Amelia Earhart was elected as their first president in 1931, and the organization has continued to make a significant impact supporting the advancement of women in aviation since its inception.

At the suggestion of Amelia Earhart, the organization's name was taken from the number of charter members, settling on "Ninety-Nines" based on responses received by Christmas.

She was not present at the first gathering of women aviators on Long Island in October 1929, but did go to New York with Frances Harrell for the second meeting on December 14 at the home of Opal Kunz, and was appointed to represent Texas.

The organization is divided into "sections" that are part of geographical areas covering multiple states in the continental U.S. and outlying territories, provinces in Canada, and regions of countries in continents across the globe.

The museum collection and exhibits provide insight into the role women pilots played in the development of aviation and their historical footprint.

[34] Ninety-Nines members support the goals of the organization by being active in numerous aviation activities, including: aviation education seminars in the community, air racing, from the Powder Puff Derby to the Palms to Pines[35] and the Air Race Classic; and airmarking[36] by volunteering their time to paint airport names, compass rose symbols and other identifications on airports and the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA).