Queensland, and went on to live a life of remarkable variety and adventure. From performing

as an acrobat with her family’s travelling troupe to becoming a silent-film actress,

accomplished horsewoman, pilot and ground engineer, May continually stepped beyond the

boundaries of what was expected of women in the early twentieth century. Her journey took

her from the travelling entertainment circuit to the world of aviation, where she carved out a

place for herself in a rapidly changing and predominantly male environment.

May Bradford: Queensland Aviatrix uncovers the story of a woman whose achievements

have largely faded from public memory. Drawing on historical newspapers, archival records

and other historical sources, this podcast pieces together May’s life, exploring the

opportunities she seized, the challenges she faced and the world in which she lived. More

than the story of a pioneering aviatrix, it is an exploration of female agency, resilience and the

many ways women have shaped their own lives. Join historian Jennifer Perry as she brings

May Bradford out of the shadows and restores her place in Queensland’s history.