Marie Surcouf was a French balloonist and feminist.
14 Facts About Marie Surcouf
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2.
Marie Surcouf Valentine Nelly Bayard was born on 19 May 1863 at Ham the daughter of Felicie and Ernest Julien Bayard.
3.
On 20 September 1897, Marie married Edouard Surcouf, engineer and balloonist in the 7th arrondissement of Paris.
4.
Marie Surcouf became famous for her aeronautical adventures under her married name, Marie Surcouf.
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Marie Surcouf's husband Edouard Surcouf was a member of the Aeronautique Club de France, an aerostatic association founded in October 1897.
6.
Marie Surcouf had been a member since May 1902 but club statutes agreed in 1902, did not admit women as members in any capacity.
7.
Marie Surcouf was elected as chairwoman, the vice-chairman was Mrs Sauniere, the wife of the Chairman of the ACDF, and the Secretary was Miss Gache.
8.
On 28 July 1906, Marie Surcouf earned her aeronautical balloon pilot's license.
9.
Marie Surcouf was accompanied by Miss Gache, the Secretary of the Women's Committee.
10.
Vigorously defended by Marie Surcouf, and seconded by her husband Edouard, the petition was rejected by the ACDF Management Committee, which decided to manage the Ladies' Committee instead.
11.
Marie Surcouf was appointed its director but was not happy with the situation so on 6 April 1908, she resigned.
12.
On 10 February 1909, Marie Surcouf founded the women's aeronautical club Aeroclub feminin la Stella.
13.
On 17 June 1909, Marie Surcouf became the holder of the first sports pilot's license awarded to a woman.
14.
On 17 December 1912, at the Palais d'Orsay, during the great annual banquet of la Stella, Marie Surcouf plead the cause of women.