Does She Look Like She’s
Ready for Adventure?
The Extraordinary Life of
Bernice “Bee” Falk Haydu
1920 – 2020
Bernice “Bee” Falk Haydu — a lifetime of courage, adventure, and aviation.
Meet Bernice “Bee” Falk Haydu. One look at her photograph and you might suspect she was ready for adventure. And you would be absolutely right!
Until her passing in 2020 at the remarkable age of 100, “Miss Bee” lived a life filled with determination, courage, and a passion for flying.
A Young Woman with a Passion for the Skies
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Bee took an extraordinary step in 1944. At just 24 years old, she joined the Women Airforce Service Pilots, known as the WASP.
During World War II, these courageous women performed important aviation duties, helping ensure military aircraft were ready and safe for the men who would fly them into combat.
“Make sure the planes were safe for the boys to fly.”
The mission of these remarkable women, as described in Miss Bee’s story.
But her wartime service was only the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
Fighting for the Recognition They Deserved
Bee’s love of aviation continued long after the war ended. Yet she also devoted herself to another important mission: making sure the women who served alongside her received the recognition they had earned.
She worked tirelessly to help secure official veteran recognition for the Women Airforce Service Pilots.
Her efforts and those of her fellow advocates helped bring the WASP story into the national spotlight, including recognition by Congress and an unforgettable appearance in the Oval Office with a sitting president.
And believe it or not, there’s even more to Miss Bee’s remarkable story!
You’re Invited
Discover the Story of
“Miss Bee”
A Special Historical Presentation
Monday, November 9, 2026
6:00 PM
Historical Society Meeting
7:00 PM
Special Presentation by Diana,
Miss Bee’s Only Daughter
Join us for a fascinating evening as Diana shares the inspiring story of her mother, a pioneering woman whose courage and commitment helped change aviation history.
Visit Clermont Historic Village
Nestled along the beautiful shores of Lake Minneola, just minutes from Downtown Clermont, our Historic Village offers a wonderful opportunity to step back in time and experience local history.
490 West Avenue
Clermont, Florida
Regular Visiting Hours
Saturday & Sunday
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Admission is Free
A donation of $5 per person over age 12 is kindly requested.