FAQs: Common Reference Topics

Can you help me identify an old propeller?
Possibly - please send a written request to the NASM Archives Reference Desk. Your request should include as much of the following information as you can provide: dimensions, size and placement of bore holes, text of any labels on the propeller, and a photo (if possible).

Do you have any information on my relative who was involved in aviation?
Possibly, although he or she would have to have been at least moderately famous. You're welcome to send a specific research request to the NASM Archives Reference Desk, and we'll be happy to check our collections for you. Please provide as much biographical information as possible, especially full name, birth and death dates, and the area of aviation or space history involved (air mail, military, space program, etc.).

I'm working on a National History Day project - can the NASM Archives help?
We'll be happy to help you with your project - but please be sure to narrow your topic enough that you can make a request on a specific subject. For instance, for this year's topic, "Frontiers in History," do not ask us the question "How is space a frontier?" Choose some aspect of the history of space exploration, and - after you've done your initial research - ask us for assistance by contacting the NASM Archives Reference Desk. You may find the National Archives and Records Administration History Day website of use.

Do you have anything on African-Americans involved in aviation? Anything on the Tuskegee Airmen?
Yes. We have basic information available on both the Tuskegee Airmen as a group, as well as many individual African-American pilots of the past (including Bessie Coleman). While we do not have any prepared information available, you are welcome to send a specific research request to the NASM Archives Reference Desk.

Patrons interested in photographs used in the NASM publication Black Wings should review the NASM Archives Permission Information page, and be prepared to specify which photographs you would like to use in your project.

Do you have anything on the history of women in aviation? Anything on the Women's Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs)?
Yes, we have a large amount of material in our collections relating to women in aviation, both as individuals as well as groups such as the WASPs. While we do not have any prepared information available, you are welcome to send a specific research request to the NASM Archives Reference Desk.

I'm trying to find information on the history of a specific military aviation unit - can you help me?
Possibly. Our coverage of military aviation units is highly variable. For some units we have a lot of information, for others we have nothing at all. In general, we have better coverage of USAF units and their predecessors than for Navy or Marine units. You are welcome to send a specific research request to the NASM Archives Reference Desk. Patrons interested in USAAF units may wish to do research in the U.S. Air Force Pre-1954 Official Still Photography Collection, located at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland.

Can you tell me if the National Air and Space Museum has a particular aircraft or spacecraft?
The Museum's Collections pages have useful online lists of artifacts on display as well as an extensive online Collections Database.

I'm interested in the UFO phenomenon - does the NASM Archives have anything on UFOs?
No. We are predominantly concerned with identified flying objects.

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