2 Replies Latest reply on Mar 25, 2019 9:35 PM by njaa_historian

    Seeking information on Apollo 11 flags and patches

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    njaa_historian Mar 19, 2019 9:31 AM

      In 1970 Buzz Aldrin visited the New Jersey Astronomical Association (NJAA).  Buzz donated a small US flag and shoulder patch to the NJAA at that time.   We're certain the flag was on the Apollo 11 mission and went to the moon and back.    We're not certain about the patch and I'm looking for info about the patch's possible travels.   The NASA historian recommended the National Archives at College Park but I'm unsure where to start searching.   Any help is appreciated, thanks!

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        • Re: Seeking information on Apollo 11 flags and patches
          Jason Atkinson Pioneer
          Jason Atkinson Expert Mar 21, 2019 8:15 AM (in response to njaa_historian)

          Dear Mr. Nelson,

           

          Thank you for posting your request to History Hub!

          In addition to their issued items, each astronaut was allowed to carry a Pilot’s Preference Kit (PPK) containing personal items and other objects which the astronaut had the right to keep, gift or sell after the flight. It was customary for NASA to allow each astronaut a great deal of discretion regarding the nature of these personal items.


          We searched the Records of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Record Group 255) for various series at the National Archives at College Park relating to the Apollo program but were unable to find any documents relating to the PPKs. Since many of the NASA records have not yet been fully processed, they may include some pertinent information in these records. The majority of the records at our College Park location are from NASA headquarters offices located in the Washington DC area. For questions about researching these records, contact the National Archives at College Park - Textual Reference (RDT2) via email at archives2reference@nara.gov. 

          Most of NASA's Apollo program work was conducted by NASA centers in other parts of the country.  Records of the Manned Spacecraft Center (now called the Johnson Space Center) are located at the National Archives at Fort Worth (RM-FW). Please contact RM-FW via email at ftworth.archives@nara.gov. Records of the NASA Launch Operations Center (now called the John F. Kennedy Space Center) and the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) are located at the National Archives at Atlanta (RE-AT). Please contact RE-AT via email at atlanta.archives@nara.gov.

           

          In addition to contacting the regional archives, you may also contact the historians at the MSFC History Office, the JSC History Office, and the Kennedy Space Center.

          Finally, because of the personal nature of the PPKs, it is possible that no permanent government records exist regarding the contents of the PPKs or that these records have been restricted for privacy reasons. One additional option may be to contact Buzz Aldrin or his representatives via his website.

           

          We hope this information is helpful. Best of luck with your research!

           

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