WACO to host Aviation History Program

The WACO Air Museum will host authors Sue Morris and Brian Butko on Thursday, May 21, for a program titled “The Path of the Eagle from Pittsburgh to Ohio” as part of its Aviation Lecture Series.

The free public lecture begins at 7 p.m. in the Willis Wing of the museum, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

Morris and Butko will share stories from their book Bettis: Where Pittsburgh Aviation Took Off, exploring how early aviation pioneers in western Pennsylvania helped shape the growth of flight in the region and its important connections to Ohio. While Ohio is widely recognized as the Birthplace of Aviation, the program will explore how communities across the region—including Pittsburgh—helped expand aviation during the industry’s early decades.

“Programs like this help highlight the many regional stories that shaped aviation during its early years,” said Jennifer Thomas, Aviation Educator at WACO. “While Ohio is known as the Birthplace of Aviation, we’re excited to welcome Sue Morris and Brian Butko to share how Pittsburgh and neighboring communities also contributed to aviation’s growth.”

During the Golden Age of Aviation a century ago, pioneering pilots helped create an entirely new industry. What began with barnstorming exhibitions and adventurous cross-country flights quickly evolved into organized airmail routes and the earliest passenger air services. Their presentation explores how aviation activity in Pittsburgh during the Golden Age of Aviation connected with and complemented the region’s broader aviation heritage, including Ohio’s pivotal role as the birthplace of aviation.

“The early decades of aviation were filled with experimentation, ambition, and collaboration across many communities, and we’re excited to share how Pittsburgh’s aviation story connects with the broader history of flight in the region,” said Sue Morris.