In Memory of Anne Bridge Baddour: A Legacy in Aviation
We are deeply saddened to share that Anne Bridge Baddour, a trailblazer in aviation and a lifelong advocate for education, passed away peacefully at the age of 94.
Anne Baddour spent her life committed to the advancement of others pursuing careers in aviation through encouragement and support.
Anne began her aviation career at Revere Airport in Revere, working at the FBO operated by long-term ACONE member Julius Goldman. Since her early beginnings, Anne achieved ratings in single-engine land aircraft, multi-engine land aircraft, single-engine sea aircraft with an instrument endorsement, and as a licensed airline transport pilot. From 1977 until 1997, she worked for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Lincoln Laboratory Flight Test Facility, where she conducted airborne research for the Department of Defense and the FAA. At that time, Anne had the distinction of being the first female pilot hired by MIT.
In the 1990s, she was approached by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum to assist with plans for the development of the Udvar-Hazy Museum. She proudly served on the board of directors at the Smithsonian from 1998 to 2005. Anne believed this work allowed her to continue fostering her strong commitment to providing aviation education to the public. She further advocated for aviation education by supporting Daniel Webster College and serving on their board from 1995 to 2009. At the college, she became a local icon to male and female students alike, mentoring and providing career guidance.
Through Anne’s initial scholarship donation, which began the Aero Club of New England’s Scholarship Program in 1984, she helped develop a program that has awarded over $675,000 in scholarships to more than 500 individuals.
Anne Baddour was recognized with numerous awards and honors for her work with students and the public. A few of these include:
- 1992 Amelia Earhart Medal of Honor: Naming her the Ninety-Nines Pilot of the Year in recognition of her contributions to aviation.
- 1993 Exemplary Service Award: For her tireless efforts in promoting and supporting the Ninety-Nines’ Scholarship Program.
- 1998 Winner of the International Clifford B. Harmon Trophy, Aviatrix: “The most outstanding international achievement in the art/science of aeronautics…with the art of flying receiving first consideration.”
- 2000 Aero Club of New England’s Lifetime Achievement Award: For her continued pursuit to inspire youth, “aviation’s lifeblood.”
- 2005 Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame: For her notable contributions to the advancement of aviation throughout the international aviation profession.
- 2018 Katharine Wright Memorial Trophy: Presented to women pilots who have contributed to the success of others or made personal contributions to the art, sport, and science of aviation over an extended period.
Anne had been a contestant in 16 air races, beginning in 1954. She established 5 national and international world speed records in 1985, 11 national and international speed records in 1998, and 11 more in 1991.
Anne Baddour reached thousands of individuals on behalf of aviation education. In addition to her lifelong commitment to speaking to youth at ACE Camps for the FAA, addressing female audiences for the Ninety-Nines International, and supporting numerous women in aviation initiatives, Anne appeared on several Boston-area educational talk programs. These included People Are Talking and a Chronicle segment about “Working in the Sky.”
Anne Bridge Baddour stood behind countless individuals, helping them achieve their career goals by leading through inspiration, scholarship, and guidance. Whether by building scholarship funds, collaborating with those building museums and colleges, or speaking to individuals and audiences of hundreds, Anne Bridge Baddour tirelessly worked to advance aviation throughout her lifetime.
The aviation community will miss her, as do all of us at the Aero Club of New England.