Education

To celebrate Memorial Day weekend in an extraordinary way, Lakeside Chautauqua is honored to host the ‘RISE ABOVE: Tuskegee Airmen & WASP’ traveling exhibit from May 25-29. This free Commemorative Air Force exhibit brings to life the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) through an immersive theater experience that inspires all to rise above adversity to achieve their dreams.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first black military pilots in the United States. They fought for America even though they had no civil rights in their own country. The Tuskegee Airmen are best known for their extraordinary efforts in the air war of World War II and for challenging the stereotypes that had kept black Americans from serving as pilots in the U.S. Armed Forces.

At the same time, women aviators in America, eager to serve their country, proposed a radical idea – that they could fly modern American combat aircrafts in support of the war effort. Military leaders suggested women lacked the strength and agility to fly such aircrafts. However, these women sought to overcome these perceptions and prove they could assist their country in a time of great national need.

Exhibit Hours

From May 25-29 near the Lakeside Schoolhouse, the exhibit will take place:

 – Wednesday, May 25: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Thursday, May 26: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Friday, May 27: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Saturday, May 28: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
 – Sunday, May 29: 1-5 p.m.

All welcome to Opening Reception on May 27

All are invited to attend an Opening Reception at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 27 near the Lakeside Schoolhouse.

Lakeside Chautauqua President & CEO Kip Greenhill will welcome guests and introduce featured guest, Harold Brown, Ph.D., a retired U.S. Army Air Force Officer who served during World War II as a combat fighter pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

Dr. Brown’s P-51C aircraft was shot down in the European Theatre of World War II, and he became a prisoner of war. He was flying a P-51C east of Bruck, Austria. His flight path took him over anti-aircraft emplacements that shot his plane down. He was surrounded by German citizens who then attempted to lynch him before a German constable intervened and took him to a prisoner of war camp. He was one of 32 of the Tuskegee Airmen to be captured during the war.

Following his retirement from the military, Dr. Brown earned a doctorate degree and became Vice President of Academic Affairs at Columbus State Community College. He retired from academia in 1986. Dr. Brown and his wife Marsha S. Bordner, Ph.D., wrote Keep Your Airspeed Up: The Story of a Tuskegee Airman, a memoir about his World War II service, and published it in 2017. He will sign books at the reception.

About CAF Rise Above

The CAF Rise Above is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first Black military pilots and their support personnel, and the Women Airforce Service Pilots. The CAF Rise Above educational initiative is a threefold outreach program, including a fully restored WWII-era P-51C Mustang, the signature aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen; the Rise Above traveling exhibit 53′ mobile theater featuring the original panoramic film Rise Above: Red Tail and Rise Above: WASP; and resource materials for teachers, parents and youth leaders.

About the Commemorative Air Force

Founded in 1957, the Commemorative Air Force has amassed more than 170 WWII aircraft – the largest collection of vintage military warbirds in the world. Through the work of more than 11,000 volunteers across 83 units, the CAF’s educational outreach programs reach an estimated 20 million Americans each year, providing unique, compelling, hands-on access to history.

To celebrate Memorial Day weekend in an extraordinary way, Lakeside Chautauqua is honored to host the ‘RISE ABOVE: Tuskegee Airmen & WASP’ traveling exhibit from May 25-29. This free Commemorative Air Force exhibit brings to life the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) through an immersive theater experience that inspires all to rise above adversity to achieve their dreams.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first black military pilots in the United States. They fought for America even though they had no civil rights in their own country. The Tuskegee Airmen are best known for their extraordinary efforts in the air war of World War II and for challenging the stereotypes that had kept black Americans from serving as pilots in the U.S. Armed Forces.

At the same time, women aviators in America, eager to serve their country, proposed a radical idea – that they could fly modern American combat aircrafts in support of the war effort. Military leaders suggested women lacked the strength and agility to fly such aircrafts. However, these women sought to overcome these perceptions and prove they could assist their country in a time of great national need.

Exhibit Hours

From May 25-29 near the Lakeside Schoolhouse, the exhibit will take place:

 – Wednesday, May 25: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Thursday, May 26: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Friday, May 27: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Saturday, May 28: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
 – Sunday, May 29: 1-5 p.m.

All welcome to Opening Reception on May 27

All are invited to attend an Opening Reception at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 27 near the Lakeside Schoolhouse.

Lakeside Chautauqua President & CEO Kip Greenhill will welcome guests and introduce featured guest, Harold Brown, Ph.D., a retired U.S. Army Air Force Officer who served during World War II as a combat fighter pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

Dr. Brown’s P-51C aircraft was shot down in the European Theatre of World War II, and he became a prisoner of war. He was flying a P-51C east of Bruck, Austria. His flight path took him over anti-aircraft emplacements that shot his plane down. He was surrounded by German citizens who then attempted to lynch him before a German constable intervened and took him to a prisoner of war camp. He was one of 32 of the Tuskegee Airmen to be captured during the war.

Following his retirement from the military, Dr. Brown earned a doctorate degree and became Vice President of Academic Affairs at Columbus State Community College. He retired from academia in 1986. Dr. Brown and his wife Marsha S. Bordner, Ph.D., wrote Keep Your Airspeed Up: The Story of a Tuskegee Airman, a memoir about his World War II service, and published it in 2017. He will sign books at the reception.

About CAF Rise Above

The CAF Rise Above is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first Black military pilots and their support personnel, and the Women Airforce Service Pilots. The CAF Rise Above educational initiative is a threefold outreach program, including a fully restored WWII-era P-51C Mustang, the signature aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen; the Rise Above traveling exhibit 53′ mobile theater featuring the original panoramic film Rise Above: Red Tail and Rise Above: WASP; and resource materials for teachers, parents and youth leaders.

About the Commemorative Air Force

Founded in 1957, the Commemorative Air Force has amassed more than 170 WWII aircraft – the largest collection of vintage military warbirds in the world. Through the work of more than 11,000 volunteers across 83 units, the CAF’s educational outreach programs reach an estimated 20 million Americans each year, providing unique, compelling, hands-on access to history.

To celebrate Memorial Day weekend in an extraordinary way, Lakeside Chautauqua is honored to host the ‘RISE ABOVE: Tuskegee Airmen & WASP’ traveling exhibit from May 25-29. This free Commemorative Air Force exhibit brings to life the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) through an immersive theater experience that inspires all to rise above adversity to achieve their dreams.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first black military pilots in the United States. They fought for America even though they had no civil rights in their own country. The Tuskegee Airmen are best known for their extraordinary efforts in the air war of World War II and for challenging the stereotypes that had kept black Americans from serving as pilots in the U.S. Armed Forces.

At the same time, women aviators in America, eager to serve their country, proposed a radical idea – that they could fly modern American combat aircrafts in support of the war effort. Military leaders suggested women lacked the strength and agility to fly such aircrafts. However, these women sought to overcome these perceptions and prove they could assist their country in a time of great national need.

Exhibit Hours

From May 25-29 near the Lakeside Schoolhouse, the exhibit will take place:

 – Wednesday, May 25: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Thursday, May 26: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Friday, May 27: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Saturday, May 28: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
 – Sunday, May 29: 1-5 p.m.

All welcome to Opening Reception on May 27

All are invited to attend an Opening Reception at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 27 near the Lakeside Schoolhouse.

Lakeside Chautauqua President & CEO Kip Greenhill will welcome guests and introduce featured guest, Harold Brown, Ph.D., a retired U.S. Army Air Force Officer who served during World War II as a combat fighter pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

Dr. Brown’s P-51C aircraft was shot down in the European Theatre of World War II, and he became a prisoner of war. He was flying a P-51C east of Bruck, Austria. His flight path took him over anti-aircraft emplacements that shot his plane down. He was surrounded by German citizens who then attempted to lynch him before a German constable intervened and took him to a prisoner of war camp. He was one of 32 of the Tuskegee Airmen to be captured during the war.

Following his retirement from the military, Dr. Brown earned a doctorate degree and became Vice President of Academic Affairs at Columbus State Community College. He retired from academia in 1986. Dr. Brown and his wife Marsha S. Bordner, Ph.D., wrote Keep Your Airspeed Up: The Story of a Tuskegee Airman, a memoir about his World War II service, and published it in 2017. He will sign books at the reception.

About CAF Rise Above

The CAF Rise Above is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first Black military pilots and their support personnel, and the Women Airforce Service Pilots. The CAF Rise Above educational initiative is a threefold outreach program, including a fully restored WWII-era P-51C Mustang, the signature aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen; the Rise Above traveling exhibit 53′ mobile theater featuring the original panoramic film Rise Above: Red Tail and Rise Above: WASP; and resource materials for teachers, parents and youth leaders.

About the Commemorative Air Force

Founded in 1957, the Commemorative Air Force has amassed more than 170 WWII aircraft – the largest collection of vintage military warbirds in the world. Through the work of more than 11,000 volunteers across 83 units, the CAF’s educational outreach programs reach an estimated 20 million Americans each year, providing unique, compelling, hands-on access to history.

To celebrate Memorial Day weekend in an extraordinary way, Lakeside Chautauqua is honored to host the ‘RISE ABOVE: Tuskegee Airmen & WASP’ traveling exhibit from May 25-29. This free Commemorative Air Force exhibit brings to life the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) through an immersive theater experience that inspires all to rise above adversity to achieve their dreams.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first black military pilots in the United States. They fought for America even though they had no civil rights in their own country. The Tuskegee Airmen are best known for their extraordinary efforts in the air war of World War II and for challenging the stereotypes that had kept black Americans from serving as pilots in the U.S. Armed Forces.

At the same time, women aviators in America, eager to serve their country, proposed a radical idea – that they could fly modern American combat aircrafts in support of the war effort. Military leaders suggested women lacked the strength and agility to fly such aircrafts. However, these women sought to overcome these perceptions and prove they could assist their country in a time of great national need.

Exhibit Hours

From May 25-29 near the Lakeside Schoolhouse, the exhibit will take place:

 – Wednesday, May 25: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Thursday, May 26: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Friday, May 27: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Saturday, May 28: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
 – Sunday, May 29: 1-5 p.m.

All welcome to Opening Reception on May 27

All are invited to attend an Opening Reception at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 27 near the Lakeside Schoolhouse.

Lakeside Chautauqua President & CEO Kip Greenhill will welcome guests and introduce featured guest, Harold Brown, Ph.D., a retired U.S. Army Air Force Officer who served during World War II as a combat fighter pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

Dr. Brown’s P-51C aircraft was shot down in the European Theatre of World War II, and he became a prisoner of war. He was flying a P-51C east of Bruck, Austria. His flight path took him over anti-aircraft emplacements that shot his plane down. He was surrounded by German citizens who then attempted to lynch him before a German constable intervened and took him to a prisoner of war camp. He was one of 32 of the Tuskegee Airmen to be captured during the war.

Following his retirement from the military, Dr. Brown earned a doctorate degree and became Vice President of Academic Affairs at Columbus State Community College. He retired from academia in 1986. Dr. Brown and his wife Marsha S. Bordner, Ph.D., wrote Keep Your Airspeed Up: The Story of a Tuskegee Airman, a memoir about his World War II service, and published it in 2017. He will sign books at the reception.

About CAF Rise Above

The CAF Rise Above is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first Black military pilots and their support personnel, and the Women Airforce Service Pilots. The CAF Rise Above educational initiative is a threefold outreach program, including a fully restored WWII-era P-51C Mustang, the signature aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen; the Rise Above traveling exhibit 53′ mobile theater featuring the original panoramic film Rise Above: Red Tail and Rise Above: WASP; and resource materials for teachers, parents and youth leaders.

About the Commemorative Air Force

Founded in 1957, the Commemorative Air Force has amassed more than 170 WWII aircraft – the largest collection of vintage military warbirds in the world. Through the work of more than 11,000 volunteers across 83 units, the CAF’s educational outreach programs reach an estimated 20 million Americans each year, providing unique, compelling, hands-on access to history.

To celebrate Memorial Day weekend in an extraordinary way, Lakeside Chautauqua is honored to host the ‘RISE ABOVE: Tuskegee Airmen & WASP’ traveling exhibit from May 25-29. This free Commemorative Air Force exhibit brings to life the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) through an immersive theater experience that inspires all to rise above adversity to achieve their dreams.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first black military pilots in the United States. They fought for America even though they had no civil rights in their own country. The Tuskegee Airmen are best known for their extraordinary efforts in the air war of World War II and for challenging the stereotypes that had kept black Americans from serving as pilots in the U.S. Armed Forces.

At the same time, women aviators in America, eager to serve their country, proposed a radical idea – that they could fly modern American combat aircrafts in support of the war effort. Military leaders suggested women lacked the strength and agility to fly such aircrafts. However, these women sought to overcome these perceptions and prove they could assist their country in a time of great national need.

Exhibit Hours

From May 25-29 near the Lakeside Schoolhouse, the exhibit will take place:

 – Wednesday, May 25: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Thursday, May 26: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Friday, May 27: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Saturday, May 28: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
 – Sunday, May 29: 1-5 p.m.

All welcome to Opening Reception on May 27

All are invited to attend an Opening Reception at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 27 near the Lakeside Schoolhouse.

Lakeside Chautauqua President & CEO Kip Greenhill will welcome guests and introduce featured guest, Harold Brown, Ph.D., a retired U.S. Army Air Force Officer who served during World War II as a combat fighter pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

Dr. Brown’s P-51C aircraft was shot down in the European Theatre of World War II, and he became a prisoner of war. He was flying a P-51C east of Bruck, Austria. His flight path took him over anti-aircraft emplacements that shot his plane down. He was surrounded by German citizens who then attempted to lynch him before a German constable intervened and took him to a prisoner of war camp. He was one of 32 of the Tuskegee Airmen to be captured during the war.

Following his retirement from the military, Dr. Brown earned a doctorate degree and became Vice President of Academic Affairs at Columbus State Community College. He retired from academia in 1986. Dr. Brown and his wife Marsha S. Bordner, Ph.D., wrote Keep Your Airspeed Up: The Story of a Tuskegee Airman, a memoir about his World War II service, and published it in 2017. He will sign books at the reception.

About CAF Rise Above

The CAF Rise Above is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first Black military pilots and their support personnel, and the Women Airforce Service Pilots. The CAF Rise Above educational initiative is a threefold outreach program, including a fully restored WWII-era P-51C Mustang, the signature aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen; the Rise Above traveling exhibit 53′ mobile theater featuring the original panoramic film Rise Above: Red Tail and Rise Above: WASP; and resource materials for teachers, parents and youth leaders.

About the Commemorative Air Force

Founded in 1957, the Commemorative Air Force has amassed more than 170 WWII aircraft – the largest collection of vintage military warbirds in the world. Through the work of more than 11,000 volunteers across 83 units, the CAF’s educational outreach programs reach an estimated 20 million Americans each year, providing unique, compelling, hands-on access to history.

To celebrate Memorial Day weekend in an extraordinary way, Lakeside Chautauqua is honored to host the ‘RISE ABOVE: Tuskegee Airmen & WASP’ traveling exhibit from May 25-29. This free Commemorative Air Force exhibit brings to life the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) through an immersive theater experience that inspires all to rise above adversity to achieve their dreams.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first black military pilots in the United States. They fought for America even though they had no civil rights in their own country. The Tuskegee Airmen are best known for their extraordinary efforts in the air war of World War II and for challenging the stereotypes that had kept black Americans from serving as pilots in the U.S. Armed Forces.

At the same time, women aviators in America, eager to serve their country, proposed a radical idea – that they could fly modern American combat aircrafts in support of the war effort. Military leaders suggested women lacked the strength and agility to fly such aircrafts. However, these women sought to overcome these perceptions and prove they could assist their country in a time of great national need.

Exhibit Hours

From May 25-29 near the Lakeside Schoolhouse, the exhibit will take place:

 – Wednesday, May 25: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Thursday, May 26: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Friday, May 27: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Saturday, May 28: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
 – Sunday, May 29: 1-5 p.m.

All welcome to Opening Reception on May 27

All are invited to attend an Opening Reception at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 27 near the Lakeside Schoolhouse.

Lakeside Chautauqua President & CEO Kip Greenhill will welcome guests and introduce featured guest, Harold Brown, Ph.D., a retired U.S. Army Air Force Officer who served during World War II as a combat fighter pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

Dr. Brown’s P-51C aircraft was shot down in the European Theatre of World War II, and he became a prisoner of war. He was flying a P-51C east of Bruck, Austria. His flight path took him over anti-aircraft emplacements that shot his plane down. He was surrounded by German citizens who then attempted to lynch him before a German constable intervened and took him to a prisoner of war camp. He was one of 32 of the Tuskegee Airmen to be captured during the war.

Following his retirement from the military, Dr. Brown earned a doctorate degree and became Vice President of Academic Affairs at Columbus State Community College. He retired from academia in 1986. Dr. Brown and his wife Marsha S. Bordner, Ph.D., wrote Keep Your Airspeed Up: The Story of a Tuskegee Airman, a memoir about his World War II service, and published it in 2017. He will sign books at the reception.

About CAF Rise Above

The CAF Rise Above is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first Black military pilots and their support personnel, and the Women Airforce Service Pilots. The CAF Rise Above educational initiative is a threefold outreach program, including a fully restored WWII-era P-51C Mustang, the signature aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen; the Rise Above traveling exhibit 53′ mobile theater featuring the original panoramic film Rise Above: Red Tail and Rise Above: WASP; and resource materials for teachers, parents and youth leaders.

About the Commemorative Air Force

Founded in 1957, the Commemorative Air Force has amassed more than 170 WWII aircraft – the largest collection of vintage military warbirds in the world. Through the work of more than 11,000 volunteers across 83 units, the CAF’s educational outreach programs reach an estimated 20 million Americans each year, providing unique, compelling, hands-on access to history.

To celebrate Memorial Day weekend in an extraordinary way, Lakeside Chautauqua is honored to host the ‘RISE ABOVE: Tuskegee Airmen & WASP’ traveling exhibit from May 25-29. This free Commemorative Air Force exhibit brings to life the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) through an immersive theater experience that inspires all to rise above adversity to achieve their dreams.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first black military pilots in the United States. They fought for America even though they had no civil rights in their own country. The Tuskegee Airmen are best known for their extraordinary efforts in the air war of World War II and for challenging the stereotypes that had kept black Americans from serving as pilots in the U.S. Armed Forces.

At the same time, women aviators in America, eager to serve their country, proposed a radical idea – that they could fly modern American combat aircrafts in support of the war effort. Military leaders suggested women lacked the strength and agility to fly such aircrafts. However, these women sought to overcome these perceptions and prove they could assist their country in a time of great national need.

Exhibit Hours

From May 25-29 near the Lakeside Schoolhouse, the exhibit will take place:

 – Wednesday, May 25: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Thursday, May 26: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Friday, May 27: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Saturday, May 28: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
 – Sunday, May 29: 1-5 p.m.

All welcome to Opening Reception on May 27

All are invited to attend an Opening Reception at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 27 near the Lakeside Schoolhouse.

Lakeside Chautauqua President & CEO Kip Greenhill will welcome guests and introduce featured guest, Harold Brown, Ph.D., a retired U.S. Army Air Force Officer who served during World War II as a combat fighter pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

Dr. Brown’s P-51C aircraft was shot down in the European Theatre of World War II, and he became a prisoner of war. He was flying a P-51C east of Bruck, Austria. His flight path took him over anti-aircraft emplacements that shot his plane down. He was surrounded by German citizens who then attempted to lynch him before a German constable intervened and took him to a prisoner of war camp. He was one of 32 of the Tuskegee Airmen to be captured during the war.

Following his retirement from the military, Dr. Brown earned a doctorate degree and became Vice President of Academic Affairs at Columbus State Community College. He retired from academia in 1986. Dr. Brown and his wife Marsha S. Bordner, Ph.D., wrote Keep Your Airspeed Up: The Story of a Tuskegee Airman, a memoir about his World War II service, and published it in 2017. He will sign books at the reception.

About CAF Rise Above

The CAF Rise Above is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first Black military pilots and their support personnel, and the Women Airforce Service Pilots. The CAF Rise Above educational initiative is a threefold outreach program, including a fully restored WWII-era P-51C Mustang, the signature aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen; the Rise Above traveling exhibit 53′ mobile theater featuring the original panoramic film Rise Above: Red Tail and Rise Above: WASP; and resource materials for teachers, parents and youth leaders.

About the Commemorative Air Force

Founded in 1957, the Commemorative Air Force has amassed more than 170 WWII aircraft – the largest collection of vintage military warbirds in the world. Through the work of more than 11,000 volunteers across 83 units, the CAF’s educational outreach programs reach an estimated 20 million Americans each year, providing unique, compelling, hands-on access to history.

To celebrate Memorial Day weekend in an extraordinary way, Lakeside Chautauqua is honored to host the ‘RISE ABOVE: Tuskegee Airmen & WASP’ traveling exhibit from May 25-29. This free Commemorative Air Force exhibit brings to life the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) through an immersive theater experience that inspires all to rise above adversity to achieve their dreams.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first black military pilots in the United States. They fought for America even though they had no civil rights in their own country. The Tuskegee Airmen are best known for their extraordinary efforts in the air war of World War II and for challenging the stereotypes that had kept black Americans from serving as pilots in the U.S. Armed Forces.

At the same time, women aviators in America, eager to serve their country, proposed a radical idea – that they could fly modern American combat aircrafts in support of the war effort. Military leaders suggested women lacked the strength and agility to fly such aircrafts. However, these women sought to overcome these perceptions and prove they could assist their country in a time of great national need.

Exhibit Hours

From May 25-29 near the Lakeside Schoolhouse, the exhibit will take place:

 – Wednesday, May 25: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Thursday, May 26: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Friday, May 27: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.
 – Saturday, May 28: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
 – Sunday, May 29: 1-5 p.m.

All welcome to Opening Reception on May 27

All are invited to attend an Opening Reception at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 27 near the Lakeside Schoolhouse.

Lakeside Chautauqua President & CEO Kip Greenhill will welcome guests and introduce featured guest, Harold Brown, Ph.D., a retired U.S. Army Air Force Officer who served during World War II as a combat fighter pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

Dr. Brown’s P-51C aircraft was shot down in the European Theatre of World War II, and he became a prisoner of war. He was flying a P-51C east of Bruck, Austria. His flight path took him over anti-aircraft emplacements that shot his plane down. He was surrounded by German citizens who then attempted to lynch him before a German constable intervened and took him to a prisoner of war camp. He was one of 32 of the Tuskegee Airmen to be captured during the war.

Following his retirement from the military, Dr. Brown earned a doctorate degree and became Vice President of Academic Affairs at Columbus State Community College. He retired from academia in 1986. Dr. Brown and his wife Marsha S. Bordner, Ph.D., wrote Keep Your Airspeed Up: The Story of a Tuskegee Airman, a memoir about his World War II service, and published it in 2017. He will sign books at the reception.

About CAF Rise Above

The CAF Rise Above is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first Black military pilots and their support personnel, and the Women Airforce Service Pilots. The CAF Rise Above educational initiative is a threefold outreach program, including a fully restored WWII-era P-51C Mustang, the signature aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen; the Rise Above traveling exhibit 53′ mobile theater featuring the original panoramic film Rise Above: Red Tail and Rise Above: WASP; and resource materials for teachers, parents and youth leaders.

About the Commemorative Air Force

Founded in 1957, the Commemorative Air Force has amassed more than 170 WWII aircraft – the largest collection of vintage military warbirds in the world. Through the work of more than 11,000 volunteers across 83 units, the CAF’s educational outreach programs reach an estimated 20 million Americans each year, providing unique, compelling, hands-on access to history.

These educational and often hands-on weekly gardening programs are held every Thursday throughout the summer and feature guest speakers and a variety of gardening topics.  The programs are held from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at the Train Station unless otherwise noted.  Please check the weekly Lakesider for specific information.

Programs are free of charge and registration is not required.

Robin Yocum is best known for fiction set in the Ohio River Valley. His most recent novel, The Sacrifice of Lester Yates, was released in 2021. His works of fiction include Favorite Sons, the 2011 Book of the Year for Mystery/Suspense by USA Book News, A Brilliant Death, a Barnes & Noble No. 1 bestseller, and two non-fiction works: Dead Before Deadline . . . and Other Tales from the Police Beat and Insured for Murder, co-authored with Cathy Candisky. Yocum worked as a senior reporter on the investigative desk for the Columbus Dispatch, associate sports editor of the Martins Ferry, Ohio, Times Leader and reporter for the Lancaster, Ohio, Eagle-Gazette. Currently the principle at Yocum Communications, a public relations and marketing consulting firm in Galena, Ohio, which he founded, Yocum is a winner of more than thirty journalism awards and holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University.

Join us on Monday evenings at 5:30 p.m. for Trivia on Walnut Plaza. Gather your family and friends, grab your favorite food, and join us to rack your brain with fun facts, laughter and more. Compete for prizes and bragging rights for a summer long series of fun.