It is with profound sadness that the Wright Museum of World War II reflects on the life of our founder’s widow, Carole Wright, who passed away on July 2, 2024. Carole was a passionate advocate for the museum and her husband’s commitment to ensuring that the lessons of America’s involvement in World War II not be forgotten.
Carole was born and raised in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. A graduate of Shrewsbury High School where she excelled as a field hockey athlete, Carole went on to attend Vermont College. In 1978, she married her soulmate, David Wright, and the couple raised five children together. Carole would go on to enjoy nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, hosting “Neena camps” for her five granddaughters and enjoying time with family and friends. Her love of family and all things outdoors, including gardening, skiing, sailing, snorkeling, and swimming, was matched only by her continued dedication to her husband’s passion project, the Wright Museum.
According to Carole, in 1977 David “rescued” an old Jeep used for running errands, stating he had “other plans for it.” Another Jeep soon arrived at the couple’s home and David began plans for restoring it. Before he could, people began showing up dressed in military garb to “tour” the vehicles. Shortly thereafter, Dave purchased a half track, and restoration began in earnest.
Soon, a professional mechanic had been hired, and he and Dave spent nearly every day “recreating” the historic vehicles. Talk of what to do with the ever-increasing number of vehicles taking over the Wright property led to a friend suggesting a museum of sorts. With this suggestion in mind, the Wrights began looking for property, eventually settling on the abandoned Diamond Lumber Company in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, where they planned to retire. With an immense amount of volunteer help, the Wright Museum officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in 1994.
With its remote location in Wolfeboro, David worried that the museum would never become a prominent location, but through the passionate commitment of Carole, who continued to serve as a board member and charitable benefactor in the decades after David’s passing, the Wright Museum has grown into something Carole wishes he could have seen. As the museum planned for its 30th anniversary on July 16th, Carole continued to support and encourage us in our mission: to provide a vivid perspective on the profound and enduring impact of the World War II experience on American society. Carole expressed a wish that the 30th anniversary would “propel us to future years and [allow the museum] to continue to grow, honoring America’s past and teaching generation after generation about the special years 1939-1945.”
We extend our deepest condolences to Carole’s family and friends. The world is a little less bright without her in it. The Wright Museum of World War II will continue to realize her and David’s mission in honor of their unwavering passion for the Greatest Generation and our shared history—ensuring the legacy of those who came before is both honored and understood.
