Government Correspondence, 1963-1989

File — Box: 144

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection: The James Chipman Fletcher papers consist of records, correspondence, and other documents primarily relating to his tenure as the Administator of NASA, the top position in that organization. Among the items included in Fletcher's papers are his appointment books. These are quite detailed accounts of Dr. Fletcher's meetings, as the books indicate with whom he met, at what time, and for how long. In some cases there is also a brief note on the subject of the discussion.

The bulk of the papers consist of speech and travel information. As NASA Administrator, Dr. Fletcher was called upon frequently to speak at affairs related to the aerospace industry, as well as address the requisite number of graduating classes and service organizations. He also traveled on tours of inspection and was present at various space launches.

For some years, following the speech and travel files, are notes and information from meetings and briefings. Some of these contain formal briefing charts and extensive printed materials on proposed NASA-related programs. In 1975-1977 there appear a number of files dealing with the fiscal year budgets.

Dr. Fletcher's handwritten notes on meetings or general office business are followed by the correspondence files. The general correspondence is filed by date. There are, however, some special subject files, such as those on Soviet Union and United States cooperation, which are filed chronologically within subject. Personal correspondence included with the collection consists of letters or recommendation as well as correspondence with friends.

There are a number of miscellaneous files at the end of each year. These include reports, telephone messages, newspaper clippings, and other similar items. Finally, the requests for autographs from the years 1971-1978 are filed together at the end of the collection.

The memorabilia includes clippings about Dr. Fletcher's appointment, biographies of NASA Austronauts, various certificates, plaques, models, and other items.

Dr. Fletcher's papers from his tenure as president of the University of Utah are housed in the University Archives.

Dates

1963-1989

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.