New Hampshire's First Female Pilot Broke Barriers

Bernice Blake Perry became the first woman in the state to earn a pilot's license and the first in New England to become a commercial pilot.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Bernice Blake Perry, born in 1905 in Manchester, New Hampshire, broke barriers for women in aviation. She became the first woman in the state to earn a pilot's license at age 19 and the first in all of New England to become a commercial pilot at age 22, one of only 57 nationwide at the time. Perry bonded with Amelia Earhart and together they founded the Ninety-Nines, a support group for female pilots that still exists today. After her passing in 1996 at age 91, Perry left $4.5 million to a local scholarship foundation and her life's work of 45,000 photos and negatives to the Milford Historical Society.

Why it matters

Bernice Blake Perry's pioneering achievements as a female pilot in the early 20th century represent a significant milestone for women's empowerment and equality in the male-dominated field of aviation. Her story inspires young women to pursue their dreams and break through gender barriers, while also preserving an important part of New Hampshire's history.

The details

Growing up in Manchester, Bernice Blake Perry was fascinated by aviation from a young age, often watching planes take off and land at local airports. At 19, she became the first woman in New Hampshire to earn a pilot's license, and at 22, she became the first female commercial pilot in all of New England, one of only 57 nationwide at the time. Perry bonded with famous aviator Amelia Earhart, and together they founded the Ninety-Nines, a still-existing organization that supports and promotes female pilots. After her passing in 1996 at age 91, Perry left a remarkable legacy, including a $4.5 million scholarship fund for local high school students and a collection of 45,000 photos and negatives that she donated to the Milford Historical Society.

  • Bernice Blake Perry was born in 1905, two years after the Wright brothers' first flight.
  • At age 19, Perry became the first woman in New Hampshire to earn a pilot's license.
  • At age 22, Perry became the first female commercial pilot in all of New England, one of only 57 nationwide at the time.
  • Perry passed away in 1996 at the age of 91.

The players

Bernice Blake Perry

A pioneering female pilot from New Hampshire who broke barriers in the aviation industry, becoming the first woman in the state to earn a pilot's license and the first female commercial pilot in all of New England.

Amelia Earhart

A famous aviator who became close friends with Bernice Blake Perry, and together they founded the Ninety-Nines, a support group for female pilots that still exists today.

Mark Genovesi

The vice president of the Milford Historical Society, which preserves Bernice Blake Perry's legacy, including her collection of 45,000 photos and negatives.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“She was born in 1905, which was two years after the Wright brothers flew their first flight in North Carolina.”

— Mark Genovesi, Vice President, Milford Historical Society

“Bernice was not really inclined to make ice cream. As a teenager, she went to the airports and watched the planes leaving in New Hampshire and flying on to Europe and during World War 1. And she became enthralled with the idea of flying.”

— Mark Genovesi, Vice President, Milford Historical Society

“That's a big deal. I mean, getting a license as a woman. I mean, we know how things have changed over time, but back then, the women flying was just, you know, just not fashionable.”

— Mark Genovesi, Vice President, Milford Historical Society

What’s next

The Milford Historical Society plans to continue preserving Bernice Blake Perry's legacy and inspiring future generations of women to pursue their dreams in aviation and other male-dominated fields.

The takeaway

Bernice Blake Perry's remarkable achievements as New Hampshire's first female pilot and one of the first female commercial pilots in the country serve as a powerful testament to the determination and resilience of women in breaking down gender barriers. Her story reminds us of the importance of recognizing and celebrating pioneering individuals who pave the way for greater equality and representation in traditionally male-dominated industries.