Dorothy Cochrane Named Recipient of the 2020 Katharine Wright Trophy
On April 23, 2020, NAA announced that Dorothy Cochrane was selected as the recipient of the 2020 Katharine Wright Trophy. The trophy was established in 1981 and is awarded annually in partnership with the Ninety-Nines, an International Organization of Women Pilots, to an individual who “… has
contributed to the success of others or made a personal contribution to the advancement of the art, sport, and science of aviation and space flight over an extended period of time.”
Cochrane is being recognized for “devoting over 40 years as a curator at the Smithsonian’s
National Air and Space Museum, collecting and preserving historical aviation artifacts that educate and inspire the general public about the importance of flight.”
“We at the National Aeronautic Association are pleased to present the 2020 Katharine Wright Trophy to Dorothy Cochrane,” said NAA President Greg Principato. “We often take the National Air and Space Museum for granted, but it wouldn’t be the national treasure it is without Dorothy. She sees her work only beginning with the collection of important artifacts, she works hard to tell the stories of the people and events behind them, and to use those stories to educate and inspire countless people around the world. To receive this award one must not only show excellence in their work, but must also have reached beyond to make others better as well. Dorothy’s whole life and career, as one of the selection committee members said, ’embodies what this award is all about.’ ”
“I am deeply honored to receive this trophy,” said Cochrane. “Working at the National Air and Space Museum has been amazing and has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people in aerospace and in general.”
The Katharine Wright Trophy will be presented on a date to be determined.
