Aviation History Collections (Bibliographies / Subject Guides)


A guide prepared by Maria R. Estorino, December 2006

Pan American World Airways, Inc. Records
Extent: approximately 1,600 linear feet
Abstract: This collection consists of the historical records of Pan American World Airways, Inc. including photographs, administrative files, financial records, promotional materials, technical manuals, publications, etc.  Historical records of Pan Am’s various airlines throughout the world and National Airlines are also included.
Access: Inventory available in the Special Collections Department.

World Wings International Records
Extent: 25 linear feet
Abstract: Formed in 1959, World Wings International is an association of former Pan Am flight attendants that now dedicates itself to charitable activities.  This collection includes the administrative records of the organization as well as scrapbooks, photographs, membership and annual meetings files, correspondence and financial records.
Access: Preliminary inventory available in the Special Collections Department.

Clipper Pioneers Collection
Extent: 19 linear feet
Abstract: Clipper Pioneers is an organization of former Pan Am pilots and flight crew.  This collection includes Pan Am records such as memoranda, flight manuals, and accident reports as well as clippings, log books, pilot files, scrapbooks and photographs.
Access:   Preliminary inventory available in the Special Collections Department.

Ione Wright Papers
Extent: 12.5 linear feet
Abstract: The papers of Ione Wright contain resources related to Pan Am’s activities in exploring the Pacific, including correspondence and oral history interviews.
Access:   Collection in process.  Preliminary inventory available.  Please inquire with Special Collections.  Oral history interviews are inventoried online at the Ione Wright Papers finding aid.

Humphrey W. Toomey Papers
Extent: 10 linear feet
Abstract: This collection includes documents, photographs, correspondence, clippings and other materials related to Toomey’s employment with the New York, Rio and Buenos Aires Airline, Panair do Brasil, and Pan American World Airways from 1929-1961.
Access:   Collection in process.  Preliminary inventory available.  Please inquire with the Special Collections Department.

William C. House Papers
Extent:   10 linear feet
Abstract: The William C. House Papers includes letters and photographs of Norman Rockwell and House on their around the world trip on Pan Am.  House was an executive with the advertising firm, J. Walter Thompson.
Access:   Preliminary inventory available in the Special Collections Department.

Donald W. Thomson Papers
Extent: 9 linear feet
Abstract: Donald W. Thomson worked for Pan American World Airways from 1932 to 1976 when he retired as the company’s treasurer.  His papers include corporate records, memoranda, reports, memorabilia and photographs.  Bound volumes of annual reports and books were separated from the collection for cataloging.
Access:   Collection in process.  Preliminary inventory available.  Please inquire with the Special Collections Department.

George Price Papers
Extent:   2 linear feet
Abstract: Materials related to Pan Am.
Access: Collection in process.  Please inquire with the Special Collections Department.

Kimball J. Scribner Collection
Extent:   1.25 linear feet
Abstract: Video cassettes, films and audio cassettes relating to Pan Am and aviation donated by former Pan Am pilot Kimball J. Scribner.
Access: Collection in process.  Please inquire with the Special Collections Department.

Roy Keeler Collection
Extent: 1 linear foot
Abstract: Materials donated to the department by former Pan Am pilot Roy Keeler.
Access: Collection in process.  Please inquire with the Special Collections Department.

F. Charles Ruegg Papers
Extent:  0.50 linear feet
Abstract: The F. Charles Ruegg Papers contain correspondence, photographs and notes on Ruegg’s employment with Pan American World Airways from 1940 to 1951 (bulk dates).  The papers document Ruegg’s work in the Pacific as well as assignments in Nigeria and Liberia in Africa.
Access: Finding aid available in the Special Collections Department.

Leonard Albasi/Gill Family Collection
Extent: 0.25 linear feet
Abstract: The Leonard Albasi/Gill Family Collection contains eight copy negatives and ten copy prints of 1937 photographs of American pilot Amelia Earhart at an unidentified airfield, probably Miami’s Municipal Field.
Access: Leonard Albasi/Gill Family Collection Finding Aid.

J. H. Brown Collection
Extent: 0.25 linear feet
Abstract: Photographs of U.S. and international cadets training at Pan Am’s navigation section at the University of Miami during World War II.
Access: Collection in process.  Please inquire with the Special Collections Department.

Dorothy E. Mills Collection
Extent: 0.25 linear feet
Abstract: Photographs of Pan Am flight attendants.
Access: Collection in process.  Please inquire with the Special Collections Department.

Port Washington Public Library Oral History Collection
Extent:   0.25 linear feet
Abstract: Transcripts of interviews with former Pan Am employees.
Access: Collection in process.  Please inquire with the Special Collections Department.

R.A. Seymour Collection
Extent: 0.25 linear feet
Abstract: Photographs and memoirs of Royal Air Force cadet training at Pan Am’s navigation section at the University of Miami during World War II.
Access: Collection in process.  Please inquire with the Special Collections Department.

James Wendler Collection
Extent:   0.25 linear feet
Abstract: Photographs of Pan Am aircraft at Dinner Key terminal in Miami, Florida.
Access: Collection in process.  Please inquire with the Special Collections Department.