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WESTFIELD -- The Chautauqua County Historical Society and Patterson Library will continue their 2026 Fireside Lecture Series on Thursday with a presentation exploring the remarkable life and legacy of local aviation pioneer Lucile M. Wright.
Titled "The Story of Lucile M. Wright and Her Museum," the presentation will be given by Dennis Webster, curator of the Lucile M. Wright Air Museum in Jamestown. The program will begin at 6 p.m. at Patterson Library, 40 S. Portage St. The event is free and open to the public.
Webster will share the story of Wright’s path from an early interest in aviation to becoming one of the region’s most accomplished pilots and advocates for aviation. His presentation will also highlight the work of the museum that bears her name and its mission to preserve the region’s aviation history, foster an interest in aviation among young people, and honor Wright’s legacy.
Wright’s accomplishments were particularly notable during World War II, when she served as the only woman courier pilot in Western New York through the Civil Air Patrol Program. She transported essential machine parts and defense personnel and logged thousands of flight hours during her service. She was also a member of The Ninety-Nines, the international organization of women pilots founded by Amelia Earhart, and worked to encourage young women to pursue careers in aviation. In addition, Wright supported airport development, advocated for aviation-friendly legislation, and established scholarship programs to assist and inspire future aviators.
Over the course of her life, Wright logged more than five million miles on commercial flights. She was honored three times with the Amelia Earhart Medal and was named Woman of the Year in Aviation by the National Aeronautical Society in 1965.
The Lucile M. Wright Air Museum continues Wright’s legacy by preserving artifacts and stories connected to aviation in the region while introducing young people to the history and possibilities of flight.
Following his presentation on Wright, Webster will also show a rare, historical video focusing on aviation in Chautauqua County and along Chautauqua Lake.
In addition to serving as curator of the Lucile M. Wright Air Museum, Webster previously served as a long-time radio host on WJTN radio in Jamestown. During his 50-plus years with WJTN, Webster provided community news and information each morning, hosted both the weekly Saturday Breakfast Party and High School Bowl, conducted countless interviews with local, state, and national figures, and emceed various community events across Chautauqua County.
The Sept. 3 presentation is the fifth installment of the 2026 Fireside Lecture Series, a collaboration between the historical society and library. The series focuses primarily on local and regional history, with presentations exploring the people, places, institutions, and events that have shaped Chautauqua County and Western New York.
The Fireside Lecture Series will continue Oct. 1 with Max Walters of the Barker Museum in Fredonia presenting on the history of the Fredonia Academy. Presentations are also planned in November and December.
For more information about the Fireside Lecture Series, visit CCHSMcClurg.org or PattersonLib.org. The Chautauqua County Historical Society can also be reached at 716.326.2977 or info@cchsmcclurg.org.