Skip to Main Content

Special Collections and Archives Division

This guide will welcome you to Special Collections and Archives and will cover the collections and their uses at the University of Texas-Dallas.

The History of Aviation Archives

About the Collection
The History of Aviation Archives represents a world-class aeronautical collection documenting the evolution of flight and aerospace development. As the largest section of Special Collections, it serves as the official repository for significant aviation history, including Civil Air Transport (CAT) and Air America operations. The collection spans from early aviation pioneers to modern aerospace development, featuring unique materials on lighter-than-air craft, military aviation, commercial airlines, and Texas aerospace industry through LTV/Chance Vought records.

Notable strengths include:

  • Civil Air Transport and Air America documentation
  • LTV/Chance Vought aerospace history
  • General Jimmy Doolittle's personal papers
  • World War I aviation materials
  • Lighter-than-air craft documentation
  • Early aviation pioneers' records
  • Texas aviation development
  • Ambassador William H. Sullivan papers
  • Comprehensive technical documentation
  • Extensive photograph collections

The archive's significance extends beyond mere historical documentation, offering unique insights into technological innovation, military operations, commercial aviation development, and aerospace industry evolution. Through the Jalonick Memorial Distinguished Lecture Series and various outreach programs, the collection actively contributes to aviation education and research.

Photo of front entrance to the History of Aviation Archive. The numbers, 3020,are on the building and there is a bush next to two signs. One says SP/N Gallery and the SP2 History of Aviation Archives.     This is a picture of the entrance to the History of Aviation Archive Department. You see a tv monitor on the wall with pictures from the archive displayed. There is also a seating area with chairs and a small table.

(Left) Entrance to the History of Aviation Archive Building, SP2 at 3020 Waterview Parkway. (Right) Entrance into the History of Aviation Archive department and Reading Room.

This is a picture of the Reading Room and Conference Room in the History of Aviation Archive.

Reading Room and Conference Room at the History of Aviation Archive.

Contact Information:
Senior Curator of Aviation Archives: Patrizia Nava, CA
Email: patrizia.nava@utdallas.edu
Phone: 972-883-2577

Location:
Synergy Park North 2
3020 Waterview Parkway
Suite 11.206
Richardson, TX 75080

Major Collections

Research Resources

  • The Air-Log (quarterly newsletter)
    • Current and back issues available in PDF format
  • Jalonick Lecture Series
    • Educational programming
    • Aviation history presentations