Pioneering Pilot Bernice Blake Perry's Legacy Lives On in Milford

The legendary New Hampshire aviator was a trailblazer for women in aviation and left behind a treasure trove of community photos.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:08pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in soft pools of warm color and light, depicting the blurred silhouette of a vintage biplane in flight over a small New England town.Bernice Blake Perry's aerial photography captured the beauty and history of her New Hampshire hometown from a unique perspective.Manchester Today

Bernice Blake Perry, born in Manchester, New Hampshire in 1905, became the first female pilot in the state and the first woman in all of New England to earn a commercial pilot's license. She co-founded The Ninety-Nines, a support group for women pilots, with her friend Amelia Earhart. In addition to her pioneering aviation career, Perry also pursued her passion for photography, capturing everyday life in her hometown of Milford. Upon her death in 1996 at age 91, she left over 45,000 of her photos to the Milford Historical Society, which now preserves and shares this unique visual record of the community's history.

Why it matters

Bernice Blake Perry's life and accomplishments represent a remarkable story of female empowerment and community engagement. As one of the first women to break into the male-dominated field of aviation, she paved the way for future generations. Her dedication to preserving the history and character of Milford through her photography also underscores the importance of documenting local culture and traditions.

The details

Bernice Blake Perry developed a love for aviation from a young age, spending her childhood watching planes take off and land at the local airport in Manchester. She went on to become the first female pilot in New Hampshire and the first woman in New England to earn a commercial pilot's license, all by the age of 22. Alongside her friend Amelia Earhart, Perry co-founded The Ninety-Nines, an organization that supported and advocated for women in the field of aviation. In addition to her pioneering work in the skies, Perry also pursued her passion for photography, capturing everyday life in her hometown of Milford. Upon her death in 1996, she left her entire collection of over 45,000 photographs to the Milford Historical Society, which now carefully preserves and shares this unique visual record of the community's history.

  • Bernice Blake Perry was born in Manchester, New Hampshire in 1905, just two years after the Wright Brothers' historic first flight.
  • At the age of 19, she became the first female pilot in the state of New Hampshire.
  • By the age of 22, she became the first woman in all of New England to earn a commercial pilot's license.
  • In the 1930s, Perry began capturing everyday life in Milford through her photography.
  • Bernice Blake Perry passed away in 1996 at the age of 91.

The players

Bernice Blake Perry

A pioneering aviator from Manchester, New Hampshire who became the first female pilot in the state and the first woman in New England to earn a commercial pilot's license. She co-founded The Ninety-Nines, an organization supporting women in aviation, and also pursued a passion for photography, capturing everyday life in her hometown of Milford.

Amelia Earhart

A famous American aviator and close friend of Bernice Blake Perry, with whom she co-founded The Ninety-Nines, a support group for women pilots.

Mark Genovesi

The vice president of the Milford Historical Society, which now preserves and shares Bernice Blake Perry's collection of over 45,000 photographs documenting the history and culture of Milford, New Hampshire.

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What they’re saying

“That's a big deal. I mean, getting a license as a woman. 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

“I don't think there's any question about her dedication to the community. I think she wanted to make it better. I think she wanted to help people in the community. She did that throughout her entire life.”

— Mark Genovesi, Vice President, Milford Historical Society

What’s next

The Milford Historical Society continues to preserve and digitize Bernice Blake Perry's extensive photo collection, making it available for the public to explore the rich history of the community.

The takeaway

Bernice Blake Perry's remarkable life as a pioneering female aviator and dedicated community photographer serves as an inspiring example of how one person can make a lasting impact through their passions and commitment to empowering others and preserving local history.