Recovered Lost Interview Tapes of Hickson and Parker: A Remarkable Discovery
Memories and UFO Research: The Importance of Timely Interviews
In the world of UFO research, the accuracy of witness testimony is important in determining the truth behind reported encounters. It is well-known among scientists that memories are not infallible and can fade or change over time. Dr. Elizabeth Loftus, a leading expert in memory research, emphasizes the importance of obtaining testimony soon after an event occurs. In fact, memories collected within five days of an event are considered the most reliable.
Dr. Ulric Neisser conducted a study in 1986 to test the accuracy of memories related to the space shuttle Challenger explosion. He gave psychology students a questionnaire about the disaster on the day or two after the event and then again four years later when they were finishing their college education. The results showed that a significant portion of the students’ memories had inconsistencies or errors compared to what they had initially reported.
This study highlights the fact that memories can be influenced by new information and that older details can be lost over time. When it comes to investigating phenomena like the Pascagoula abduction of Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker, it’s important to gather information as soon as possible after the event. If there are discrepancies in accounts provided later, it is best to prioritize the initial information.
In light of this, a recent press release has brought exciting news to the UFO research community. Audio files of interviews conducted by Dr. James Harder and Dr. J. Allen Hynek shortly after the reported Pascagoula abduction have been discovered. These recordings were found within the APRO files, which had been previously inaccessible. This discovery is considered a historic find in the field of UFO research.
David Marler, the Executive Director of the National UFO Historical Records Center (NUFOHRC), has been instrumental in archiving UFO-related information in a centralized repository. The APRO files, along with other important collections from organizations like NICAP and CUFOS, are being digitized for easier access and analysis. Plans are also underway to establish a permanent facility in Albuquerque, NM, where the public can access the extensive UFO research data, including historical photos and artifacts.
Unlike in the past, where researchers often withheld information, the sharing of these audio files as soon as they were discovered represents a shift toward a more scientific attitude in UFO research. This willingness to collaborate and make information available is a model that all researchers should follow.
For decades, APRO was a leading UFO research group, founded by Jim and Coral Lorenzen in 1952. However, access to their archive became difficult after the organization closed down. Thanks to individuals like David Marler and the NUFOHRC, these invaluable records are now securely preserved and ready to be explored.
The focus of recent research efforts has been on the 1973 Pascagoula abduction case involving Calvin Parker and Charles Hickson. Philip Mantle, a prominent UFO researcher, has been working closely with Calvin Parker until his passing in August 2023. Through collaboration with Dr. Irena Scott and other colleagues, they have gathered a wealth of evidence related to the Pascagoula encounter. This includes firsthand eyewitness testimonies from individuals who were in the vicinity of the event and even experienced their own alien abduction encounters.
However, the most significant development in this ongoing research is the recovery of historic audio files from the APRO tapes. These include hypnosis sessions with Calvin Parker conducted by Dr. James Harder shortly after the incident, interviews between Dr. Harder and Sheriff Fred Diamond, as well as discussions between Sheriff Diamond and Dr. J. Allen Hynek. The importance of these tapes cannot be overstated, as they provide crucial insights into the 1973 Pascagoula case and contribute to the broader understanding of alien abduction experiences.
While it’s still under consideration how this new information will be made available to the public, it is undoubtedly a significant step forward in uncovering the truth behind the Pascagoula abduction. Researchers like Mantle and Dr. Scott are eager to receive any additional information related to the case. Whether it is photographs, documents, or personal accounts, every piece of evidence can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the event.
The discovery of these audio files and the collaborative nature of their release signify a shift towards a more transparent and scientific approach in UFO research. The establishment of the NUFOHRC as a central repository for UFO-related data is an important step towards fostering cooperation among researchers, scientists, and government organizations.
In conclusion, the importance of timely witness interviews cannot be underestimated in the field of UFO research. Memories can change and fade over time, making it essential to gather information as soon as possible after an event occurs. The recovery of historic audio files related to the 1973 Pascagoula abduction represents a significant milestone in the investigation. Thanks to the efforts of individuals like David Marler, Philip Mantle, and Dr. Irena Scott, these valuable records are now available for analysis. This newfound openness and collaboration in UFO research pave the way for a more rigorous and scientific approach to understanding unexplained phenomena.
