Skip to main content

Former Batavia councilman and reporter team up to unravel mystery of Amelia Earhart

By Billie Owens

Former Batavian Barry Bower and Batavia Daily News reporter Virginia Kropf will explore the mysterious disappearance of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart next week at the invitation of GO ART!

The event is part of the regional arts council's popular Salon Series.

Titled "The Cryptographers: Barry Bower & Virginia Kropf," it will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 10 in the Gathering Room of the Shirt Factory Cafe, located at 115 W. Center St., in Medina.

A contribution of $20 for non-members and $18 for GO ART! members is requested. Reservations are required and can be made by phone at (585) 343-9313, e-mail at info@GOart.org, or by stopping in to GO ART!, Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St. in Batavia (open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays).

Amelia Earhart disappeared July 2, 1937. She became the first woman to win the Distinguished Flying Cross after being the first woman to solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

Earhart worked to inspire and help women interested in flying careers and formed the Ninety-Nines, an organization for female pilots. She disappeared over the Pacific Ocean while attempting to circumnavigate the world. Her mysterious disappearance has been a source of speculation and conspiracy theories ever since.

Barry and "Ginny" will share what tantalizing clues they have uncovered in their quest to decrypt this riveting legend. Barry is a former City of Batavia councilman who now resides in Pennsylvania and devotes most of his time to researching Earhart's disappearance. When not working for The Daily News, Ginny has also devoted a lot of time piecing together clues of this famous mystery.

This Salon is paired with a themed dinner that includes "airline" chicken, fresh fruit and bread and dessert. Refreshments, wine and beer included.

Limited edition posters of Roz Hayes' original painting that depicts Amelia Earhart will be available for sale!

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) is a private nonprofit organization, which believes that art and culture enriches, inspires and educates, while strengthening a community's identity.

Therefore, GO ART! initiates a broad range of opportunities for artists and cultural organizations, and facilitates cooperative efforts among the cultural, business, service and educational communities for the people who live in and visit Genesee and Orleans counties.

Authentically Local