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1950s UFO Contactee Era
The 1950s saw the rise of 'contactees' - people who claimed peaceful contact with benevolent Space Brothers. George Adamski, George Van Tassel, and others reported meetings with Venusians bringing messages of peace. They held conventions, wrote books, and created a UFO subculture that persists today.
1952-1959
United States
1000+ witnesses
An era when people claimed friendly contact with aliens.
The Movement
1950s phenomenon:
- Post-Roswell era
- Atomic age fears
- Space race beginning
- Peace movement connections
- New Age precursor
George Adamski
Most famous contactee:
- Desert Center meeting
- Venusian named Orthon
- Photographs claimed
- Books published
- Worldwide following
George Van Tassel
Giant Rock gatherings:
- Mojave Desert
- Annual conventions
- “Integratron” built
- Channeled messages
- Thousands attended
The Space Brothers
What was claimed:
- Benevolent beings
- Various planets
- Peace messages
- Nuclear warnings
- Spiritual guidance
The Events
Contactee gatherings:
- Giant Rock conventions
- Desert meetings
- Small group contacts
- Public lectures
- Media coverage
The Critics
Why many doubt:
- No proof
- Contradictory claims
- Profitable ventures
- Cold War anxiety
- Wishful thinking
The Legacy
What it created:
- UFO conventions
- New Age movement
- Alien belief systems
- Books and films
- Lasting subculture