Harvey Nininger's 1948 attempt to nationalize Meteor Crater

Abstract

Harvey Nininger successfully petitioned the American Astronomical Society to pass a motion in support of nationalizing Meteor Crater, Arizona, at its June 1948 meeting. He alleged that the Barringer family, who held title to the crater, was depriving American citizens of its scenic beauty and scientific value. He then reportedly went on to make the unauthorized--and false--claim that the family would be receptive to a fair purchase offer for the crater. The Barringers, who had not been given advance warning of the petition and were not present at the meeting, felt ambushed. They quickly and forcefully rebutted Niningers allegations, made it clear they had no intention of relinquishing their title to the crater, and terminated his exploration rights. What led Nininger to such a curious and self-defeating act? Based on our reading of his voluminous personal correspondence, we conclude that it was rooted primarily in his complex relationship with Frederick Leonard and Lincoln LaPaz, and his desire to establish a national institute for meteoritical research--with them, originally, but after a serious falling out, on his own. Prevented from moving his American Meteorite Museum to the crater rim, Nininger wondered what would happen if the crater was nationalized and made into a public park, with an accompanying tourist center and museum. With characteristic lan, he could picture himself at its head, with a secure salary and adequate space to exhibit his meteorite collection.