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Pioneering Architect Inducted into WNY Women's Hall of Fame

By Eileen Buckley

Buffalo, NY – America's first woman architect worked in Buffalo. The local chapter of the American Institute of Architects nominated Louise Bethune to the Western New York Women's Hall of Fame. Thursday, she was inducted.

Louise Bethune opened her first architectural office in 1881 becoming a pioneer in her field. As a working woman and feminist, she set a precedent for other women to become members of the AIA. Bethune was the first women to be admitted. One of the buildings she designed still stands today in downtown Buffalo -- the Hotel Lafayette. It opened in 1904. Her great granddaughter, Zina Bethune, graciously accepted the chance to travel from Los Angles, California to Buffalo to accept the honor.

"I never saw all the buildings she designed, and it will be neat to see all of them today. But I certainly knew she was a maverick, and had taken quite a stand," Bethune said.

And that stand was for women's equality. Bethune says her great grandmother paved the way for millions of females -- a legacy that extends beyond the buildings she designed.

"I think she made a statement by the way she lived as an advocate, because self expression is a right."

Bethune believes she has some of her great grandmother's traits. She is an accomplished dancer, choreographer, and signer in the theatre, film and television. Bethune has also established her own dance company in California that specializes in teaching the disabled.

"She was very much a maverick, and I am to," Zina Bethune said. "I pick things that are particularly difficult to do, like teaching dance and drama to disabled children."

"What do you think she would say to you today as you accept an award for her here in Buffalo?" asked reporter Buckley.

"I would hope she would say to me good job Zina, and thanks for continuing what I believe in, in your own way, but by taking up the banner."

Bethune says when it comes to a connection with her great grandmother, the apple didn't fall far from the tree.