While reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) existed for centuries, the “Modern UFO Era” (1947-present) saw a dramatic increase in reports of UFO sightings. However, the possibilities of alien life and contact were often dismissed as hoaxes, conspiracy theories, or misinterpretations of natural phenomena. The search for extraterrestrial life gained significant credibility in 1969 with three key events.
MUFON (Midwest UFO Network), America’s oldest active major UFO investigation organization, was founded in May 1969. Originally focused on a single region, MUFON’s activities expanded quickly, necessitating a rebranding (Mutual UFO Network) by 1973 to reflect its international expansion. The volunteer organization has been active for 53 years, investigating claims of sightings, collecting data, and publishing many captivating reports.
September 1 brought a UFO sighting reported by 40 people in Massachusetts. Even more incredible is the claim by Thomas Reed of being abducted and taken onboard an alien ship. His story was investigated by the Great Barrington Historical Society, who eventually authenticated Reed’s account, declaring the incident “historically accurate and true,” the first time a historical society has verified such a claim.
A third incident was not reported until 1973 but lends significant credibility to ufology. Jimmy Carter, former state senator and future president, described watching an unidentified flying object in October 1969 and later filed two official reports documenting the encounter. This statement from a respected politician showed that belief in UFOs need not be limited to eccentric outcasts and decreased the stigma in reporting such an account.
The 1960s brought significant interest in space travel, from Barney and Betty Hill’s famous abduction story in 1961 to the moon landing at the end of the decade. 1969 was, in many ways, a breakthrough year for UFO research and brought new directions and plausibility in the hunt for life beyond our planet.
About the presenterKevin Hogg
Kevin Hogg is a high school English and Law teacher in British Columbia. He holds a Master of Arts degree in English Literature and is currently working on a narrative nonfiction book about the summer of 1969.