Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434) 560 Drillfield Drive Newman Library, Virginia Tech Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 Business Number: 540-231-6308 specref@vt.edu URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu
Tyler Dodson, Student Assistant, and Kira A. Dietz, Archivist
Repository
Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Identification
Ms.1990.053
Title
Robert R. Gilruth Papers 1936-1989
Quantity
6.6 Cubic Feet, 6 boxes; 7 oversize folders
Creator
Gilruth, Robert R. (Robert Rowe), 1913-
Language
The materials in the collection are in English.
Abstract
The collection consists of Robert R. Gilruth's papers, notes, records, articles, photographs, awards, degrees, certificates,
and artifacts from 1936-1989.
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.
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
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.
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."
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.
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.
Membership Pin Inscribed "National Congress of Parents and Teachers 1897"
box 6
Medal for winning the "News Tribune Miniature Aircraft Tournament 1929"
box 6
Commemorative Red Ribbon with Commemorative Pin Inscribed "Mercury Orbital, Friendship 7"
ca. 1963
box 6
Commemorative Object from the NASA-Ames Research Center
box 6
Commendation Medal for Outstanding Achievements from the University of Minnesota
box 6
Commemorative 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"