Theodore J. Gordon papers, 1963-1966
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Gordon, Theodore J.
- Title
- Theodore J. Gordon papers
- Dates
- 1963-1966 (inclusive)19501966
- Quantity
- 1.55 cubic feet (4 boxes)
- Collection Number
- 05126
- Summary
- Theodore J. Gordon (1930–2024) was a futurist, engineer, and author in the United States. This collection contains correspondence, an autobiography, and manuscripts of Gordon’s work.
- Repository
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American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Dept. 3924
Laramie, WY
82071
Telephone: 3077663756
ahcref@uwyo.edu - Access Restrictions
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There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.
- Additional Reference Guides
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Finding aid available in repository.
- Languages
- English
Historical Note
Theodore J. Gordon (1930–2024) was a futurist, engineer, and author in the United States. He co-founded the Millennium Project, co-created the Institute for the Future, and served as president of The Futures Group, the first for-profit futurist think tank in the United States, founded in 1971. Gordon had an extensive engineering career, working as Chief Engineer on the McDonnell Douglas Saturn S-IV space vehicle project and serving as Group Vice President for Missiles and Space Systems at Douglas Aircraft from 1952 to 1968. He also directed Advanced Space Stations and Planetary Systems, overseeing early Apollo flight development and launches from Cape Canaveral. In the field of futures research, Gordon was instrumental in pioneering the Delphi Method, co-authoring the first large-scale Delphi study in 1964 while consulting with RAND from 1963 to 1964 and again from 1967 to 1968. His work significantly influenced forecasting methodologies and strategic planning in both aerospace and futures studies. Gordon passed away in February 2024 at the age of 93.
Content Description
This collection contains an unpublished autobiography, correspondence, and manuscripts of Theodore J. Gordon’s works, including “First into Outer Space,” “The Future,” “Ideas in Conflict,” and “A Survey of Missile and Space Engineering.” Also included are drafts of the book “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Moon” ghost written for Lois C. Philmus.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Use
Copyright InformationThe researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.
Restrictions on Use
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Preferred Citation
Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
Administrative Information
Return to TopDetailed Description of the Collection
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Description: AutobiographyDates: undatedContainer: Box 1
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Description: Book Jacket - "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Moon" by Lois C. PhilmusDates: 1966Container: Box 1
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Description: CorrespondenceDates: 1963-1966Container: Box 1
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Description: Manuscript - "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Moon" by Lois C. PhilmusDates: 1966Container: Box 1
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Description: Manuscript - Draft - "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Moon"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 1
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Description: Manuscript - "A Survey of Missile and Space Engineering" by Theodore J. GordonDates: undatedContainer: Box 1-2
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Description: Manuscript - Draft - "A Survey of Missile and Space Engineering" by Theodore J. GordonDates: undatedContainer: Box 2
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Description: Manuscript - "First Into Outer Space" by Theodore J. Gordon and Julian ScheerDates: undatedContainer: Box 2
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Description: Manuscript - "The Future" by Theodore J. GordonDates: undatedContainer: Box 3
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Description: Manuscript - Drafts - "The Future" by Theodore J. GordonDates: undatedContainer: Box 3
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Description: Manuscript - "Ideas in Conflict" by Theodore J. GordonDates: undatedContainer: Box 3
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Description: Manuscript - Drafts - "Ideas in Conflict" by Theodore J. GordonDates: undatedContainer: Box 3-4
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Description: Manuscript - "Lunar Probe" by Theodore J. Gordon and Julian Scheer (this was later published as "First Into Outer Space")Dates: undatedContainer: Box 4
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Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Aeronautics -- Authorship -- United States.
- Astrionics -- Authorship.
- Physical sciences -- Authorship -- United States.
Occupations
- Authors.
Other Creators
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Personal Names
- Gordon, Theodore J. : First into outer space.
- Gordon, Theodore J. : Future.
- Gordon, Theodore J. : Ideas in conflict.
- Philmus, Lois C. : Funny thing happened on the way to the moon.
