Penny Hamilton

Penny Rafferty Hamilton, Ph.D., multi-award-winning aviation, western, and women’s history writer.

In 1982, Dr. Penny Rafferty Hamilton began her newspaper and photography career. She continues to publish in many newspapers and periodicals on aviation and women’s history topics. She has earned numerous national and state business, aviation, and writing awards, including recognition from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, National Association of State Aviation Officials, and Colorado Authors’ League. She is a Laureate of the Colorado Aviation, Colorado Women’s, and Colorado Authors’ Halls of Fame. She is a graduate of Temple University, Columbia College (Distinguished Alumna Award Winner), and the University of Nebraska (Alumni Achievement Award Winner).

Hamilton is an active member of many aviation and writers organizations. As a General Aviation pilot, she co-holds a 1992 World’s Aviation Speed Record set with her husband, William. With advanced degrees and extensive journalism experience, she is a prolific writer with a passion for promoting women and aviation history.

Dressed in an historic purple satin flying suit, aviator and author, Penny Rafferty Hamilton, pays homage to America’s first licensed woman pilot, Harriet Quimby. (Colorado Authors Hall of Fame Ashlee Bratton- Ashography)