The Ufologists That Time Forgot

 

The Ufologists That Time Forgot is recurring feature spotlighting early flying saucer researchers, lecturers, and authors. Join us in exploring the people who shaped the UFO legends, from the famous to the forsaken... 

1940s and Before 

Frederick G. Hehr, an engineer and prophet, way back in 1929 was saying that in ancient times extraterrestrials landed on Earth in spaceships and guided the development of mankind. 

The UFO Prophecy of Frederick G. Hehr

When flying saucers made headlines in 1947, Ole J. Sneide was the first person featured in the newspapers to seriously state that the UFOs were actually extraterrestrial spaceships. 

 

A 1947 Pioneer of the UFO Extraterrestrial Hypothesis

John P. Bessor presented the first extraterrestrial hypothesis to Air Force UFO investigators back in July 1947, but with a twist. He said UFOs were space animals, and later, Kenneth Arnold agreed.

The 1947 ET Hypothesis of John P. Bessor

When UFOs hit, R. DeWitt Miller became the media’s first expert for his Fortean book, Forgotten Mysteries, which had a chapter, "Enigmas Out of Space," focused on strange aerial objects.

The 1st UFO book? Forgotten Mysteries by R. DeWitt Miller

 

Claude Degler was responsible for the first publication devoted exclusively to flying saucers, Weird Unsolved Mysteries in the fall of 1947

Claude Degler, One of The Ufologists That Time Forgot

1950s

Eugene Harry Drake was a pioneer, publisher of some of the first literature on UFOs, and (before Adamski) was possibly the first person claiming to have met extraterrestrials and taken a ride in one of their spaceships.

Dr. Drake and the Visitors

Robert C. Gardner lectured throughout the 1950s for Air Force groups, universities, and clubs, featuring photos and motion pictures as evidence to show UFOs are real.

The UFO Evidence of Robert C. Gardner

The Amazing Criswell's UFO involvement goes much deeper than just hosting the flying saucer invasion movie, Plan 9 from Outer Space.

Criswell Predicts Flying Saucers

Norman S. Bean of Florida was a first-generation ufologist. He was born in 1906, so he was a full-grown man when the 1947 news of flying saucers captured his life-long interest. 

UFO Expert and Lecturer, Norman S. Bean

In August 1957, US military officials at the Pentagon examined evidence of extraterrestrial visitors, a recording of a 90-minute tape of a message from space channeled by Rev. Enid Brady.

Enid Brady, Bob Ewing, and the Voices from Space

Hugh McPherson ruled late night jazz/talk radio on WCHS in Charleston, WV in the late 50s to late 60s. His show was one of the first discuss the existence of flying saucers and feature ufologists.

Early UFO Radio Host: Hugh McPherson

James A. Lee, Director, Interplanetary Space Patrol, investigated many Texas UFO cases in the 1950s, and used a vehicle equipped with high-tech gear, the "Space Wagon."

James A. Lee of the Interplanetary Space Patrol

George W. Earley was an aircraft engineer, a writer, a lecturer, a Fortean, and a strong advocate for the scientific study of UFOs.

George W. Earley on the Rational Study of UFOs

1960s

Wade Wellman was an active member of NICAP and an advocate to promote Congressional hearings into the study of UFOs, writing to people and institutions, such as US Congressmen and Time magazine.

The Ufologists That Time Forgot: Wade Wellman

Major Donald G, Carpenter was a Physics professor and the author of the United States Air Force Academy textbook that became infamous for having a chapter discussing concepts of UFOs and the aliens said to pilot them. 

UFOs, Aliens, & U.S. Air Force Academy Textbooks

There's more to explore and new entries coming soon from

The Saucers That Time Forgot