Jane Briggs Hart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jane Briggs Hart
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Jane Cameron Briggs
October 21, 1921 |
| Died | June 5, 2015 (aged 93) |
| Occupation | Aviator, feminist, anti-war activist |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 9 |
| Parent(s) | Walter Briggs Sr. |
Jane "Janey" Briggs Hart (born October 21, 1921 – died June 5, 2015) was a brave American aviator. In the 1960s, she became one of the Mercury 13 women. These women passed the same tough physical tests as male astronauts. Jane earned her first pilot's license during World War II. Later, she became the first licensed female helicopter pilot in Michigan.
In the early 1960s, Jane Hart was chosen for the Lovelace Foundation's Woman in Space Program. This was a private project. It aimed to test women pilots to see if they could become astronauts. They took the same physical tests that NASA used for male astronauts. At 40 years old, Jane was one of only 13 women to pass these tests. These women were later called the Mercury 13.
In 2007, Jane Hart was honored. She was added to the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Jane Cameron Briggs, nicknamed "Janey," was born in Detroit, Michigan. Her father was a businessman named Walter Briggs Sr.. Her mother was Jane (née Cameron). She grew up in a Catholic family. Jane went to schools called Academies of the Sacred Heart. These were in Detroit, Grosse Pointe, and Torresdale. She also attended Manhattanville College in New York. In 1970, when she was 49, she earned a degree. She got a BA in anthropology from George Washington University in Washington, D.C..
On June 19, 1943, she married Philip Hart. He was an attorney who later became a politician. Jane and Philip had nine children together. Sadly, one of their children died when they were very young. In 1958, Philip Hart was elected to the United States Senate from Michigan. He was a Democrat. He was re-elected many times and served until 1976.
Jane Hart's Political Involvement
Jane Hart was very interested in politics, just like her husband. She helped a lot with her husband's political campaigns. She even flew him to different places for his campaign stops! She was also a leader in the Oakland County Democratic Committee in Michigan. Jane was a founding member of the National Organization for Women. She also served on the board and as a delegate for the Birmingham, Michigan League of Women Voters.
While living in Washington, D.C., Jane Hart was known for being independent. She was also very active in protesting the Vietnam War. This was sometimes difficult for her husband, who was a senator. For example, in 1969, she took part in a large protest at the Pentagon. In 1972, she decided not to pay federal income taxes as a protest. She said she could not help pay for "more bombs and bullets." Even with these differences, Senator Hart always supported his wife.
Other Activities and Interests
Jane Hart loved to sail. She sailed 15 times in the Port Huron to Mackinac Boat Race. She was part of an all-women crew for these races.
After her husband passed away, Jane donated many items. These included scrapbooks, photos, and newspaper clippings. They showed her life as a senator's wife and an aviator. These items are now kept at the University of Michigan's Bentley Historical Library.
Legacy and Recognition
Jane Hart passed away on June 5, 2015. She was 93 years old. She died in West Hartford, Connecticut from complications related to Alzheimer's disease.
The anthropology department at George Washington University created an award in her honor. They are called the Jane B. Hart Awards.
In 2007, she was recognized for her achievements. She was inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame.
