Gilruth, Robert R. (1913- )

Papers, 1936-94, Ms90-053, 5.4 cu. ft.

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Aerospace engineer, NASA administrator. Received BS in aeronautical engineering, University of Minnesota (1935); MS (1936). Flight research engineer, Langley Aeronautical Laboratory of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (1937-45); chief, Pilotless Aircraft Research Division (1945-50); assistant director (1950-58). Head of the Space Task Group for NASA (1958-61), in charge of directing Project Mercury. First director of the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston (1961-72). Recipient of numerous awards, including the National Aeronautical Association's Robert J. Collier Trophy (1972). Named to the National and International Space Halls of Fame (1969 and 1976); member of the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Sciences. Papers include Gilruth's MS thesis (1936); NACA reports he authored or co-authored; his typescript diary during February and March 1961; a copy of an unpublished memoir, "From Wallops Island to Project Mercury, 1945-1958"; notes and texts of speeches, including his farewell speech as director of the MSC (1972); photographs; awards; diplomas ; memorabilia; and copies of oral history transcripts of interviews on the history of the space program.

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