The W.A.S.P. portion of our Museum, Career and Learning Center will be a significant part of our displays and aviation will continue to be a focal point: but the Career and Learning Center will offer a great deal more to assist people of all ages in choosing careers, hobbies, even areas of expertise! Call the Quartzsite Information & Referral Line for more information: 1.888.878.2202
The W.A.S.P. [Women's Airforce Service Pilots] who came to serve their country by flying whatever was necessary wherever it was needed filled a tremendous void in the military forces of 1943-1944 following the attack on Pearl Harbor.
When some of those pilots aspiring to become W.A.S.P. came to the tiny community of Quartzsite, Arizona, it changed forever the way some viewed the military, the women, and flight in general.
The planes they flew were dangerous and the terrain created special hazards for would-be pilots. Training was hurried and problems were frequent. Many believed these women could not make viable pilots.
When the missions were finished, the war was over and the women returned to civilian life, official thanks were non-existent. Their contributions went largely unrecognized and wholly unrewarded. Only much later would they even be seen as true veterans and eligible for military benefits afforded all of those who served the country honorably.
This site will contain stories of those who flew and those who aspired to fly missions that would exceed their wildest imaginings -- changing history in the process.
The W.A.S.P. Museum is located on the Pearl Harbor Memorial Freeway, Route 10, directly visible to the vast number of commuters traveling between L.A. and Phoenix. The airfield here was utilized by women training to pass the rigorous tests to be accepted into the Women's Airforce Service Pilots program in Sweetwater, Texas. Some lost their lives in learning. From there, they took their places in history among the world's first female fliers.
Amelia Earhart: Her determination and adventurous
spirit
made aviation history. The Mystery of Amelia
Earhart.
The W.A.S.P. Museum
Post Office Box 6
Quartzsite, Arizona 85346
