Jim and Coral Lorenzen
In the quiet expanses of Tucson, Arizona, lies a testament to humankind’s enduring fascination with the unexplained: the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO). As pioneers in the UFO research field, Jim and Coral Lorenzen founded APRO in 1952, driven by curiosity and the yearning for understanding. For decades, this organization stood at the forefront of extraterrestrial investigation, and now, its vast archives have found a new home at the National UFO Historical Records Center (NUFOHRC) in Rio Rancho, NM.
In a press release dated 11/28/23, the magnitude of this transfer was underscored, as APRO’s records were not only the product of the oldest civilian UFO study group but also part of a collection that constitutes the largest civilian historical UFO case file collection in the United States, possibly even the world.
The significance of the Lorenzens’ work cannot be overstated. In the early days, there was an optimism that the mysteries of unidentified flying objects would be swiftly unraveled. Yet, as Coral Lorenzen once reflected, time brought a shift in perspective. The goal evolved into meticulously gathering data that could lay the groundwork for rigorous scientific analysis.
Their research painted a picture of skies traversed by technologies, with reports of landings and beings collecting samples from Earth—a narrative that has intrigued and perplexed the public for generations.
The NUFOHRC is determined to continue this legacy, aiming to establish a permanent facility near Albuquerque, NM, which will not only safeguard these invaluable files but also provide public access to them. This endeavor is in collaboration with civilian, scientific, and government UFO research efforts, emphasizing the collective drive to unravel the mysteries that have captivated so many.
This transfer also saw the inclusion of Dr. J. Allen Hynek’s original U.S. Air Force Project Blue Book files, further enriching the historical UFO research. Dr. Hynek, once a skeptic, became a leading figure in the study of UFOs, advocating for the scientific investigation of these occurrences.
As the NUFOHRC seeks to digitize and preserve these records, they also open doors to potential revelations about our visitors—answering questions about who they are, where they come from, and the purpose of their visits. The consolidation of such a vast array of UFO records in one location is unparalleled in U.S. history.
The press release ends with an invitation to the public to support this monumental effort. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, NUFOHRC welcomes tax-deductible donations to help build a dedicated archive for these historical materials. Contributions will not only support the preservation of history but may also aid in uncovering truths about the unexplained phenomena that continue to intrigue us.
