Rare Film Of Amelia Earhart Donated To Purdue's Libraries

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — A previously unknown film showing aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart shortly before her doomed around-the-world flight attempt has been donated to Purdue University Libraries.

The 16mm film was donated by Douglas Westfall. He owns The Paragon Agency, which recently published the book, "Amelia Earhart's Last Photo Shoot."

Albert Bresnick was Earhart's official photographer. His family believes the 1937 footage was taken by Albert's brother while Albert was shooting publicity photos of Earhart. The film captures Earhart posing near her Lockheed Electra and speaking to people at a Burbank, California, airport.

Earhart and her navigator vanished on July 2, 1937, over the Pacific Ocean during their around-the-world flight.

Purdue had recruited Earhart as a career counselor.

The film is now part of Purdue's Virginia Kelly Karnes Archives and Special Collections Research Center.