Flight and Space. Barron Hilton Flight and Space Exploration Archives
Collecting Area
Identifier: Flight and Space
Purdue Archives and Special Collections' collection of primary source materials on the history and development of powered flight began in 1940 with the gift of aviator Amelia Earhart's papers by her husband, George Palmer Putnam. Since that initial donation, the number of flight-related archival collections has increased to reflect the steady growth of faculty and alumni contributions to the development of flight and later, space exploration. The Barron Hilton Flight and Space Exploration Archives was established in 2011 with generous support provided by Barron Hilton and the Conrad Hilton Foundation and now includes the papers of engineers, aviation professionals, scholars, and astronauts including Purdue distinguished alumni such as Neil A. Armstrong and Eugene Cernan.
Found in 242 Collections and/or Records:
Donald E. Williams papers
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSA 12
Scope and Contents
The Donald E. Williams papers document Williams' two shuttle missions; STS-51-D and STS-34, along with memorabilia from STS-1, the first mission. Also included are various mission patches and decals. The artifacts include his flight helmet, and items used in space; gloves, knife, fork, teaspoon, and can opener.
Types of materials include: artifacts, checklists (mission), clippings, decals, memorabilia, NASA press kit, papers, mission patches, and photographs.
Dates:
1978 - 1991; Majority of material found within 1985 - 1989
James R. Hansen papers on Neil Armstrong
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSP 183
Scope and Contents
The James R. Hansen Papers on Neil Armstrong comprise the materials used to write First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong, the only official biography of Armstrong. A Professor of History at Auburn University, James Hansen was authorized by Armstrong to write the biography in 2002. Between 2002 and 2004, Hansen compiled the materials presented here in preparation for the book's publication. Interviews conducted with Armstrong's primary professional and...
Dates:
1955-2011; Other: Majority of material found in 2002-2005; Other: Date acquired: 09/12/2011
Mark N. Brown papers
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSA 302
Scope and Contents
The Mark N. Brown papers include papers and memorabilia of retired astronaut and Purdue Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering alumnus, Mark N. Brown. Included are Brown's textbooks from his studies at Purdue, Air Force ROTC certificate, Apollo program photographs that were pinned to Brown's Purdue dorm room wall while he was a student in the early 1970s, a Purdue paper airplane contest trophy, along with other Purdue memorabilia. The collection also includes NASA...
Dates:
1963 - 1991
Clifford Blake Powers papers
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSP 80
Scope and Contents
The Clifford Blake Powers papers primarily document Powers' career with Essex Corporation and CST, Incorporated, in association with NASA. The papers also include various NASA-related publications, promotional material and memorabilia collected by Powers.
The papers contain a varied assortment of artifacts, papers and publications related to Powers' employment at Essex Corporation, where he was the project manager (publications) for the First United States Microgravity Laboratory mission...
Dates:
1962 - 2003; Other: Majority of material found within 1990 - 2002
Dianna Thompson Collection of Apollo 11 Moon Landing news clippings
Collection — Box 1
Identifier: MSP 201
Scope and Contents
The Dianna Thompson Collection of Apollo 11 Moon Landing news clippings documents the Apollo 11 moon landing and events leading up to and shortly afterwards. There are also articles about Janet Shearon Armstrong. Most of the articles are from Kansas City newspapers. Also included are a few editorial cartoons.
Dates:
Other: 1969
Paul Roscoe collection of astronaut photographs
Collection — Box Box 1
Identifier: MSP 106
Scope and Contents
The Paul Roscoe collection of astronaut photographs (circa 1960s; 0.2 cubic feet) documents members of the NASA astronaut corps, NASA administration, and the Saturn missile. It includes both headshots and group photographs of various NASA personnel from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. The headshots are solely of astronauts, some in their spacesuits. One notable photograph shows the Saturn missile, which was used during the Apollo missions to the moon, sitting at the launch pad. ...
Dates:
circa 1960s; Other: Date acquired: 01/02/2013
Chesterfield H. Janes papers
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSA 301
Scope and Contents
The Chesterfield H. Janes papers document the life of Janes as a Purdue student and as an IBM employee. Included within this collection are items from Janes stay in the X-Hall (presently called Meredith Hall), some memorabilia of the NASA astronauts, a collection of space related stamps and first day covers, and photographs of the Apollo-Saturn 202 (AS-202) launch. Strengths in this collection are the X-Hall ephemeral materials. Included are receipts from the housing contract...
Dates:
1953 - 2012; Other: Majority of material found within 1953 - 1975
David C. Leestma papers
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSP 193
Scope and Contents
The David C. Leestma papers document his personal experience as an astronaut during the early years of the Space Shuttle program and as a NASA manager and director. Included are papers related to the three missions for which he served as a mission specialist; STS-41-G, STS-28, and STS-45. Leestma later served as manager and director at the Johnson Space Center's Astronaut Office, Flight Crew Operations Directorate, Advanced Planning Office and for initiatives such as the Space...
Dates:
1969 - 2015; Majority of material found within 1982 - 1998
Larry Gee papers and space memorabilia
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSA 276
Scope and Contents
The Larry Gee papers and space memorabilia document Larry Gee's 22 year career as an engineer in the aerospace industry. Memorabilia and artifacts include commemorative space flight flags, Space Shuttle Mission patches, commemorative pins, Apollo 11 anniversary memorabilia, Columbia commemorative coin, DVDs, astronaut space shuttle crew photographs, data sheets, awards, certificates, newsletters and various documents from Gee's work with Space Shuttle main engines, Atlas engines, Delta...
Dates:
1962 - 2015; Majority of material found within 1988 - 2005
Jerry L. Ross papers
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSA 283
Scope and Contents
The Jerry L. Ross papers document Ross' student life at Purdue, his test flight engineer work, and NASA career as an engineer and astronaut. The collection includes Purdue coursework and memorabilia; papers from Ross' work at Edwards Air Force Base, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, and Test Pilot School; NASA Space Shuttle training, mission documents and mission related scrapbooks, memorabilia, and flight crew films and interviews, along with documents and maps from Ross' work on Space...
Dates:
1940 - 2013; Majority of material found within 1970 - 2000
Mark S. Geyer papers
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSA 272
Scope and Contents
The Mark S. Geyer papers document Geyer's time as Manager, Russian Elements Team for the International Space Station. The material provides a glimpse into the technical interface with the Russian Space Agency and its contractors to integrate Russian elements and systems into the International Space Station. The papers include a rich assortment of development schedules. Types of material include: correspondence, minutes, reports and schedules. Some of the materials are photocopies...
Dates:
1994 - 2002; Other: Majority of material found within 1997 - 1998
Mark Brown United States Space Shuttle Patches collection
Collection — Box 1
Identifier: MSA 274
Scope and Contents
The Mark Brown United States Space Shuttle Patches collection consists of two Space Shuttle patches with certificates of authenticity, signed by Purdue alum and Mission Specialist, Colonel Mark N. Brown. The patches include: Thirtieth Flight of the Space Shuttle (STS-28), Columbia, August 8 - 13, 1989 and Forty-third Flight of the Space Shuttle (STS-48), Discovery, September 12 - 18, 1991. Also included is a copy of a letter from the donor, Curtis Haley to Ms. Flanary.
Dates:
1989 - 2009
Paul J. Weitz papers
Collection — Box [restricted] 1
Identifier: MSP 172
Scope and Contents
The Paul J. Weitz papers document the time Weitz spent as an United States astronaut and as Deputy Director of the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The papers contains eleven notebooks that were used by Weitz to record day-to-day meeting notes and tasks. The first entry is April of 1976 and the last entry is January of 1994. The notebooks contain information about The Challenger accident and Weitz's response to the incident from the day it happened and document what the administration...
Dates:
1976 - 1994
Purdue University Department of Aviation Technology records
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: UA 12
Scope and Contents
The Purdue University Department of Aviation Technology records document the historical background of the department, the Purdue University Airport, and key moments in the history of aviation in Tippecanoe County. Scrapbooks compiled by the department provide a rich collection of photographs and news clippings which highlight key historical moments, individuals, additions of labs and simulators, and aircraft at the Purdue University Airport. Publications among the...
Dates:
1928 - 2010; Other: Majority of material found within 1970 - 1999
Joni Comstock collection on Janice Voss
Collection — Box 1
Identifier: MSA 309
Scope and Contents
The collection relates to Janice Voss' involvement with her first space flight, STS-57 (in 1993). Included are three photographs of the mission, an autographed mission t-shirt, and a letter written by Voss to Comstock. These materials would be useful to researchers interested in the history of NASA flight missions, women in space, women in STEM fields, and space research.
Dates:
1993
Roger B. Chaffee letter and postcard
Collection — Box 1
Identifier: MSA 282
Scope and Contents
The letter dated July 24, 1965 is from Roger Chaffee to his parents. On the reverse is a July 25, 1965 note from Martha Chaffee to her in-laws in which she signs, "Roger, Martha, Sheryl and Steve." In the letter, Roger discussed an upcoming flight and the astronaut's rotation as capsule communicator (CAPCOM). He mentions Gus Grissom, Gene Cernan, Jim McDivitt, Buzz Aldrin and Dave Scott. Both Roger and Martha discuss recent family activities at home. The postcard, dated July 1965, was sent...
Dates:
1967
Maurice J. Zucrow papers
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSF 428
Scope and Contents
The Maurice J. Zucrow papers document aspects of Zucrow's career in the areas of gas turbines and rocket propulsion. Included among the papers are his authored or co-authored reports, papers, books, and Purdue University Engineering Experiment Station bulletins. Many of the books include his annotations or copies Zucrow designated as "master copy," with extensive marginalia. Also included are some of the textbooks Zucrow used as a student, and other reference books he used in his career....
Dates:
1925 - 1965; Other: Majority of material found within circa 1940s - 1969
Sandor "Alex" Kvassay papers and collection of Aviation Stamps
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSP 144
Scope and Contents
The Sandor "Alex" Kvassay papers and collection of Aviation Stamps document the history of aviation and flight through postage stamps, postmarks and envelopes collected from all over the world. The collection spans the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century but includes examples of 19th century balloon airmail. The stamps are housed in 67 albums and total near 68,000 stamps, envelopes, postmarks and postcards. The collection was assembled over a period of 20 years,...
Dates:
1870 - 2014; Other: Majority of material found within 1920 - 1990
Eugene A. Cernan papers
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSA 288
Scope and Contents
The Eugene A. Cernan papers document the military, aeronautics, and astronautics career of Eugene A. Cernan, as well as his subsequent professional and public activities. The papers also feature records pertaining to Cernan's youth, family, and education. The collection includes but is not limited to artifacts, audiovisual recordings, awards, books, certificates, coins, correspondence, documents, mission patches, newspaper clippings, photographs, plaques, publications, scrapbooks, speeches,...
Dates:
1934 - 2016; Majority of material found within 1956 - 2012
Lana Murphy Couch papers
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSA 312
Scope and Contents
The Lana Murphy Couch papers document Couch's forty year career with NASA, first as a wind tunnel test engineer, and later in management positions. Types of materials include: correspondence, newsletters, papers, photographs, programs, publications, research and work reports, technical reports, VHS tapes, writings, and material related to award recognition.
Dates:
1953 - 1997; Majority of material found within 1970 - 1995
Charles C. Bock, Jr. papers
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSA 315
Scope and Contents
The Charles C. Bock, Jr. papers document the vast career of a test pilot. Within the collection, there is material about the Bell X-2, the X-15 (Rocket aircraft), the SR-71 Blackbird (Jet reconnaissance plane), the Rockwell B-1 (Bomber), and many other types of experimental aircraft. Included are photographs of fellow Purdue University alumni and "America's No. 1 Spaceman" Iven C. Kincheloe, Jr. In addition to the thirty-one photographs, the collection consists of nine 16mm films, one of...
Dates:
1956 - 2014
Len Cormier papers
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSP 207
Scope and Contents
The Len Cormier papers document Cormier's work as a commercial space flight pioneer. The majority of the papers include drawings, designs, blueprints, and papers related to engineer Cormier's work to design commercial reusable launch vehicles and other orbital vehicles. Types of materials include blueprints, business documents, CAD files, engineering designs, family documents, maps, a model (Space Van), papers, posters, research material, reports, topographical maps, and VHS tapes.
Dates:
1944 - 2008; Majority of material found within 1980 - 2007
Pierre J. Thuot papers
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSP 179
Scope and Contents
The Pierre J. Thuot papers document the three shuttle missions that Thuot flew. These were STS-36, STS-49, and STS-62. Within the collection, there is material on all three but with the main focus on STS-49. There is little information about STS-36 because it is still classified by the U.S. government. Included in the collection are over 50 color photographs of Thuot training for the Intelsat VI capture that he performed on STS-49. In addition to the photographs, included in...
Dates:
1989 - 1994
George W. Haskins papers
Collection — Communal collections box 24, Placement: 03
Identifier: MSF 166
Scope and Contents
One folder containing an article about George Haskins becoming Head of the Aviation Department at Purdue, and an article by him.
Dates:
1919
Frank Evar Schultz papers
Collection — Communal collections box 86
Identifier: MSP 334
Scope and Contents
Includes one U.S. Department of Commerce "Pilot Rating Book for Navy", used by the Purdue Aeronautics Corp. at the Purdue University airport, belonging to Frank Evar Schultz. Also included are four postcards with handwriting from this time period, with one depicting the Purdue University airport, one depicting the Purdue Memorial Union, and two commemorating Schultz's first solo flight.
Dates:
1943