Colonel Bernt Balchen, 1899-1973 Personal Papers
Scope and Contents
This collection covers Bernt Balchen’s admirable career as a cold weather aviator who made many valuable contributions to the aviation world. This collection contains family photos of Colonel Balchen as a child in the early 1900’s and ranges to articles and letters received by his wife and family in the early 2000’s. The materials cover a wide time span and consist of a variety of materials relating to the life and achievements of this great aviator....
See moreDates
- 1903-2002
- Majority of material found within 1903 - 1973
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Conditions Governing Use
Some copyright may be reserved. Consult with the library director for more information.
Biographical / Historical
World renowned aviator Bernt Balchen was born in Tveit, Norway on October 23, 1899. Colonel Balchen, a native Norwegian, started flying in 1921. He became a U.S. citizen in 1930. His career spanned 35 years, serving both governments in cold-weather aviation. His many accomplishments include: pilot of the “America” transoceanic flight, searching for Amundsen, Byrd Antarctica expedition, building a secret air base in Greenland, rescues of downed planes,... flying arms to Norwegian Resistance movement, rebuilding SAS Airlines, the DEW Line, and many other notable achievements. He retired from the USAF in 1956. He received many honors for his contributions to aviation. Colonel Balchen passed away in 1973 and was buried on his 74th birthday.
See moreExtent
0.4 Cubic Feet (1 manuscript box)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
This collection contains the papers of Bernt Balchen, a renowned cold-weather aviator.
Physical Location
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Most of the collection was donated to the Museum in the early 2000’s.
- Title
- The Descriptive Finding Guide for the Bernt Balchen Personal Papers
- Author
- Natasha Stanbury Harris
- Date
- May 2006
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
Repository Details
Part of the San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives Repository
2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
San Diego 92101 USA US
(619) 234-8291
(619) 233-4525 (Fax)