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Army Air Force Pre-meteorology Program records

 Record Group
Identifier: A03.38

  • Staff Only
  • Please use the Collection Organization section below to place requests.

Scope and Content

The records consist of material related to the Army Air Force Premeteorology Program at Bowdoin College. Examinations, grade sheets, course materials, academic credits and are included. Some photographs, broadsides, and pamphlets used for recruiting and informational packets are also contained in the records.

Dates

  • Creation: 1942-1944

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions.

Biographical / Historical

From 1942 to 1944, Bowdoin College hosted the Army Air Force Pre-Meteorology Program, part of a nationwide effort to train military meteorologists during World War II. The program prepared cadets for aviation weather forecasting through rigorous coursework in mathematics, physics, and meteorology.

The program was structured into three courses: "B," "C," and "A." The "B" course lasted six months, while the "C" course spanned 12 months, with its final six months overlapping with the "B" curriculum. Graduates of either course advanced to the "A" program as cadets for further training. Admission to the "B" course required applicants to be between 18 and 30 years old, while the "C" course was limited to those aged 18 to 21.

Records from the program include course materials, exams, and grade sheets, reflecting Bowdoin’s role in wartime education and its contribution to military scientific training.

Extent

2 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Program during the second world war that prepared officers for careers in meteorology and weather forecasting at Bowdoin College.

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically.

Title
Guide to the Army Air Force Premeteorology Program Records
Status
In Progress
Author
Emma Barton-Norris
Date
2025
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine 04011 Repository

Contact:
3000 College Station
Brunswick Maine 04011 USA
(207) 725-3288