The story of The Bigelow Foundation begins with a pivotal conversation in the summer of 1992, between Dr. Angela Thompson, a researcher with a rich background in parapsychology, and Robert Bigelow, a visionary Nevada hotel developer. This dialogue marked the inception of a journey that would significantly shape the landscape of UFO and consciousness studies.
Robert Bigelow’s initial proposal was groundbreaking. He envisioned establishing a Chair of Anomalies Research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). The aim was to create a laboratory that would work in tandem with the Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research (PEAR) Laboratory at Princeton University. This collaboration sought to further human-computer interaction studies and remote perception research, areas that were then on the fringes of scientific exploration.
Dr. Thompson, with her five-year tenure at PEAR, was poised to act as the crucial link between these two research hubs, shuttling between Nevada and New Jersey to oversee this ambitious project. However, the plan took an unexpected turn. The Foundation’s focus expanded beyond the initial scope, venturing into more diverse areas of anomalies research, including UFOs, abductions, and crop circles.
In preparation for her role as Research Coordinator at the Foundation, Dr. Thompson immersed herself in the heart of UFO research. She attended the annual Mutual UFO Network Symposium in Albuquerque, NM, interacting with prominent figures in the field such as Linda Moulton-Howe, Dick Haines, Jacques Vallee, Stanton Friedman, and Budd Hopkins. This experience not only broadened her understanding but also laid the groundwork for the Foundation’s future direction.
This period marked the beginning of The Bigelow Foundation’s journey into exploring some of the most perplexing and tantalizing mysteries of our time. It set the stage for a series of initiatives and investigations that would push the boundaries of conventional scientific research and open new frontiers in the study of unexplained phenomena.
Early Initiatives and Research Focus (1992-1993)
With Dr. Angela Thompson at the helm as Research Coordinator, The Bigelow Foundation embarked on an ambitious journey into the realm of anomalies research. This period was characterized by a broadening of the Foundation’s focus, encompassing a diverse array of phenomena including UFO sightings, abductions, and crop circles.
Dr. Thompson’s involvement in the Mutual UFO Network Symposium played a pivotal role in shaping the Foundation’s research direction. Interactions with luminaries in the field of UFO research like Linda Moulton-Howe, Dick Haines, Jacques Vallee, Stanton Friedman, and Budd Hopkins, helped establish the Foundation as a serious player in the study of unexplained aerial phenomena.
The Foundation’s approach was not limited to theoretical research. It actively engaged in funding various organizations and projects that were at the forefront of UFO research. This move signified a significant commitment to advancing our understanding of these unexplained phenomena and bridging the gap between fringe science and mainstream scientific inquiry.
During this phase, the Foundation’s activities also included Dr. Thompson’s ongoing UFO abduction research, which brought to light intriguing possibilities of human surveillance and covert activities. A mysterious incident involving the discovery of a microchip cover from a surveillance device at Dr. Thompson’s residence added a layer of intrigue and complexity to the Foundation’s research, hinting at the profound implications of their work.
This period in the Foundation’s history was marked by a dynamic expansion of its research scope, laying the groundwork for its future endeavors and establishing its reputation as a serious contributor to the field of UFO and consciousness studies.
The Foundation’s Unique Position and Funding Approach
The Bigelow Foundation’s structure and approach to funding were as unique as its research interests. Although named a foundation, it operated differently from typical non-profit organizations. This uniqueness primarily stemmed from Robert Bigelow’s personal involvement in the funding decisions, a factor that shaped the Foundation’s trajectory in many ways.
Bigelow’s role in the Foundation was not just administrative; he was deeply involved in evaluating and selecting projects to fund. This approach allowed for a wide range of proposals to be considered, extending from the practical and scientifically grounded to the more unusual and innovative. The Foundation became known for its openness to exploring novel ideas, a trait that set it apart in the field of scientific research.
The proposals received by the Foundation ranged from practical research projects to more unconventional ideas. These included proposals for UFO novelty items and even thematic entertainment ventures like a UFO Pizza Parlor and a futuristic theme park. While most of the proposals were well-thought-out and practical, the diversity of ideas reflected the wide public interest in UFOs and related phenomena.
The Foundation’s unique funding approach and structure allowed for a flexible and dynamic exploration of the unknown. This flexibility was crucial in a field marked by uncharted territories and unconventional theories. The Bigelow Foundation, under Robert Bigelow’s guidance, thus carved out a distinctive niche in the world of UFO and anomalies research.
The Roper Report and Its Impact
Prior to Dr. Angela Thompson’s official involvement with The Bigelow Foundation, an important initiative had already been set in motion – the Roper Poll. This survey, conducted with the backing of Robert Bigelow and another donor, delved into the relationships between unusual personal experiences and what was termed “UFO abduction experiences.” It was a groundbreaking effort, surveying nearly six thousand adults and exploring a topic that had rarely been addressed in such depth.
The results of the Roper Poll were significant, revealing intriguing patterns and correlations in the experiences of individuals across various demographics. What stood out was the finding that a higher number of executive and professional workers reported more mental events than other occupational levels. This challenged the stereotype that experiences of paranormal phenomena were more common among the uneducated or socially gullible.
The Bigelow Foundation distributed the report to over one hundred thousand psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals, significantly raising awareness about these phenomena within the mental health community. The Foundation also established a referral list for health professionals and experiencers seeking further information and assistance.
The Roper Report was initiated by a team of esteemed researchers, including Dr. John Mack, a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and others prominent in their respective fields. The report, while receiving criticism from some in the scientific community, stood as a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to exploring and legitimizing the study of UFO-related experiences.
Mental Health Seminars and Field Research
In late 1992, The Bigelow Foundation embarked on a significant endeavor, organizing a series of seminars for mental health professionals focused on unusual personal experiences, including those related to UFO phenomena. This initiative marked a pioneering step in bridging the gap between mainstream mental health practice and the often-marginalized field of UFO research.
One of the first such conferences took place in Los Angeles, where approximately 150 psychologists, psychiatrists, and other professionals gathered. The event featured presentations from notable figures such as Professors David Jacobs and John Mack, Budd Hopkins, and John Carpenter, offering insights into the complex and often misunderstood realm of UFO experiences and abductions. These seminars not only provided a platform for sharing research and experiences but also played a crucial role in legitimizing the study of UFO-related phenomena within the mental health community.
Concurrently, the Foundation pursued field research in rural Nevada towns like Caliente and Pioche, aiming to understand better the UFO experiences reported by local residents. This “snowball” sociological study involved interviewing individuals about their encounters, respecting their anonymity while gathering detailed accounts. The research team heard descriptions of mysterious crafts and other phenomena, providing valuable insights into the nature and frequency of such sightings.
These initiatives demonstrated The Bigelow Foundation’s dedication to exploring UFO phenomena from multiple angles – not just through theoretical research but also by engaging directly with communities and professionals dealing with the implications of such experiences.
Intriguing Encounters and Visits to the Nevada Test Site
A fascinating aspect of The Bigelow Foundation’s activities involved visits to the Nevada Test Site, an area shrouded in mystery and often associated with UFO lore. These excursions provided the Foundation with unique insights into the potential overlap between military technology and reported UFO sightings.
In early 1993, Dr. Angela Thompson and Robert Bigelow joined a group from UNLV on a tour of the Nevada Test Site. This site has been the center of speculation regarding the storage and reverse engineering of alien technology, particularly in areas like Area 51. However, the parts of the Test Site visited by the group were focused on more conventional military research and testing.
The visit included tours of various labs and facilities, showcasing a range of advanced technological developments. One notable stop was the Sedan Crater, a site used for nuclear testing with peaceful engineering objectives. These visits offered the Foundation a broader perspective on advanced terrestrial technology, which could be instrumental in understanding some UFO sightings.
During this period, the Foundation also conducted field research in Nevada, interviewing locals about their UFO experiences. The accounts collected were diverse, ranging from sightings of unusual crafts to encounters with unexplained phenomena. These firsthand experiences provided valuable data for the Foundation’s ongoing research into UFOs and helped establish a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomena being reported across the state.
These encounters and site visits played a crucial role in shaping the Foundation’s approach to UFO research, blending scientific inquiry with an open-minded investigation of unexplained phenomena.
Area 2000 Radio Show
“Area 2000,” supported by The Bigelow Foundation and hosted by Art Bell, was a significant venture into the realm of broadcasting, discussing UFOs and the unexplained. While “Coast to Coast AM” had already been established in 1988, “Area 2000” played a crucial role as a precursor to another well-known show, “Dreamland.”
Launched on July 4, 1993, “Area 2000” served as a platform for an array of experts and enthusiasts in the field of UFO research and paranormal phenomena. The show featured distinguished guests like John Alexander, Linda Moulton Howe, and Brian O’Leary, covering a wide range of topics, from animal mutilations to broader discussions on the mysteries of consciousness.
Dr. Angela Thompson, representing the Foundation, played an integral role in curating content and guests for the show. This included coordination with Linda Moulton Howe for her weekly updates on animal mutilation cases, which were particularly relevant during the Fyffe, Alabama incidents.
Despite its success and growing popularity, the funding for “Area 2000” was discontinued in February 1994. Robert Bigelow’s decision was influenced by the challenges of maintaining a consistent lineup of high-quality speakers and content. This announcement led to disappointment among the show’s listeners, underscoring its impact and the audience’s keen interest in UFO and paranormal topics.
The legacy of “Area 2000” endures through its contribution to public discourse on UFOs and the unexplained, and its role in paving the way for “Dreamland.” The transition from “Area 2000” to “Dreamland” marked a continuation of the public’s engagement with these intriguing and often enigmatic subjects.
Concluding Remarks
The journey of The Bigelow Foundation from its inception in 1992 to the mid-1990s represents a significant chapter in the exploration of UFO phenomena and consciousness studies. Under the guidance of Robert Bigelow and with the dedicated involvement of Dr. Angela Thompson, the Foundation embarked on a path that challenged conventional scientific boundaries and opened new avenues for inquiry.
Throughout its operation, the Foundation not only funded and facilitated research but also created platforms for public engagement and professional discourse, as seen in initiatives like the “Area 2000” radio show and mental health seminars. These efforts significantly contributed to bringing the discussion of UFOs and related phenomena into a more mainstream context, encouraging a broader and more informed public dialogue.
The Bigelow Foundation’s legacy extends beyond the specific projects it supported. It lies in its approach to exploring the unknown and the unexplained with an open mind, coupled with a commitment to rigorous inquiry. The Foundation’s work during this period laid the groundwork for future research and opened doors for other organizations and researchers to explore these enigmatic fields further.
As the Foundation’s focus evolved, so did the landscape of UFO research and consciousness studies. Today, the questions and curiosities that The Bigelow Foundation pursued continue to resonate in scientific and public spheres. The Foundation’s efforts during this critical period have left an indelible mark on the ongoing quest to understand the mysteries of our world and beyond.