History
MUFON is currently the largest, oldest, and as far as we know, the only UFO research organization that INVESTIGATES and SHARES information about UFO/UAP sightings. MUFON, founded in 1969, began as the Midwest UFO Network to investigate UFO sightings with scientific rigor. Its early leaders expanded the organization’s reach, establishing it as a worldwide entity now known as the Mutual UFO Network. The group’s mission has always been to investigate, collect, and disseminate data regarding UFO phenomena. Over the years, MUFON has implemented advanced tools like the Case Management System (CMS), which serves as a digital platform for logging and analyzing reports.
Walt Andrus
MUFON’s history is deeply connected to two of its most influential leaders, Walt Andrus and John Schuessler. Walt Andrus, a founding member, was pivotal in transitioning MUFON from a regional group into an internationally recognized organization. His leadership saw MUFON grow in size and reputation, setting the groundwork for global cooperation in UFO research. John Schuessler, a NASA aerospace engineer and prominent UFO investigator, succeeded Andrus and continued to uphold MUFON’s scientific standards, steering the organization through important technological advances, such as the development of the Case Management System (CMS).
John Schuessler
Schuessler’s background in aerospace helped bring a professional and scientific approach to UFO investigations, solidifying MUFON’s position as a credible research body. Both men played crucial roles in expanding MUFON’s reach, professionalizing its investigations, and ensuring that the organization maintained its focus on rigorous, scientific examination of UFO phenomena. Their leadership not only ensured MUFON’s continued growth but also its enduring influence in the field of UFO studies globally.
Dave MacDonald
David MacDonald, who took over as Executive Director in 2020, emphasizes scientific investigation and collaboration with global researchers. MUFON’s history also highlights its dedication to public education, hosting conferences and symposia featuring experts in the field. Through several leadership changes, MUFON has maintained its role as a central figure in UFO studies, with an international network of field investigators and dedicated volunteers helping to continue its mission.
Important Milestones in the Study of UFOs that affected MUFON's History
During 1968 and 1969, a number of events took place that had an impact on the UFO field. The University of Colorado completed the government-financed UFO study, with the study head Edward Condon presenting a very negative picture of the worth of further UFO studies. These results enabled the U.S. Air Force to close its administrative UFO office dubbed “Project Blue Book.” The press didn’t bother to look at the details of the University study and reacted only to Condon’s summary of the study by using the media to declare that the UFO mystery was solved.
At the same time the APRO management reacted to the government’s words by reinforcing their centralized management approach. They wanted to direct the work of each investigator in the field from the office in Tucson, Arizona; thereby eliminating the need for mid-level management in the field. They ignored the fact that industry was turning to the decentralized management style. Walt was still getting a flow of UFO reports from the Midwest in spite of the government’s declarations that nothing was going on.
As tensions grew between the Midwest contingent and APRO management, Walt Andrus recognized the need for more localized, responsive structures to handle UFO sightings. In coordination with several Midwest investigators, he organized a meeting on May 31, 1969, with participants from Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas. Dr. Allen R. Utke proposed creating the Midwest UFO Network (MUFON), covering several states. This grassroots network enabled rapid responses to UFO sightings by connecting local observers with state directors and the broader organization. Initially affiliated with APRO, MUFON was designed to operate independently. Walt and John Schuessler were active contributors to SKYLOOK, a UFO newsletter that soon became MUFON’s official publication, later renamed the MUFON UFO Journal, which continues to be distributed monthly to this day.
Unlike other UFO organizations that discouraged cross-group membership or collaboration, MUFON actively pursued partnerships to enhance cooperation within the field. By June 1974, MUFON had representatives in 38 states and sought stronger ties with Dr. J. Allen Hynek’s Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS). MUFON’s investigative network complemented CUFOS’s research, creating a symbiotic relationship.
MUFON also spearheaded significant cooperative efforts, such as forming the North American UFO Federation (NAUFOF) in 1983, and later supporting initiatives like the USA-CIS Aerial Anomaly Federation and the UFO Research Coalition. These ventures, while short-lived, underscored MUFON’s commitment to collaboration in UFO research.
To support investigative consistency, MUFON published the *Field Investigator’s Manual* in 1971, which is regularly updated. The *MUFON UFO Journal*, first known as *SKYLOOK*, became the organization’s premier publication, recognized globally for its reliability. In 2005, all back issues were made available in searchable digital formats, ensuring long-term access to MUFON’s research archives. These archives are now a part of MUFON’s Project Aquarius online UFO/UAP digital research library.
MUFON’s leadership further introduced a “Director’s Message” in the Journal to maintain communication with its members and ensure timely responses to community needs.
The organization has adapted, and continues to adapt, with the times, ensuring that its work remains relevant in the broader context of global UFO and UAP (unidentified aerial phenomena) research.