Aerial Phenomena Research Organization

The Aerial Phenomena Research Organization was founded in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, in 1952 by Jim and Coral Lorenzen, making it one of the first civilian groups dedicated to investigating unidentified flying object reports. The organization emerged during the early wave of UFO sightings following Kenneth Arnold’s 1947 encounter and the Roswell incident.

APRO distinguished itself from other UFO organizations through its emphasis on scientific methodology and field investigation. The Lorenzens established a network of field investigators across the United States and internationally, training volunteers to collect physical evidence, interview witnesses, and document UFO encounters according to standardized protocols.

The organization published the APRO Bulletin, a monthly newsletter that reported on current UFO sightings, analyzed trends in UFO activity, and provided updates on ongoing investigations. The bulletin became an important communication tool for UFO researchers and helped establish APRO’s reputation within the emerging UFO research community.

APRO investigators examined some of the most significant UFO cases of the 1950s through 1980s, including the Levelland UFO case, the Exeter incident, and numerous alleged abduction accounts. The organization maintained files on thousands of reported encounters and developed classification systems for different types of UFO phenomena.

The group faced financial challenges throughout its existence, relying primarily on member donations and bulletin subscriptions. Internal conflicts over research direction and methodology occasionally strained the organization, particularly regarding the credibility of contactee claims and abduction reports.

APRO dissolved in 1988 following Coral Lorenzen’s death and Jim Lorenzen’s declining health. Their research files and documentation were transferred to other UFO organizations, preserving decades of investigation work for future researchers and maintaining APRO’s legacy in civilian UFO research history.