. The Eiger is just as important in the adventure world as some of the other peaks-some great history there.
DSD-The Grand Canyon, another great defining moment that I probably wouldn’t have thought of.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:40 pm
[...] Hall of Fame The aptly named Adventurist is taking nominations for the Adventure Hall of Fame. The first inductee was Amelia Earhart. The next inductees will be voted on by the readers of the blog. You can make nominations too. I?m [...]
July 5th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
[...] If a body or plane is never found, you can be sure that this incident will go down as one of America’s greatest aviation mysteries right alongside Amelia Earhart. [...]
July 30th, 2008 at 12:56 am