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Subject Files, 1943 - 2012

 Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSA 5, Series 9

Scope and Contents

This series contains the majority of Neil Armstrong's subject reference files, as well as active subject files which includes some of Armstrong's ongoing correspondence. The reference files span the breadth of Armstrong's interests and speak to his personal and professional involvement as a life-long engineer. Much of the reference material preserved here concern space flight and exploration, as well as the aeronautical engineering projects that continued to interest Armstrong after his retirement from NASA. Also of interest are files on geology, including one dedicated to a caving expedition Armstrong took to the Los Tayos caves in Ecuador and another detailing his expedition to the North Pole.

The active subject files reflect research and correspondence Armstrong was conducting toward the end of his life. The active files include the files on astronauts [ASTRONAUTS]; which are comprised of correspondence related to Apollo 11 lunar surface photography, astronaut policy information, such as policies on the Personal Preference Kit (PPK), policies on appearances, assignments, standards of conduct and other related policies to which the astronauts were held.

Dates

  • 1943 - 2012

Language of Materials

From the Collection: Collection material is primarily in English. Russian is also present.

Conditions Governing Access

Please note there are RESTRICTED materials in this series that require consultation with an archivist prior to use.

Extent

23.028 Cubic Feet (46 letter-size full-width manuscript boxes, nine letter-size half-width manuscript boxes, three cubic feet boxes, two legal-size full-width manuscript boxes, and two legal-size half-width manuscript boxes)

Arrangement

These files were stored by Armstrong in his office and are preserved here in the order in which they were found. There are two sub-series.
  1. Reference Files
  2. Active Subject Files

Processing Information

Armstrong's own subject headings are indicated by enclosure in [brackets]. Those were retained for the benefit of those doing research and reflect how Armstrong deemed it necessary to label his files.

Creator

Repository Details

Part of the Purdue University Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
504 Mitch Daniels Boulevard
West Lafayette Indiana 47907 United States
765-494-2839