You’ve heard of Sally Ride, right?  Ever heard of Jerrie Cobb or Wally Funk?  Probably not.

If you relish true tales of feisty women underdogs and lost episodes in American history, come listen to author Martha Ackmann talk about the brave women who were the “Mercury 13.”  Secretly tested in 1961 with hopes of being the first American women in space, these female pilots (in skirts, heels and white gloves per the time period) were stopped from flying into space by the “old boys’ network” at NASA and on Capitol Hill.

The Soviets sent a woman, Valentina Tereshkova, up in a rocket in 1963, but Sally Ride would not break the American stigma until 20 years later.

The public is invited and no ticket is needed.

Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009 @ 7:30 p.m.

Gaines Chapel, Presser Hall at Agnes Scott College

A reception and book signing will follow the lecture and Q&A.

Need more info?  Call 404-471-5277 or see http://libguides.agnesscott.edu/merc13.