Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Michael Collins Papers
Collins, Michael, 1930-2021
Ms.1989.029
24.9 Cubic Feet
39 boxes, 1 oversize folder, and 1 object
1907-2004
The collection includes the papers of Michael Collins, pilot, astronaut, assistant secretary of state, director of the National Air and Space Museum and author, dating from 1907-2004. Materials include reports, instruction manuals, personal notes, printed materials, audio recordings, photographs, awards and memorabilia associated with Collins' Air Force, NASA, State Department and NASM careers. There are also papers and research relating to Collins' writings; materials from public speaking engagements and board and club memberships; and small sets of personal correspondence and biographical material.
Most of this collection is in English.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open to research.
Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use
Much of this collection is copyrighted. 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], Michael Collins Papers, Ms1989-029, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Source of Acquisition
The Michael Collins Papers were donated to Special Collections and University Archives in 1989. Additional donations were acquired in 2005 and 2007.
Processing Information
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Michael Collins Papers commenced in July 2003 and was completed in September 2003. Preliminary processing had been performed during the early 1990s. Donations from 2005 and 2007 were processed, arranged, and described in November and December 2014.
Existence and Location of Copies
Some of this collection has been digitized and is available online.
Biographical Note
Pilot, astronaut, U.S. assistant secretary of state, National Air and Space Museum director, and author, Michael Collins was born in Rome, Italy, on October 31, 1930. He graduated from Saint Albans School in Washington, D.C., before attending the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), where he obtained a bachelor of science degree in 1952.
Collins received an Air Force commission and, after pilot training, was assigned to Nellis Air Base for advanced training on the F-86 Sabrejet. Upon completion of training, he was assigned to the 21st Fighter- Bomber Wing, stationed in Victorville, California and, later, France. In 1961, Collins completed test pilot school and was assigned to Edwards Air Force Base, where he tested experimental fighter jets. (In the meantime, he had married Patricia Finnegan; the couple would have three children: Kathleen, Ann and Michael.)
Interested in NASA's manned space program, Collins enrolled in the newly established Aerospace Pilot School in 1963. In October of that year, he was among the third group of astronauts selected by NASA. Collins served as a member of the backup crew for the Gemini 7 mission and as pilot of NASA's Gemini 10 mission (launched July 18, 1966) with commander John Young. Among the mission's noteworthy accomplishments were the establishment of a new orbital altitude record, a rendezvous with an Agena target vehicle, and two spacewalks conducted by Collins.
Due to the rotational basis on which astronauts were assigned to Apollo missions, Collins was originally scheduled to be a member of the Apollo 8 flight crew. His need for back surgery, however, forced his re- assignment to a later mission. The postponement placed Collins on the crew of Apollo 11 (launched July 16, 1969), the first manned mission to land on the lunar surface. As the mission's command module pilot, Collins orbited the moon while commander Neil Armstrong and lunar module pilot Edwin E. "Buzz" Aldrin descended to its surface.
In January 1970, Collins resigned from NASA and served as assistant secretary of state for public affairs before becoming the first director of the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum in April 1971; he was promoted to undersecretary of the Smithsonian in April 1978. During this time, Collins began writing about his experiences in the space program, leading to his book
Carrying the Fire(and a subsequent children's adaptation, Flying to the Moon and Other Strange Places). His expertise and talents led to numerous requests for speaking engagements, articles and book reviews. In 1988, he published Liftoff!,a book on the history and future of space exploration; his Mission to Marswas published in 1990.Collins served on the boards of numerous organizations and corporations throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He became vice-president of field operations for the Vought Corporation in 1980, then resigned to head his own consulting firm, Michael Collins Associates, in 1985. He retired from the Air Force Reserve with the rank of major general in 1982.
Collins' awards include the Presidential Medal of Freedom; the Collier, Harmon and Goddard trophies; the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; the Distinguished Flying Cross and many others. He has received awards from eleven other countries and honorary degrees from six colleges and universities.
Michael Collins died on April 28, 2021.
Scope and Content
The Michael Collins Papers document the life and career of Collins, pilot, astronaut, assistant secretary of state, director of the National Air and Space Museum (NASM), and author.
The collection comprises correspondence, notes, printed material, photographs, and audio recordings from Collins' Air Force career, training at the U. S. Test Pilot School and Experimental Flight Center, participation in NASA's Gemini and Apollo programs, and tenure at the State Department and NASM. The collection also includes materials associated with Collins' books
Carrying the Fire, Flying to the Moon and Other Strange Places, and Liftoff!, as well as various articles and book reviews written by him. Collins' many public appearances are represented here with background materials, speech notes, texts, printed material, and photographs. The collection also contains a number of files, largely composed of correspondence, devoted to Collins' involvement with various boards and clubs. In addition, there are small sets of personal correspondence, biographical materials, and an assortment of honors and memorabilia.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged in the following series:
Series I. Air Force, 1953-1973. This series contains Collins' individual flight record (including his later NASA flights) and an accident report for the crash of an F-86 fighter jet piloted by him. The series also consists of a number of test pilot manuals from the USAF Flight Test Center and reports written by Collins while at the Experimental Flight Test Pilot School. Additionally, there are a few items relating to survival training and an Aerospace Research Pilot School publication with sketches and photographs of ARPS and Experimental Test Pilot School graduates. The series is arranged chronologically.
Series II. Project Gemini, 1962-1967. The Project Gemini Series contains a number of preparatory materials which has instruction manuals, class materials and Collins' own notes on astronomy, geology and the Gemini spacecraft. From the Gemini 10 flight, the series consists of an audio recording of the liftoff, transcripts of voice communications and mission commentaries, and photographs. The series also comprises official post-mission reports and two Gemini 10 newsclipping scrapbooks. The series is arranged in subseries by material type.
Series III. Project Apollo, 1966-2004. Like the Project Gemini series, this series contains Collins' preparatory notes. Additionally, it includes transcripts of mission commentary, flight communications, and press feeds during post-flight recovery of the command module. The series has a number of audio recordings, which range from a pre-flight press conference to television coverage of the mission, and post-mission public appearances by the crew. Print media coverage of the mission may be found in a set of
NASA Current News publications and other printed materials. The series consists of approximately 200 mission photographs and a number of commemorative materials. (Among the more unusual items are a collection of songs and poems inspired by Apollo 11 and a book of congratulatory letters from French civic leaders.) Post-mission materials comprises files devoted to five- and ten-year anniversary observances of the moon landing and audio recordings relating to the Apollo program and missions 12 and 13. The series is arranged in subseries by material type. Within subseries, materials are in chronological order wherever possible.Series IV. Assistant Secretary of State, 1969-1971. Collins' brief career with the U. S. State Department is chronicled here through notes, correspondence (including letters from President Nixon), audio recordings and printed materials. The series is arranged by item format, then chronologically.
Series V. National Air and Space Museum, 1971-1979. This series comprises materials relating to Collins' directorship of NASM - particularly to the museum's design, groundbreaking and opening. The collection also consists of newsclippings devoted to museum exhibits and Collins as director. Audio recordings of events commemorating Collins' farewell complete the series. Arranged by form of item, then chronologically.
Series VI. Boards and Clubs, 1973-1989. This series, largely devoted to the many advisory and editorial boards on which Collins served throughout the 1970s and 1980s, includes correspondence, notes, printed materials and photographs. There are a few folders on clubs to which Collins belonged. The series is arranged alphabetically by organization name.
Series VII. Writings, 1908-2004. This series comprises materials relating to the writing and publication of Collins' books
Carrying the Fire, Flying to the Moon and Other Strange Places, and Liftoff! and includes background materials, typescripts, galley proofs, reviews and publicity. (The files for Carrying the Fire also have correspondence with Charles Lindbergh about his foreword to the book.) A number of Collins' articles, book reviews and opinion / editorial pieces are contained here as well. The series is arranged in subseries by publication type (book, magazine article, book review, etc.), then chronologically within each subseries.Series VIII. Speeches, 1970-1996. Collins' many public addresses throughout the 1970s and 1980s are represented here with background materials, speech texts, printed materials and photographs. The series is arranged chronologically by date of speech.
Series IX. Personal Correspondence, 1963-1973. This small series comprises correspondence which did not fit neatly into those series devoted to specific aspects of Collins' career. It has a number of letters relating to NASA and the Apollo program. (Most noteworthy are letters from "Buzz" Aldrin, Charles Lindbergh and Lyndon B. Johnson.) The series is arranged chronologically.
Series X. Biographical Materials, 1966-2003. Like the personal correspondence series, this series was created from materials not associated with any specific aspect of Collins' public career. The series consists of a few printed materials with interviews or biographical sketches of Collins and several photographs. The series is arranged in subsidies by material type.
Series XI. Honors and Memorabilia, 1961-1989. This series contains awards honoring Collins and his work the form of certificates, medals, and plaques from the United States, individual states, foreign countries, military organizations, and private corporations. The series also has just a few items of memorabilia, among which are a piece of fabric from the Kitty Hawk "Wright Flyer," Collins' pilot clipboard, a Gemini sunscreen plate, a short film of Collins family scenes and commemorative items from NASA's Apollo and Voyager missions. The series is arranged in subsidies by material type. Within subseries, materials are in chronological order wherever possible.
Separated Materials
The following items were transferred to the Rare Book Collection:
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Aeronautics: The American Magazine of Aerial Locomotion, 8(5), November 1910.
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Hallion, Richard P., "Girding for War: Perspectives on Research, Development, Acquisition, and the Decision-making Environment of the 1980's," Edwards Air Force Base, CA: History Office, Air Force Flight Test Center, 1985.
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Journey to Halley's Comet, [S.l.]: NASA, 1980.
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National Security Strategy of the United States, Washington, D.C.: The White House, 1988.
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Origin and Evolution of Life--Implications for the Planets: a Scientific Strategy for the 1980's, Washington, D. C.: National Academy of Sciences, 1981.
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Our First Quarter Century of Achievement... Just the Beginning [NASA 25th anniversary press kit], [S.l.]: NASA, 1983.
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Report to the President : Actions to Implement the Recommendations of the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident, [Washington, D.C.: U.S.G.P.O., 1986].
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To the Moon : the Story in Sound [sound recordings with accompanying book], New York: Time Life Records, 1969.
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Ethics of Change: Humanistic Values versus Technological Imperatives, New Smyrna Beach, FL: Atlantic Center for the Arts, 1988.
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Viking Orbiter Views of Mars, Washington, DC: NASA Scientific and Technical Information Branch, 1980.
Rights Statement for Archival Description
The guide to the Michael Collins 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)
Astronauts
Authors
Businesspeople
Science and Technology
United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Collins, Michael, 1930-2021
Project Apollo (U.S.)
Project Gemini (U.S.)
Series I. Air Force1953-1973Individual flight record1953-197311 (2 folders)Scope and ContentIncludes NASA flights.
Major accident report: F-86F - Chaumont Air Base (France)August 16, 195612"Aerodynamics Handbook for Performance Flight Testing", Air Force Flight Test Center, vol. 1July 196013"Pilot's Handbook for Performance Flight Testing", Air Force Flight Test CenterSeptember 1, 196014 (2 folders)"Combined Performance Report" by Michael Collins, USAF Experimental Flight Test Pilot SchoolDecember 196015 (2 folders)"A Limited Stability and Control Investigation of the T-28A, T-33A, B-57E, and F-86E; a Qualitative Evaluation of the T-28A and F-104D and Spin Tests on the T-28A and F-86F" by Michael Collins, USAF Experimental Flight Test Pilot SchoolApril 10, 196121 (3 folders)"Pilot's Handbook for Stability and Control Flight Testing", Air Force Flight Test Center, Vol. 1May 196122"Pilot's Handbook for Stability and Control Flight Testing", Air Force Flight Test Center, Vol. 2March 196123"Flight Qualification of Fletcher and Royal Jet F-104 200-Gallon Nestable Pylon Tanks" by Frank N. Lucero and Michael CollinsFebruary 196224Air Force survival trainingc. 196425The USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School196726Scope and ContentThis publication contains sketches and photographs of graduates from ARPS and the USAF Experimental Flight Test Pilot School from 1955 to 1967.
Series II. Project Gemini1962-1967Subseries A. Gemini (I-IX)1962-1967"Introductory Notes on Astronomy" by John H. CraigieAugust 196231Gemini training notebook1963-1964, n.d.32Aeromedical Evaluation for Space PilotsJuly 196333"Schedule and Outline of Courses in Geology: Astronaut Training Program"January 8, 196434 (2 folders)"Gemini - Titan II Air Force Launch Vehicle Press Handbook" (2nd Edition)c. 196535 (2 folders)"Gemini Program Flight Summary Report (Missions I-VII)"July 196641"Summary of Gemini Extravehicular Activity"June 196757 (2 folders)Subseries B. Gemini X1966-1967Gemini 10 notebook196636"Final Gemini X Flight Plan"June 22, 196637 (2 folders)"Gemini Operations Handbook - Spacecraft 10 (Revision A): Section II - Controls and Displays"July 1, 196642 (3 folders)"Gemini 10 Mission Highlights"[July 1966]43"Gemini X Voice Communications (Air-to-Ground, Ground-to-Air and On-board Transcriptions)"July 18-21, 196645 (2 folders)"Gemini-X Mission Data: Air to Ground Voice Transcripts (Preliminary)"196600:00:00 - 6:67:48July 18, 19664607:16:47 - 23:13:26July 18-19, 19664723:13:26 - 70:46:39July 19-21, 196651-2"Gemini 10 Mission Commentary"July 19, 196653"Gemini X Technical Debriefing"July 26, 196654 (2 folders)"Gemini Program Mission Report: Gemini X"August 196655 (3 folders)"Interim Report: Manned Spaceflight Experiments - Gemini X Mission"March 196756Gemini 10 rendezvous with Agena target vehicle photoJuly 1966341Gemini model (on display in SCUA Reading Room)1Subseries C. Audiovisual and Photographic Materials1965-1966Gemini X liftoff commentary [reel-to-reel audio recording, 2 copies]July 18, 196644NASA photographs (black and white)1966, n.d.61 (3 folders)NASA photographs (color)1965-1966, n.d.62 (4 folders)General NoteSee also Oversize Materials.
Gemini 10 photo album1966, n.d.71 (5 folders)Gemini 10 scrapbook196672"Gemini 10 - Flug : im Spiegel der deutschen Presse" [scrapbook of German newsclippings]196673Series III. Project Apollo1966-2004Subseries A. Press Releases and Print Media1969-1970, n.d."Apollo Spacecraft News Reference"[April 1969]83 (2 folders)Apollo News Center press releasesJuly 13-24, 196984Press feeds from WUI press center aboard USS Hornet during recovery of ColumbiaJuly 24, 1969114NASA Current NewsJuly 16-August 8, 1969Apollo 11 special issueJuly-August 1969143 (2 folders)July 16, 1969135July 17, 1969136July 18, 1969137July 22, 1969138July 23, 1969139July 24, 19691310July 25, 19691311July 28, 19691312July 29, 19691313July 30, 19691314July 31, 19691315August 1, 19691316August 4, 19691317August 5, 19691318August 6, 19691319August 7, 1969141August 8, 1969142NASA Reports and Press Releases3834NASA 10th Anniversary Special Report3835Press Releases about Astronauts19633840Materials about the Future of Spaceflight1969-19703521Other printed material1969-1970, n.d.144Scope and ContentIncludes copies of
Politica, a Serbo-Croatian magazine.Subseries B. Audiovisual and Photographic Materials1969-1971, n.d.Reel-to-reel audio recordingsJuly 14, 1969, n.d.91Press conferenceJuly 14, 1969Thomas O. Painen.d.Collins familyn.d.Apollo 11 television coverage [reel-to-reel audio recording]July 1969112Apollo 11 lunar descent and ascent - flight director loop [reel-to-reel audio recording, 2 copies]July 1969113"Temporary Composite on Apollo 11" [reel-reel audio recording][July 1969]117"Apollo 11 Capsule" radio program [reel-to-reel audio recording]August 7, 1969121Press conference [reel-to-reel audio recording]August 12, 1969122Parades (Chicago and New York) [reel-to-reel audio recording]August 13, 1969123Dinner with President Nixon [reel-to-reel audio recording, 2 copies]August 13, 1969124Television appearances [reel-to-reel audio recordings]July 5-August 17, 1969125"Face the Nation"August 17, 1969Press conferenceJuly 5, 1969Houston paradeAugust 16, 1969Congressional visit [reel-to-reel audio recording]September 16, 1969126Television broadcasts [reel-to-reel audio recordings]1969133"Rocketry"c. 1969"Apollo 11 Capsule"1969"The President's Dinner"August 13, 1969Radio programs commemorating one-year anniversary of moon landing [two reel-to-reel audio recordings]1970148Media coverage of Apollo 12 and Apollo 13 [two reel-to-reel audio recordings]c. 1969-1970153Media appearances relating to the space program [reel-to-reel audio recordings]1969-1971, n.d.154GrummanSeptember 17, 1969von Braun (Dick Cavett Show)October 28, 1970Hubert Humphrey on spaceJune 16, 1970Norman Mailer on Apollo 11 (Today Show)January 11, 1971Swigert and Apollo Programn.d.NASA photographs (black and white)July 1969161 (13 folders)NASA photographs (color)July 1969171 (9 folders)Miscellaneous photographsc. 1969172Scope and ContentIncludes Collins in laboratory, life support schematic, astronauts' wives, post-mission tour, and Apollo 12.
See also Oversize Materials.
Subseries C. Apollo 111966-1967, 1969Apollo training notebook1966-196781Apollo 11 training notebook196982Apollo 11 mission commentary transcriptsJuly 16-24, 1969July 16, 196992July 17, 196993July 18, 196994July 19, 196995July 20, 196996 (2 folders)July 21, 196997July 22, 196998July 23, 196999July 24, 1969910"Apollo 11 Technical Air-to-Ground Voice Transcription (Goss Net 1)"July 1969101 (6 folders)"Apollo 11 Command Module Voice Dump Transcription"July 1969Tapes 11-03301 to 11-03303102Tapes 11-03304 to 11-03307103Tapes 11-03309, 11-03311 to 11-03314104Tapes 11-03318 to 11-03320, 11-03322105Tapes 11-03323 to 11-03328, 11-03331106"Apollo 11 Onboard Voice Transcription"August 1969111 (3 folders)"Apollo 11 Technical Crew Debriefing"July 31, 1969Vol. 1July 31, 1969115 (2 folders)Vol. 2July 31, 1969116 (2 folders)"Apollo 11 Mission Report"November 1969132 (2 folders)Publications Concerning the Lunar Landingc. 1969, n.d.Life, Off to the MoonJuly 4, 1969391Life, Leaving For the MoonJuly 25, 1969392Life, On the MoonAugust 8, 1969393Life, To the Moon and Back Special Editionc. 1969394-5Epoca, Numero Speciale a Colori Lunac. 1969396Correspondence1969, n.d.Congratulations following the Lunar Landing3827Correspondence in response to the Lunar Landing3828Well Wishes for the Apollo 11 Crew19693845Book of greetings signed by French civic leaders1969147Songs and poems inspired by Apollo 111969-1972, n.d.Printed material1969-1972, n.d.145 (2 folders)General NoteSee also Oversize Materials.
Recordings1969, n.d.146 (2 folders)Visual Art Inspired by Apollo 11"The Great Moment" by Paul Calle: correspondence and commemorative booklet 369"Some Photographic Results of the Apollo 11 Mission" by Paul A. LarsenFebruary 27, 1970134Apollo 11 five-year anniversary1974Apollo 11 five-year anniversary1974151Materials Concerning the Fifth Anniversary of the Lunar Landing3518Apollo 11 ten-year anniversary1979152 (2 folders)Scope and ContentIncludes letter from Jimmy Carter.
See also Oversize Materials.
Apollo 11 ten-year anniversary1979344"Men on the Moon: a 10th Anniversary Report" - LI (Newsday's Magazine for Long Island)July 15, 1979"A Today Tribute to Apollo 11", TodayJuly 15, 1979Apollo 11 fifteen-year anniversary3519Apollo 11 twenty-year anniversary 1989Ad Astra- Special Issue Twentieth Anniversary of the Lunar LandingJuly-August 1989351Materials Commemorating the Twentieth Anniversary of the Lunar Landing3537-41Apollo 11 twenty-five-year anniversary199425th Anniversary of the Lunar Landing371-2Apollo 11 thirty-year anniversaryc. 1999373Apollo 11 thirty-five year anniversary c. 200435th Anniversary of the Lunar Landing Press Kit37535th Anniversary of the Lunar Landing Correspondence, Articles, and Speeches374Apollo 11 ticker tape parade photo - New York CityAugust 13, 1966342"Zeus's Brothers" poem by Rod C. Tetern.d.343Subseries D. NASA Materials1964-1970Memos19643832Memos1965-19693833"NASA Astronauts" booklet19673527"Mission H-1 Abort from Lunar Powered Descent and Subsequent Rendezvous"November 7, 1969131Program for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Annual Honor Awards CeremonyNovember 13, 19703841Chain of Command at NASA385International Responses to NASA386Series IV. Assistant Secretary of State1969-1971Correspondence, notes, and photographs1961-1971, n.d.181Printed materials1969-1971, n.d.182 (2 folders)Reel-to-reel audio recordings1969-1971183 (2 folders)Television appearanceNovember 26, 1969Television newsNovember 28, 1969"Washington Week"November 29, 1969Swearing-in ceremony [2 copies]January 6, 1970"Washington Week"January 10, 1970Television appearanceApril 16, 1970Television appearance [2 copies]February 3, 1971Unidentified recordingn.d.Series V. National Air and Space Museum1971-1979Memoranda, photographs, and ephemera1971-1979184 (2 folders)Newsclippings1971-1979, n.d.185 (3 folders)"NASM Press Clippings, 1976-1977" booklet1977186Regents dinner and Collins' farewell reception [two audiocassette recordings]January 1978187NASM Interview3529National Air and Space Museum Articles and Memos3530Series VI. Boards and Clubs1973-1989Air and Space Heritage Council1984191Andrulis Research Corporation1985192CPRW Inc.1985-1986193 (2 folders)First Flight Society1985-1987194International Academy of Astronautics1973-1984195International Aerospace Hall of Fame1971-1988196International Platform Association1979, n.d.197Metropolitan Club (Washington, D.C.)1980-1989, n.d.198NASA Goals Task Force1986-1987, n.d.199 (2 folders)National Aeronautic Association1984-19861910National Research Institute for Neural Injury1984, n.d.1911National Space Club1982-19881912Space-Public Corporation1984-19851913Space World19881914U. S. Global Strategy Council and World Strategy Network1982-1987, n.d.1915Materials from Various Organizations of Which Michael Collins Was a Member3622Series VII. Writings1908-2004Subseries A. Carrying the Fire (Book)1971-1975, 1987, n.d.Incoming correspondence1972-1974, n.d.201Scope and ContentIncludes correspondence from from aviator Charles Lindbergh.
Outgoing correspondence1973-1974202Notes, legal agreements and background materials1971-1973, n.d.203Typescript draftn.d.204 (3 folders)Condensed versions1975205Scope and ContentIncludes Reader's Digest and USIA.
Publicity1974-1975, n.d.206Reviews1974-1975, n.d.207 (2 folders)Excerpt in Air and SpaceOctober/November 1987354Excerpt in Science DigestJanuary 19753638Excerpts in SmithsonianJuly 19743639Materials Concerning the Book Release3516Reader's Digest, Excerpt from Carrying the FireJanuary 19753532Book Background Material387-10Preface Research3811Chapter One Research3812Chapter Two Research3813Chapter Three Research3814Chapter Four Research3815Chapter Five Reasearch3816Modified Chapters Six-Seven Research3817Old Chapter Six-New Eight Research3818Old Chapter Seven-New Nine Research3819-20Chapter Ten Research3821New Chapter Eleven Research3822New Chapter Twelve Research3823Chapter Thirteen Research3824Correspondence3825Subseries B. Flying to the Moon and Other Strange Places (Book)1975-1977, n.d.Typescript draftn.d.208Notes and reviews1975-1977, n.d.209Miscellaneous Materials3520Book Reviews, Invoices, and Correspondence384Subseries C. Liftoff! (Book)1908-1986Correspondence and notes1987-1988211Notes and background material1908-1986Introduction1987-1988, n.d.2111Chapter 11957-1986, n.d.2112 (2 folders)Chapter 21961-19712113Chapter 31908-1986, n.d.2114 (2 folders)Chapter 51969-1986, n.d.2115Chapter 61976-1986, n.d.2116 (4 folders)Chapter 71977-1986, n.d.221Interview notes1985-1987, n.d.Maxime Fagetn.d.212Robert Gilruth1985, n.d.213John Glennn.d.214Caldwell Johnson1985, n.d.215Chuck Mathews1986216Thomas Paine1986217Laurence Weeksn.d.218John Yardley1985219Skylab and ASTP crewsn.d.2110Typescript draftc. 1987Chapter 1c. 1987222Chapter 2c. 1987223Chapter 3c. 1987224Chapter 4c. 1987225Chapter 5c. 1987226Chapter 6c. 1987227Rewrite notes and background material1987, n.d.228Proofs1988229General NoteSee also Oversize Materials.
Publicity1988, n.d.2210Reviews19882211Galley proofs with revisionsn.d.345Final galley proofs with comments on illustrationsn.d.346Subseries D. Mission to Mars (Book)c. 1990, n.d.Criticism of Mission to Mars364Materials for Preface to Mission to Mars3614Mars Illustrations3615Miscellaneous Correspondence, Notes, and Images for Mission to Mars3616Mission to Mars - Book Reviews, Correspondence, and Materials from the Book Tourc. 1990, n.d.3617Copy of Manuscript: Part 13618Copy of Manuscript: Part 23619Mars Atlas383NASA Transparencies 3836Subseries E. Articles1970-1991"Spaceport, U.S.A."1985231"Into the Unknown"1987232"Flying High, Flying Low"1988233"Mission to Mars" in National GeographicNovember 19883621"A New Look at the National Air and Space Museum Smithsonian Institution" Aerospace Historian (Spring)March 1972352"Reflections of an Apollo 11 Astronaut" Air and SpaceFall 1982353"The Garden of Earth" in GuidepostsMarch 19713522Cricket Magazine19783513"The Hairy Ride Aboard Gemini 10, a 'bridge' on our way to the moon" in SmithsonianMay 19883535"Aerospace on the Mall" in AerospaceJune 19733625Commercial Space magazine19853628"Mars Bound" in Final FrontierMarch/April 19913629GeoFebruary 19783631GeoAugust 19813632"Out to Launch: Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral" in National Geographic TravelerSpring 19863634"Showing Lindbergh the Air and Space Museum" in Saturday ReviewApril 16, 19773636Article About the Space Shuttle in SmithsonianMay 19773637Other articles1973-1988234"Aerospace on the Mall"1973"An Astronaut Comes Down to Earth"1974"Carrying the Fire: the Fire Carrier Tells It Like It Is"1974"Reflections of a Space Adventurer"1974"Thoughts from Space"1974"An Apollo Astronaut Addresses the Question of Man vs. Machine"1985"The Hairy Ride Aboard Gemini 10 : a 'Bridge' On Our Way to the Moon"1988"At Home in Space"n.d."A Homecoming" in St. Albans BulletinWinter 19703536Interview with Michael Collins, US News and World ReportMay 16, 19883542Articles About Michael Collins' Life After Apollo 11382Miscellaneous Short Articles Concerning Michael Collins3627"Where to Now?" Interview with Michael Collins in the G.A.O.Winter 1988-19893630"Moon Landing was a Hoax" in Weekly World NewsMarch 5, 1991378Book reviews1970-1987235A World of My Own1970The Heavens and the Earth1985Entering Space1985Sphere1987Voyager1987Various Book Reviews by Michael Collins359Subseries F. Other Writings (Drafts, Forwards/Prologues, and Notes)1968-2007, n.d.Air University Review Aerospace MedicineJuly-August 1968355Articles About Michael Collins, Buzz Aldrin, and Neil Armstrong356Blue PlanetFall 2001357The Explorers JournalSpring 20043515"The Moon: How Far is It...to Charles Lindbergh?" by Rober Baehr published in American Studies in Transition3526Sky and TelescopeJune 19853534Naples Daily NewsSaturday, February 24, 20073838Newspaper Clippings on NASA Astronauts3839Sky and Telescope MagazineNovember 19913844Miscellaneous Writings1969-1988237Scope and ContentIncludes report for Rogers Commission and foreword for
The Space Shuttle: a Quantum Leap by George J. Torres.Book Forward for Milestones of Aviation358The Day Gravity Stopped - Draft of a Children's Book by Michael Collins3517Introduction to the Smithsonian book of Spaceflight3525Space Machines Notes3528Short Pieces Written by Michael Collins3533"An Approach to Space Logistics" presentation3626National Geographic Eyewitness to the 20th Century - Contributions by Michael Collins3633Prologue to Blueprint for Space by Fred Ordway3635Drafts of Articles and Speeches by Michael Collins376-7"CSIS Resources, Technology, and Future Battlefields"3826Draft of "Factor A-Understanding the Requirement"3829Miscellaneous Lectures3831Quotations3843Short Writings by Michael Collins3846Opinion and editorial pieces1971-1987236Series VIII. Speeches1970-1996January 1970241Assistant secretary of state swearing-inJanuary 6, 1970Seminar on Foreign PolicyJanuary 26, 1970February-April 1970242National Association of Sunday School TeachersFebruary 11, 1970Hubbard Medal presentationFebruary 16, 1970Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press AssociationFebruary 21, 1970National Association of Independent SchoolsMarch 7, 1970Oakton High School (Vienna, Virginia)April 29, 1970May 1970243Robert J. Collier Trophy presentationMay 6, 197025th anniversary of V-E DayMay 7, 1970Association of Industrial AdvertisersMay 11, 1970Kansas Bankers AssociationMay 22, 1970June-December 1970244Stonehill CollegeJune 7, 1970St. Michael's CollegeJune 8, 1970Northeastern University commencementJune 14, 1970Aspen Country Day SchoolSeptember 8, 1970January-February 1971245Binational Center (Mexico City)January 28, 1971World Affairs Council (Pittsburgh)February 9, 1971World Affairs Council (Los Angeles)February 23, 1971March-November 1971246Film showing at William A. M. Burden residence (Florida)March 28, 1971Brief Board of Regents on National Air and Space MuseumSeptember 27, 1971December 1971247Men's Luncheon Group (Smithsonian Institution)December 9, 19711972248NASM Advisory BoardJanuary 18, 1972Air Force Association "Comfort Silver" AwardsSeptember 13, 1972"Early Birds of Aviation"September 22, 1972USAF Academy Planetarium special programOctober 13, 1972USAF Brief Smithsonian council on NASM constructionNovember 10, 1972Vance Air Force Base graduationNovember 25, 19721973249Aviation / Space Writers AssociationJune 11, 1973Combined Federal Campaign / Keymen luncheonOctober 12, 1973Elkins Airport dedicationNovember 17, 197319742410Military Order of the World WarsMarch 14, 1974Smithsonian Institution luncheon with museum directorMarch 28, 1974U. S. Pavilion (Spokane, Washington)July 4, 1974NASM Advisory BoardJuly 25, 1974Death of Charles LindberghAugust 26, 197419752411Concern benefitMarch 13, 1975Summer Series Institute (Xavier University)June 12, 1975National Board of Smithsonian AssociatesOctober 15, 1975Southeastern UniversityOctober 22, 1975Fairchild Conference at Cal TechAugust 8, 197536719762412Lindbergh ForumJanuary 21, 1976Screen News Digest Tribute to Robert GoddardFebruary 10, 1976Achievement Rewards for College StudentsMarch 10, 1976Tribute to Robert GoddardMarch 16, 1976"Your Senator Reports" television show with Senator Charles H. PercyJune 21, 1976National Youth Science CampJune 30, 1976Wells Fargo Bicentennial AwardsSeptember 4, 1976Junior Officer Council (Columbus Air Force Base)October 28, 197619772413NASM Advisory BoardFebruary 24, 1977Werner von Braun memorial serviceJune 22, 1977Dedication of Delta Solar Sculpture (Venezuela)June 29, 1977ADS Reserve (Wright-Patterson Air Force Base)August 1, 1977Society of Experimental Test PilotsOctober 14, 197719782414American University Speakers WeekendFebruary 23, 1978Dinner honoring Barry GoldwaterMarch 13, 1978AIAA Houston ChapterMarch 21, 1978Mrs. Carter's luncheon for wife of Rumanian presidentApril 13, 1978January-June 19792415Einstein centennial receptionMarch 2, 1979Senate of ScientistsMarch 14, 1979"Joys of Research" ColloquiumMarch 16, 1979William James Forum (Washington College)April 18, 1979Brewer Trophy presentationApril 21, 1979Dedication of multiple mirror telescope (Tucson, Arizona)May 9, 1979July-December 19792416Tactical Training Wing (Holloman Air Force Base)October 13, 1979January-June 1980251Pax RiverApril 18, 1980Virginia Mason Research CenterApril 24, 1980Republican Platform Committee of Republican National CommitteeMay 8, 1980July-October 1980252Aeronautical Engineering Duty / Aeronautical Maintenance Duty SymposiumOctober 3, 1980Symposium on Space Activities and Implications (McGill University)October 16, 1980November-December 1980253Military Order of the CarabaoNovember 21, 19801981-1984254George Washington UniversityJanuary 29, 1981NCMA (Langley Air Force Base)March 19, 1981Lees McRae CollegeMarch 30, 1981Kennedy LibraryMay 10, 1981South Africa1982Young Astronaut ProgramOctober 17, 1984US Air Force-Squadron Officer School Space Symposium May 9, 19843624January-June 1985255AT & T Information SystemsJanuary 8, 1985IBMJanuary 16, 1985Greater Bangor Chamber of CommerceJanuary 25, 1985July-December 1985256National Aviation Hall of Fame (Dayton, Ohio)July 19-20, 1985Washington CollegeSeptember 19, 1985Borg-Warner (Parkersburg, West Virginia)October 22, 1985January-April 1986257Young Harris CollegeJanuary 15, 1986May-June 1986258Boca Raton CollegeMay 17, 1986"The Economic Payback from Space", GWU SymposiumJuly 16, 1986366July-December 1986259Fairmont State CollegeAugust 18, 1986BeA FastenersOctober 18, 1986Coffeeville Community CollegeNovember 18, 1986January-June 1987251025 Years of Man in Space (University of Rome)March 9, 1987AIAA / NASA / USAF Symposium on Automation, Robotics and Advanced Computing for the National Space ProgramMarch 11, 1987Hartford Graduate CenterApril 1, 1987Kobe Space and Science CenterMay 5, 1987LTV Steel sales seminarMay 13, 1987July-December 19872511The BonNovember 21, 1987"Star Wars"c. 19871988Ethics of Change Conference (Atlantic Center for the Arts)February 19, 19882512Atlantic Center for the ArtsFebruary 19, 1988361First in Flight SocietyDecember 17, 19883681989Chautaugua19893621990Heavenly News Conference-National Cathedral AssociationJanuary 6, 19903610IBM SpeachJanuary 11, 19903611International Conference on Aerospace HistoryApril 23-27, 199036121991Eastern Secondary Mortgage Market ConferenceSeptember 23, 1991365NASM- From Vinland to MarsOctober 9, 199136201994Tenth Annual Bakersfield Business ConferenceOctober 15, 199436231996Lindbergh Lecture (VHS)May 9, 199637NASM-Lindbergh LectureMay 9, 19963837UndatedMichael Collins Speech 2 (VHS)37Series IX. Correspondence1963-1973Personal Correspondence1963-19732513Scope and ContentIncludes letters from Buzz Aldrin, Charles Lindbergh and Lyndon B. Johnson.
Correspondence with Chelsea House Publishers363Email From Kate Doolan to Ed White November 24, 20003514Series X. Biographical Material1966-2003Subseries A. Calendars1964-1966Calendar19643510Calendar19653511Calendar19663512Subseries B. Interviews and Television Appearancesc. 1991, c. 1998, c. 2003, n.d.Johnson Space Center Oral History Projectc. 19983613A Chautauqua Chronicle (VHS)37American News Women's Club-Michael Collins (VHS)May 8, 199137Newton's Apple-Rich and Famous (VHS)37Newton's Apple-Gore, Collins, R, and F (VHS)37Kennedy Space Center-Roll 40 Michael Collins Interview #1 (VHS)37Kennedy Space Center-Roll 41 Michael Collins Interview #2 (VHS)37Kennedy Space Center-Roll 42 Michael Collins Interview #3 (VHS)37For All Mankind (VHS)37Society of Experimental Test Pilots - 2003 Centennial of Flight Oral History Sessions (DVD)c. 200337Subseries C. Photographs and Published Materials 1966-1984, n.d.Printed materials and photographs1966-1984, n.d.2514Photographs of Michael Collins35313842Series XI. Honors and Memorabilia1961-1989Subseries A. Certificates, honorary doctorates, and awards1969-1985, n.d.Certificates and accompanying material1969-1985, n.d.2515 (2 folders)General NoteSee also Oversize Materials.
First Life Astropolicy in the WorldJuly 16, 1969Souvenir plot of land, Stratford-upon-AvonJuly 25, 1969Pierre Guzman PrizeOctober 29, 1969Order of LeopoldNovember 5, 1969Doctor of Laws, Saint Michael's CollegeJune 7, 1970Doctor of Science, Northeastern UniversityJune 14, 1970International Academy of AstronauticsDecember 31, 1972Apollo Lunar Science CommunityMarch 5, 1973Military Order of the World WarsMarch 14, 1974Advanced Management Program, Harvard UniversityDecember 19, 1974National Space ClubMarch 12, 1975Order of Rio BrancoJuly 29, 1975Doctor of Science, Southeastern UniversityOctober 22, 1975National Civil Service LeagueNovember 16, 1976Legion of MeritMarch 11, 1977Aviation / Space Writers Association Distinguished Public Service Award1977Federation Aeronautique Internationale Gold Medal1977for Senior Government Executives on Public Policy IssuesDecember 1978American Astronautical Society John F. Kennedy Astronautics AwardMarch 30, 1979Air Reserve Forces Policy CommitteeJune 30, 1979Spirit of St. Louis MedalNovember 19, 1980Lees-McRae Monogram ClubMarch 30, 1981Doctor of Astronautical Science, Salem CollegeJuly 20, 1982National Aviation Hall of FameJuly 1985Texas Medal of Honorn.d.Articles and Correspondence Concerning Various Honors and Awards Bestowed Upon Michael Collins3523Honorary Doctorate for Michael Collins from Stonehill College3830Subseries B. Paperweightsc. 1968-1969, n.d.Project Geminic. 1966261Fiat carSeptember 10, 1969262Aircraft joystickn.d.263Subseries C. Plaques1961-1989, n.d.Tuskegee Airmen honorary life membershipNovember 12, 1981264Air Force Systems CommandFebruary 1982265USS HornetJuly 24, 1969266Jimmy Doolittle Fellow (Aerospace Education Foundation of the Air Force Association)1984267Jimmy Doolittle Fellow (Aerospace Education Foundation of the Air Force Association)1989268Fiji Policen.d.269"Taken from the eagle's nest: the real reason for 21 days of quarantine"n.d.2610Order of the Right StuffJanuary 26, 19822611Gemini Launch Vehicle Division, 6555th Aerospace Test Wingn.d.2612"Mike 'Lead Finger' Collins [from the] Gemini X Backup Crew"c. 1966271Robert H. Goddard Memorial TrophyMarch 18, 1970272Apollo XI Lunar Modulec. 1969273Collins family coat of armsn.d.274T-38 Talon checkout - Edwards Air Force BaseDecember 6, 1961275Reproduction of plaque left on lunar surfaceJuly 1969276Wooden Apollo 11 insignia - carved by Anneli Bonn and presented by Jack Webb Corp.n.d.281Ceramic piece with profiles of Aldrin, Armstrong and Collins and the names of those involved in the space program - by Edmond Amateis1969282USAF 25th Anniversary and "Comfort Silver" Awards banquet1969283Society of Experimental Test Pilots awards banquetSeptember 27, 1969284Gemini sunscreen platec. 1966291USS Guadalcanal - Gemini 10 recovery shipn.d.285Air Force Association's Gill Robb Wilson Award1976286Subseries D. Memorabilia1969-1980, n.d.Photo album commemorating Apollo 11 crew's trip to GermanyOctober 1969292Pilot's clipboard with topographical map of Edwards Air Force Base arean.d.293Flight test performance reduction computern.d.294Academic regalia (yellow and black)n.d.29516mm film with Collins family scenesn.d.296Commemorative Soviet space medallionsn.d.297Assorted memorabilia1969-1980298Apollo 11 launch invitation1969"Voices from the Moon" sound disc (33 1/3 rpm)c. 1969Apollo 11 cartoonc. 1969Voyager press kit and commemorative button1980Original fabric from Kitty Hawk "Wright Flyer"n.d.Autographed photographs of foreign dignitaries and NASA administratorsn.d.Apollo 8 Commemorative Medallion381Subseries E. Medals1969, n.d.City of New York sealAugust 13, 1969301Presidential Medal of FreedomAugust 13, 1969302Pere Marquette Discovery AwardNovember 8, 1969303Belgian medaln.d.304French medaln.d.305Ordem da Solidariedade (origin unknown)n.d.306Thai medaln.d.307Texas Medal of Honorn.d.308Brazilian medals [2 items]n.d.311Distinguished Flying Crossn.d.312Eagle scout medal (presented by the Boy Scouts of Japan)n.d.313Italian medaln.d.314Orden Jugoslovenske Zevezde Sa Lentom (Order of the Yugoslav Star)n.d.315Distinguished Service Medaln.d.321Japanese Order of Culturen.d.322NASA Distinguished Service Medaln.d.323NASA Exceptional Service Medaln.d.324Korean Order of the Mugungwha (Rose Azalea)n.d.331Subseries F. Oversize honors and memorabilia1966-1984, n.d.1National Aeronautic Association certificate of record1966National Moon Walk Day proclamation (signed by Richard Nixon)July 20, 1969Presidential Medal of Freedom certificate (signed by Richard Nixon)August 13, 1969Assistant secretary of state appointment (signed by Richard Nixon)December 15, 1969Federation Aeronautique Internationale diplome de record1969NASA Group Achievement AwardApril 2, 1973Smithsonian Institution certificate of appreciationJanuary 27, 1980United States Air Force certificate of appreciation to Patricia CollinsFebruary 4, 1982Flag flown aboard space shuttle Columbia (from NASA)1982Flags flown aboard space shuttle Challenger (from American Institute of Aeroanutics)[February 1984]Air Force Reserve certificate of appreciationn.d.Apollo translunar / transearth plotting chartJune 23, 1969Photo of first lunar landingJuly 20, 1969Apollo 11 emblem on fabric [3 copies]c. 1969Soviet poster commemorating lunar landing[1969?]Lindbergh Awards Dinner posterMay 21, 1986Italian lunar mapn.d.