The Case:
July 2, 1937: newspapers all over the world report the same event: Amelia Earhart's airplane disappears over the pacific. The disaster and presumed death of the beloved 39 year-old heroine gripped the public.
For decades historians have debated how and where the aviator disappeared. Both scientific and more fanciful theories abound: some surmise she landed on uninhabited Gardner Island. Others suggest she was captured and executed by the Japanese. Less scrutinized is an accident she had four months earlier, during take-off for her around-the-world flight.
Did that crash somehow contribute to Earhart's disappearance?
Over seventy years later, History Detectives investigates whether a fragment of metal is from the missing plane.
Related Content
Video:
Technique:
Technique:
Technique:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
The Disappearance of Glenn Miller
In 1944, bandleader Glenn Miller boarded a plane for Paris and was never seen again. What happened?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
Bonnie & Clyde's Bullets
Are these the bullets that ended one of the most infamous crime-sprees in American history?
-
Related Investigation
Empire State Building Plane Crash Piece
Does this piece of metal belong to the plane that crashed into the Empire State Building?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
Alcoholics Anonymous Letter
Is this letter proof of one man's contribution to this secretive society?
-
Related Investigation
Houdini Poster
Could these be original theatre posters of the greatest magician on earth?
-
Also in Season 7
Liberia Letter
Does this letter help to trace one freed man’s dream to return to Africa?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.