Since 2013, the Oral History Project has collected stories of those who served on board the historic aircraft carrier Intrepid from 1943 to 1974, as well as those associated with the submarine Growler, the space shuttle orbiter Enterprise and the supersonic airliner Concorde.
A core component of the Museum’s collections, our oral histories continue to be used to help educate generations of visitors. Through vividly depicted triumphs, tragedies and even occasional comedies, they infuse passion and humanity into the various technologies on display.
For more information about the Oral History Project, including research requests, please contact us using the link below. Reproductions of any materials in this database must be approved in advance.
The Intrepid Museum Oral History Project is generously supported by James L. Nederlander.
Intrepid radioman, 1943–1946
Joseph Barry describes getting caught listening to music on the job.
Intrepid aviator, squadron VT-18, 1944
Ben St. John describes torpedoing a Japanese minelayer, earning him the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Intrepid radarman, 1943–1945
Ray Stone talks about the first time he saw USS Intrepid.
Intrepid aviator, squadron VAW-12, 1958–1959
Pete Weiland remembers getting caught in a dangerous inverted spin.
Intrepid senior medical officer, 1965–1967
Larry Blackburn recalls a man overboard call that turned tragic.
Growler commanding officer, 1960–1963
Robert Owens describes the procedures for launching a Regulus I nuclear missile from Growler.
Growler engineman, 1958–1960
Cornelius Brown remembers a swim call being disrupted by sharks.
Concorde pilot, 1994–2002
Leslie Scott describes flying back and forth across the Atlantic Ocean in a workday.
NASA Administrator, 2009–2017
Charles Bolden remembers the person who inspired him to join the Space Shuttle Program.
Use filters to search by artifact or year and uncover the places and people you’re looking for behind your favorite historical events.
Many of our collections are searchable online through two databases. We are continually adding to these, so if you don’t find what you’re looking for, please check back.
Our former crew member community is at the heart of everything we do, and we are honored to preserve their legacy for future generations. Whether donating incredible artifacts or speaking with young people about their experiences, they continue to serve and make an impact.
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