Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Robert R. Gilruth Papers
Gilruth, Robert R. (Robert Rowe), 1913-2000
Ms.1990.053
6.6 Cubic Feet
6 boxes; 7 oversize folders
1936-1989
The collection consists of Robert R. Gilruth's papers, notes, records, articles, photographs, awards, degrees, certificates, and artifacts from 1936-1989.
The materials in the collection are in English.
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use
The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials. Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Robert R. Gilruth Papers, Ms1990-053, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Source of Acquisition
The Robert R. Gilruth Papers were donated to Special Collections and University Archives in multiple accessions during 1990 and 1994.
Processing Information
An initial description of the collection was completed after the donations in the 1994. In October and November 2012, the papers were re-housed as needed, books were removed for cataloging, artifacts were moved to a new box, and a finding aid was completed.
Biographical Note
Robert R. Gilruth (1913-2000) was an aerospace engineer and NACA/NASA administrator. He received his B.S. in aeronautical engineering from the University of Minnesota (1935), as well as his M.S. (1936). Gilruth was also a flight research engineer for Langley Aeronautical Laboratory of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (1937-1945). From 1945 to 1950, he worked as chief of the Pilotless Aircraft Research Division, and assistant director (1950-58). He headed the Space Task Group for NASA (1958-61), and was charged with directing Project Mercury. From 1961 to 1972, he was the first director of the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) in Houston.
The NASA website has a number of more extensive resources on Gilruth's work, including interviews and press releases, discoverable by searching the site for "Gilruth."
Scope and Content
The collection consists of Robert R. Gilruth's papers, notes, records, articles, photographs, awards, degrees, certificates, and artifacts. A majority of the collection contains professional papers from Gilruth's work in NACA and NASA, including speeches and presentations, reports, photographs, oral history transcripts, notes, and newpapersclippings, as well as certificates, awards, and artifacts. Personal materials include a typescript diary, Gilruth's 1936 M.S. Thesis, and an unpublished memoir.
Arrangement
Materials in the collection are in their original physical order. Newspaper clippings and oversize materials were removed from boxes and are located in flat files. The contents list below shows the collection grouped by subject or material type into nine series, arranged alphabetically by series title.
Series I: Artifacts includes awards and other objects collected by or given to Gilruth during his career.
Series II: Awards, Certificates, and Degrees contains a variety of certificates marking Gilruth's achievements, degrees, and memberships to organizations.
Series III: Correspondence includes primarily incoming professional letters and telegrams received by Gilruth.
Series IV: Interviews and Memoirs consists of transcripts and memoirs relating to Gilruth and other aeronautics professionals.
Series V: Lectures and Speeches contains texts and drafts of speeches given by Gilruth.
Series VI: Newspaper Clippings includes a variety of complete newspapers and specific articles about or collected by Gilruth.
Series VII: Personal Papers consists of diaries, itineraries, writings, and other personal materials.
Series VIII: Photographs contains photographs of professional projects, including Gemini and Apollo missions, as well as images of colleagues and NASA locations.
Series IX: Reports, Notes, and Professional Writings consists of writing created by Gilruth during his career, notes, research articles, and subject files.
Separated Materials
The following books were removed to the Rare Book collection:
- Spacewatch, Screening Copy/27:40 (Video Cassette)
- Shaping Tomorrow, NASA-Langley 70th Anniversary, 17 July 1987 (Video Cassette)
- Gemini Program, Ivan D. Ertel
- This Was Air Travel, Henry R. Palmer, Jr.
- 10:56:20PM EDT 7/20/69, CBS News over CBS Television Network
- Arizona Highways, Raymond Carlson
- Men of Space, Shirley Thomas
- Frontiers of Astronomy, Fred Hoyle
- Model Research: The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics 1915-1958, Volumes 1 & 2, Alex Roland
- Biomedical Results from Skylab, Richard S. Johnston and Lawrence F. Dietlein
- Wind Tunnels of NASA, Donald D. Baals and William R. Corliss
- The Moon Book, Bevan M. French
- A Continent for Science: The Antarctic Adventure, Richard S. Lewis
- Engineer in Charge, James R. Hansen
- Managing NASA in the Apollo Era, Arnold S. Levine
Rights Statement for Archival Description
The guide to the Robert R. Gilruth Papers by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).
Archives of American Aerospace Exploration (AAAE)
Aerospace engineers
Science and Technology
United States -- National Aeronautics and Space Administration -- Officials and employees
Project Gemini (U.S.)
Project Apollo (U.S.)
United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
United States. National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics
Series I: ArtifactsNASA Flagundated341Membership Pin Inscribed "National Congress of Parents and Teachers 1897"6Medal for winning the "News Tribune Miniature Aircraft Tournament 1929"6Commemorative Red Ribbon with Commemorative Pin Inscribed "Mercury Orbital, Friendship 7"ca. 19636Commemorative Object from the NASA-Ames Research Center6Commendation Medal for Outstanding Achievements from the University of Minnesota6Commemorative object inscribed "Authentic Silver Re-Strike 1768 Spanish Pillar Dollar Presented to Dr. Robert R. Gilruth, Southwestern Savings Association New Home Office Dedication, Houston, Texas, September, 1968"6Series II: Awards, Certificates, and DegreesSkin Diving Diploma from Southwest Council of Skin Diving Clubs for Mrs. E. Jean Gilruth1968329President's Award for Distinguished Federal Service1962327Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from University of Minnesota1936331Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering from University of Minnesota for Robert R. Gilruth1935332Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering from University of Minnesota for Ester Jean Barnhill1935333Citation for Houston Manned Spacecraft Center for Moon Landing Efforts from Rockefeller Public Service Awards1969334Certificate of Appreciation, National Research Council, Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board1981335Rockefeller Public Service Award for Distinguished Service, Princeton University1969336Honrary Doctorate from George Washington University; Newsclipping and Letter1962339Honorary Fellow, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Certificate and Letter1962338Honorary Citizen of Roswell, N. M. (Key to the City)5Recognition Plaque from Space Industries International5Honorary Degree from New Mexico State University5Spirit of St. Louis Medal 1964 (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers)5ASME Medal 1970 (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers)5Honorary Degree from Michigan College of Mining and Technology5Recognition of Outstanding Achievement from the Regents of the University of Minnesota5Citation for Distinguished and Exceptional Service from the Mayor of the City of New York5Honorary Degree from the George Washington University5Certificates from the Institute of the Aeronautical Sciences (Elected Honorary Fellow and Fellow)5Honorary Degree from the University of Minnesota5Award from AIAA (Honorary Fellow)5Certificate of Membership, Internationalis Astronautica Academia6Sylvanus Albert Reed Award, Institute of the Aeronautical Sciences6Honorary Degree, Doctor of Science, Indiana Institute of Technology19626Membership Certificate, National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America19746Certificate of Appreciation, NASA19776Distinguished Service Medal (Apollo 8), NASA19696Distinguished Service Medal (Apollo Program), NASA19696Certificate of Recognition, Duluth Central High School19626H. Res. 487, Recognition (Apollo 11) from the U. S. House of Representatives19696National Academy of Engineering Diploma19686National Air and Space Museum, Outstanding Achievement in Aerospace Technology19856Louis W. Hill Space Transportation Award19616Honorary Fellow Certificate, Royal Aeronautical Society19696Series III: CorrespondenceLow/Mcdivitt Correspondence (2 folders)117-18Letters of Congratulations 119Letters and Telegrams1968-1971120Series IV: Interviews and MemoirsOral History Transcript -- Interview with R. R. Gilruth on Gemini Program1968419"Notes on Interview with Milton W. Rosen at NASA HQ, Washington, 14 November 1969"420Oral History Transcript -- Interview with R. R. Gilruth on NASA History1969421"The Director of MSC -- Excerpt from MSC Historical Interview with Geaorge M. Low"ca. 1970423"Memoir: from Wallops Island to Mercury, 1945-1958"ca. 1970424"United States Manned Space Flight, 1960-1970" (for use by mandatory publishing company encyclopedia yearbook)425"Transcript of Tape Made by Messrs, Gilruth, Lunney, Johnson, and Hardy Following Their Trip to Moscow, 23-29 October 1970"426Oral History Transcript -- Interview with R. R. Gilruth on Apollo Program1973430Oral History Transcript -- Interview with R. R. Gilruth on Skylab Program1975433Manuscript Notes for a Memoirundated436Memorandum for Record: Telcon Interview (Eugene Emme)1975432Series V: Lectures and Speeches"Investiture '92"328"Space Heros Get 'Missed' College Credit"1962330Address to the Rice University Associates1963414Commencement Address to Michigan College of Mining and Technology1963415Speech at Macalester College: "The Manned Space Flight Program - A Progess Report"1964416Unidentified Speech Marked "Draft"1964417Commencement Address to Hancock High School, Hancock, Michigan1970422"To the Moon and Beyond" (Wright Memorial Lecture)ca. 1971428"Farewell Speech Notes" (as Director of MSC) March 3, 19721972-03-03429"Address to the Special Session"ca. 1975431"Wings Club Speech"ca. 1976434Series VI: Newspaper ClippingsNewspaper Clippings RE: Receipt of NASA's Distinguished Service Medal1962326Oversize Clippings and Full Newspapers (5 folders)1-5Series VII: Personal Papers
Books217Currency325Commencement Programs340Typescript Diary1961-02-10-1961-03-03413Typescript Diary1967-05-08-1967-05-22418Itinerary for a Trip to Moscow1971-11-26-1971-12-09427Henry Dethloff, Draft of a History of Johnson Space Center1989435Series VIII: PhotographsDedication of Recreation Center (Photographs)197322Photographs - Apollo 121969219Photographs220Photographs - Apollo 15221Key to Photos from Space31Photographs (6 folders)32-7Project Mercury Photographs (3 folders)ca. 1960s38-10Photographs - Apollo 101969311Photographs312Photographs - L.B.J.'s Visit to Center1965-1968313Photographs - Apollo Spacecraft and Operations (general)314Photographs - Russians at MSC1971315Photographs - Gemini1965316Photographs - Goddard Museum317Photographs - Dr. Gilruth and Jerry Warrenburg318Photographs - JSC - Pictures of Facilities1965-1973319Photographs - Apollo 14 and Moon320Photographs - Royalty1967321Photgraphs - Distinguished People (1960's-1970's)ca. 1960 - 1970322Photographs - Apollo - Suyz Negotiations and J.S.C.323Guest List and Photographs of Earthca. 1970s324Oversize Photographs and Small Artworks7Series IX: Reports, Notes, and Professional WritingsDrafts - Chapters 10, 11, and unknown21Reports and Articles (4 folders)11-4Apollo Notes - #11967-04-1967-0715Apollo Notes (2 folders)1967-08-1967-1216-7Apollo Notes - #31968-01-1968-0318Apollo Notes - #4 (2 folders)1968-04-1968-0719-10Apollo Notes - #5 (3 folders)1968-08-01-1968-12-31111-13Apollo Notes - #6 (2 folders)1969-01-01-1969-03-30114-15Apollo Notes1969-04-30-1969-11-05116Reports and Articles (14 folders)23-16Miscellaneous 218"R.A.E. News. The Journal of the Royal Aircraft Establishment" Vol. 24 No. 31971337"The Effect of Wing-Tip Propellers on the Aerodynamic Charateristics of a Low Aspect Ratio Wing" (MS Thesis, U. Minnesota)193641"An Investigation of the Lift and Thrust Theoretically Available from the Angular Momentum of a Propeller Wake"ca. 193842"Notes on the Stalling of Vertical Trail Surfaces and on FIN Design" -- F. L. Thonpson and R. R. Gilruth194043"Analysis and Prediction of Longitudinal Stability of Airplanes" -- R. R. Gilruth and M. D. White194144"Lateral Control Required for Satisfactory Flying Qualities..." - R. R. Gilruth and W. N. Turner194145"Lateral Control Required for Satisfactory Flying Qualities..." -- R. R. Gilruth and W. N. Turner (NACA Report No. 715)194146"Requirements for Satisfactory Flying Qualities of Airplanes"194147"Requirements for Satisfactory Flying Qualities of Airplanes" (NACA Wartime Report)194148"Requirements for Satisfactory Flying Qaulities of Airplanes" (NACA Report No. 755)194349"Analysis of Vertical-Tail Loads in Rolling Pull-Out Maneuvers"1944410"Aerodynamic Problems of Guided Missiles"1947411"Resume and Analysis of NACA Wing-Flow Tests"1947-1948412