The museum also has hired a new part-time curator. The museum’s newest curator, Mark Cole, who took over the helm of the organization late in 2023, and helped oversee the relaunching of the museum portion of the non-profit company, in February. Additionally, now he’s planning for some new, innovative, dynamic, impactful STEM-focused presentations (Science, Technology, English and Math) in the upcoming months for the community.

“Well, this year we’ve got a stealth fighter presentation, June 22 at 9 a.m., here at the museum,” he said. “We’re going to look at the history of stealth technology when it comes to flight. Not many people know, but the French first started to investigate stealth flying during World War I. Plus, program attendees also will receive a stealth airplane model that we will help them put together.”

The Air Museum’s primary mission is to preserve Chautauqua County’s rich aviation history and create awareness of air and space in our community. According to a previous Post-Journal article, Mike Johnson, an Air Museum board member said the museum has roots going back to the 1960s and was, in previous iterations, located at the County’s Airport.

“It has moved locations a handful of times since then,” Johnson said. “Our mission here is to inspire youth to go into this as a career. Of course, the Civil Air Patrol has been a great accompaniment program to the museum.”

Lucile M. Wright Air Museum board members Mike Johnson, John Watkins and Ellen Maternowski are pictured. The museum has a new curator who is planning new events this summer. Submitted photo

The Jamestown Composite Squadron-New York 402, Civil Air Patrol, Jamestown, is located at the Chautauqua County Airport, 3163 Airport Drive and is the home base for the area’s local Air Patrol Unit. According to gocivilairpatrol.com “Since Civil Air Patrol’s formation during the earliest days of World War II, this vigilant organization of citizen airmen has been committed to service to America. Founded Dec. 1, 1941, to mobilize the nation’s civilian aviation resources for national defense service, CAP has evolved into a premier public service organization that still carries out emergency service missions when needed — in the air and on the ground. As a Total Force partner and auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, Civil Air Patrol is there to search for and find the lost, provide comfort in times of disaster and work to keep the homeland safe. Its more than 64,000 members selflessly devote their time, energy, and expertise toward the well-being of their communities while also promoting aviation and related fields through aerospace/STEM education and helping shape future leaders through CAP’s cadet program.

The museum’s website lists the operating hours as Fridays from 2 – 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 11a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Private parties and private viewings can be booked by calling (814)230-4788. For more information on The Lucile M. Wright Air Museum visit lucilemwrightairmuseum.org for the Civil Air Patrol visit gocivilairpatrol.com, or the local chapters Facebook page at Facebook.com/NY402cap.