Museum of Flight Oral History Collection

The Museum of Flight Oral History Collection chronicles the personal stories of individuals in the fields of aviation and aerospace, from pilots and engineers to executives. This collection, which dates from 2013 to present, consists of digital video recordings and transcripts, which illustrate these individuals’ experiences, relationship with aviation, and advice for those interested in the field. By the end of 2019, approximately 76 interviews will have had been conducted. The interviews range in length from approximately 20 minutes to 4 hours and 45 minutes. Most interviews are completed in one session, but some participants were interviewed over multiple occasions.

The personal stories in this collection span much of the modern history of flight, from the Golden Age of Aviation in the 1930s, to the evolution of jet aircraft in the mid-twentieth century, to the ongoing developments of the Space Age. The selected interviewees represent a wide range of career paths and a diverse cross-section of professionals, each of whom made significant contributions to their field. Among the many interviewees are Calvin Kam, a United States Army veteran who served as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War; Robert “Bob” Alexander, a mechanical engineer who helped design the Hubble Telescope; and Betty Riley Stockard, a flight attendant during the 1940s who once acted as a secret parcel carrier during World War II.

The production of the videos was funded by Mary Kay and Michael Hallman. Processing and cataloging of the videos was made possible by a 4Culture "Heritage Projects" grant.

NOTE: The Museum records and preserves oral history interviews for their historical significance. Oral history interviews, by their nature, are personal and interpretive because they rely on the memories, perceptions, and opinions of individuals. The views expressed or implied in the interviews are solely those of the speaker and may reflect social attitudes and circumstances of the period or place being described. In the interest of maintaining the integrity of the historical record, the Museum does not delete, edit, or obscure relevant words, phrases, or assertions that some viewers might consider objectionable or offensive. The interviews do not reflect the values or perspectives of the Museum or of companies or organizations that the speaker is associated with. While reasonable attempts are made to avoid inaccuracy, the Museum cannot guarantee the validity, accuracy, or completeness of the information in the interviews.