The Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation honors the world-renowned aviation legacy of Amelia Earhart, whose dreams of flying began in her Atchison, Kansas hometown. Founded to educate, inspire, and empower all generations in the pursuit of flight, the foundation is dedicated to celebrating Earhart’s tenacity and determination. She overcame obstacles on her journey to become the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
In 2016, the foundation acquired Muriel, the world’s last remaining Lockheed Electra 10-E—an aircraft identical to the model Earhart flew on her final flight. Funds were raised to build a 17,000 square-foot hangar and terminal worthy of Amelia’s legacy, reminiscent of the Art Deco style of the 1920s and 1930s. The foundation also led a capital campaign to create the new Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum in Atchison, Kansas, where Muriel is the centerpiece.
Ladd Seaberg, an adventurous spirit like Amelia Earhart, championed initiatives to honor Atchison’s most famous resident. Together with his wife Karen Seaberg, they formed the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation. Their vision was to acquire the plane and build an aviation museum that would inspire future generations in the pursuit of flight. Today, Karen Seaberg continues Ladd’s vision as board chair of the foundation and president of the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum, which was set to open on 04-14-2023.
The foundation’s mission is to defy the odds, encourage dreams, and celebrate Amelia Earhart’s pioneering legacy.