Jeanette Piccard was the first licensed female balloon pilot in the U.S. and the first woman to fly to the stratosphere on October 23, 1934. This trailblazing event took place near Stout Middle School with Henry Ford, William Stout and 45,000 Dearborn residents watching Piccard’s lift into the atmosphere. Later that year, the National Aeronautic Association recognized her as the first woman licensed balloon pilot in the U.S.
The Stout office recently received a phone call from Piccard’s granddaughter requesting a picture of the plaque below for the 90th anniversary of this amazing achievement by her grandmother. This plaque stands in front of Stout Middle School to proudly commemorate Jeanette Piccard’s historic contribution to the field of aeronautics.
One more fun fact: Jeanette’s husband, Jean Piccard, who was a known chemist, engineer, and balloonist, is the inspiration for the name of the main character in the original Star Trek television series.
To honor this historic event, Stout Middle School will hold a “Hot Air Balloon Making Contest” for our students. Details will be shared with our science classes this week.
Stout Middle School finds great inspiration in engineering giants like Henry Ford, William Stout, and Jean and Jeanette Piccard. We will keep the spirit of ingenuity, innovation, creativity and science alive!
