Worthington, MN (KICD)–A new Amelia Earhart statue was recently unveiled in Southwest Minnesota where she spent a portion of her life.

The bronze likeness of Amelia is of the famous figure, known for being the first passenger to fly across the Atlantic and later pilot a similar flight, sitting on bench in her full aviator uniform looking out over Sailboard Beach.

Zuby Jansen oversaw the statue project and tells KICD News Earhart became connected to Worthington when she initially visited a local farm.

Money for the statue has come from multiple places and although funding is not complete Jansen is confident the final dollars needed will be raised by the community.

She says the statue has already begun generating interest from both locals and tourists wanting to have their photo taken by the famous aviator.

Just in the short time the statue and memorial bench have been in place, Jansen adds it has already started to peak the interest of residents who may not have realized the connection a well-known figure like Amelia Earhart had on the community of Worthington.