UFO History Revealed: Interview with Mark, America's 'Weird Historian' on Alien Encounters
Mark, known as America's 'Weird Historian,' brings his unique expertise to the fascinating world of UFO history and alien encounters. From earning his distinctive title after ABC News recognized him as "one of America's leading connoisseurs of the bizarre" to publishing his comprehensive book "We're Not Alone," Mark has dedicated years to documenting humanity's complex relationship with extraterrestrial phenomena. His work explores everything from pre-Roswell incidents to contemporary Congressional hearings, examining both scientific evidence and cultural impact.
Through meticulous research, Mark has uncovered remarkable historical cases that challenge our understanding of unexplained aerial phenomena. His exploration of the Great Airship Flap of 1896-1897—where witnesses across America reported egg-shaped craft with brilliant searchlights years before the Wright brothers' first flight—demonstrates how UFO encounters have shaped human experience for generations. With unprecedented access to archives like David Marler's National UFO Historical Record Center, Mark provides a unique perspective on our collective fascination with the possibility of cosmic companions.
Key Takeaways
Mark's book "We're Not Alone" examines UFO phenomena from historical sightings to modern Congressional investigations.
Historical accounts like the 1896-1897 Airship flap and personal encounters with "top-shaped" UFOs demonstrate the rich history of unexplained aerial phenomena.
Mark, The Unusual History Expert
Origins of His Distinctive Title
Mark began his journey into the realm of peculiar historical narratives in 2016 when he launched his website "Weird Historian." This platform provided him the opportunity to explore and document various strange historical events and oddities. The website became a repository for his writings about unusual moments throughout history.
The noteworthy description "one of America's leading connoisseurs of the bizarre" was bestowed upon him by Buck Wolf from ABC News. This honorary title came after Wolf reviewed some of Mark's early literary works, including a book about peculiar items discovered on eBay and another titled "American Sideshow" which chronicled the history of sideshow performers from the mid-19th century through the early 2000s.
Connoisseur of the Bizarre
Mark's literary portfolio spans an impressive range of unusual topics. His works include explorations of:
Ghostly phenomena
Oliver Cromwell's embalmed head
Unconventional divine messages
Extraterrestrial topics
His recent publication "We're Not Alone: The Extraordinary History of Aliens Invading Our Hopes, Fears, and Fantasies" represents a culmination of his longstanding fascination with extraterrestrial phenomena. The book examines humanity's complex relationship with the concept of alien life, touching on our collective hopes for cosmic companionship, fears of the unknown, and imaginative speculations.
The work builds upon research he conducted for his previous title "The Big Book of Mars," which briefly touched on UFO history from the 1940s and early 1950s. His newest book covers an extensive timeline, beginning with pre-Roswell incidents from the mid-1940s and continuing through contemporary congressional hearings on unidentified aerial phenomena.
Mark's research uncovered remarkable historical cases, including the Great Airship Flap of 1896-1897. This series of sightings began near California's coast and progressed across the United States over several months. Witnesses described egg-shaped craft with brilliant searchlights moving at approximately 20 miles per hour - particularly notable as these sightings occurred years before the Wright brothers' first flight.
Exploring "We're Not Alone"
The Story Behind This Extraordinary Work
Mark's fascination with unexplained phenomena began in childhood, eventually leading to the creation of his "Weird Historian" website in 2016. This platform became his outlet for documenting bizarre historical moments across various subjects. His reputation as "one of America's leading connoisseurs of the bizarre" originated from Buck Wolf of ABC News, who recognized Mark's unique contributions through early works examining unusual eBay findings and the history of sideshow performers.
After exploring topics ranging from ghosts to Mars, Mark felt drawn to compile a comprehensive examination of our relationship with possible extraterrestrial existence. His work on "The Big Book of Mars" had already touched on UFO history from the 1940s and 1950s, making this full exploration a natural progression.
What Sets This Book Apart
"We're Not Alone: The Extraordinary History of UFOs and Aliens Invading Our Hopes, Fears, and Fantasies" offers a remarkably comprehensive examination of humanity's complex relationship with the concept of extraterrestrial life. Unlike other works in this genre, Mark's book covers a vast historical timeline, starting from the mid-1940s (before Kenneth Arnold's sighting and Roswell) through to contemporary Congressional hearings and scientific investigations.
The book delves into several distinct dimensions:
Historical cases: Well-documented sightings and experiences
Scientific inquiry: Current research through projects like Galileo and SETI
Cultural impact: Beliefs about extraterrestrial life dating back to Victorian times
Personal encounters: From simple sightings to abduction claims and 1950s "contactees"
Mark also provides behind-the-scenes insights into recent developments, including how the groundbreaking 2017 New York Times article catalyzed renewed government interest in unidentified aerial phenomena.
Remarkable Accounts of the Unknown
Selecting the most compelling stories presented a challenge due to the wealth of available material and page constraints. Mark balanced well-known incidents with lesser-known accounts, often uncovering new angles or information.
One particularly fascinating historical case is the Great Airship Flap of 1896-1897. This series of sightings began off California's coast and spread eastward across the United States over five to six months. Witnesses described egg-shaped or bird-like craft with brilliant searchlights and fan-like wheels traveling at approximately 20 miles per hour—remarkable given that these reports predated the Wright brothers' flight at Kitty Hawk.
The Aurora, Texas incident of 1897 stands out within this wave. According to reports, one of these mysterious airships crashed, and locals claimed to have recovered and buried a Martian body in the town cemetery. This occurred during a period of widespread belief in Martian intelligence and coincided with H.G. Wells' serialized publication of "War of the Worlds." The town became a tourist destination for those seeking the crash site—exactly 50 years before Roswell.
The book opens with a visit to David Marler's impressive UFO archive in New Mexico, which houses Project Blue Book materials, newspaper clippings, and various media records. This collection has since expanded into the National UFO Historical Record Center.
Unveiling "We're Not Alone"
The Creative Spark Behind the Book
Mark's decision to write "We're Not Alone: The Extraordinary History of UFOs and Aliens Invading Our Hopes, Fears, and Fantasies" emerged from lifelong curiosity about the unknown. The title itself reflects his approach—direct, thought-provoking, and acknowledging our complex relationship with the possibility of extraterrestrial existence. The concept resonated with him both intellectually and emotionally, tapping into universal questions about our place in the cosmos.
His previous work on "The Big Book of Mars" had already introduced him to UFO phenomena of the 1940s and 1950s. The recent surge in Congressional interest and scientific investigation into unidentified aerial phenomena created the perfect timing for this comprehensive examination.
Unique Elements of the Publication
Unlike typical UFO literature, Mark's book presents a remarkably broad historical and cultural perspective. It traces developments from early sightings in the mid-1940s through contemporary scientific investigations and government hearings.
The content spans multiple dimensions:
Historical documentation of significant sightings and encounters
Scientific exploration through projects like SETI and the Galileo Project
Cultural impact on human beliefs and anxieties
Political developments including behind-the-scenes details of recent Congressional hearings
The work also examines historical beliefs about extraterrestrial life dating back to Victorian times and analyzes how the groundbreaking 2017 New York Times article revitalized public interest in unidentified phenomena.
Literary Selection of Weird Stories
When selecting accounts for inclusion, Mark faced difficult editorial decisions due to abundant material and limited space. He balanced well-known cases with obscure incidents, often providing fresh perspectives or previously overlooked details.
One remarkable historical account featured is the Great Airship Flap of 1896-1897. This wave of sightings began near California and progressed eastward across America over approximately six months. Witnesses described egg-shaped or bird-like vessels with powerful searchlights and fan-like wheels moving at about 20 miles per hour—all before the Wright brothers achieved powered flight.
The Aurora, Texas incident stands out as particularly intriguing. In 1897, locals reported that one such airship crashed, and they recovered what they described as a "Martian body" which was subsequently buried in the town cemetery. This occurred during peak interest in Martian civilization and coincided with H.G. Wells' serialized publication of "War of the Worlds." The timing is especially noteworthy—exactly 50 years before the famous Roswell incident would capture global attention.
Aliens Throughout History and Culture
The Mystery of the 1896-1897 Airship Wave
The late 19th century witnessed one of America's earliest documented mass UFO phenomena—the Great Airship Wave of 1896-1897. This remarkable series of sightings began off California's coast and spread eastward across multiple states over approximately six months. These mysterious craft appeared years before powered, controlled flight became established technology.
Witnesses consistently described egg-shaped or bird-like objects drifting through the skies at roughly 20 miles per hour. These strange vessels reportedly featured brilliant searchlights and peculiar fan-like wheel mechanisms that puzzled observers nationwide.
One particularly notable incident occurred in Aurora, Texas in 1897. According to local reports, one of these airships crashed, and townspeople claimed to have recovered a non-human body believed to be of Martian origin. The alleged extraterrestrial was reportedly buried in the local cemetery, transforming the small town into an unlikely tourist destination 50 years before Roswell would capture public imagination.
Ancient Perspectives on Extraterrestrial Life
Belief in extraterrestrial intelligence has deep historical roots, particularly regarding Mars. Late Victorian-era scientific and cultural discussions frequently centered on the possibility of Martian civilization, a topic that gained significant momentum in the late 19th century.
This cultural fascination coincided with H.G. Wells' serialized publication of "The War of the Worlds" in 1897—a work that both reflected and amplified public interest in potential Martian neighbors. The timing of these publications alongside airship sightings created a perfect environment for speculation about visitors from beyond Earth.
Modern UFO research continues through formal channels like the National UFO Historical Record Center near Albuquerque. This comprehensive archive preserves Project Blue Book materials, newspaper clippings, and various media documenting claimed encounters—including accounts like a 1964 incident involving an 8-year-old boy who reported a top-shaped object that mimicked his movements before releasing a burst of flame and departing at extraordinary speed.
Personal Encounters and Reported Observations
1897 Aurora UFO Event
The late 19th century witnessed numerous accounts of mysterious airships crossing American skies. Among these reports, one particularly notable incident occurred in Aurora, Texas in 1897. Residents reported an unusual aircraft that supposedly crashed in their small town. According to local accounts, the craft was described as having an egg-shaped design with unusual features.
Following the crash, townspeople claimed to have discovered a non-human body among the wreckage. Intriguingly, the remains were described by witnesses as being of "Martian" origin. The body was reportedly given a proper burial in the local cemetery, creating what became one of America's earliest alleged extraterrestrial recovery events.
This incident gained significant attention, transforming Aurora into an unexpected tourist attraction. The timing of this event is particularly noteworthy as it coincided with widespread public fascination with Mars and potential Martian intelligence. This period also saw H.G. Wells serializing his landmark science fiction novel "War of the Worlds," reflecting the cultural climate of cosmic curiosity.
1964 Disc-Shaped Object Encounter
A compelling encounter occurred in 1964 near Roswell, New Mexico, involving an eight-year-old boy during a routine day of outdoor play. The witness reported observing an unusual object hovering several stories above the ground across the street from his position. The craft exhibited a distinctive disc or top-like shape and remained suspended in mid-air.
What made this encounter particularly remarkable was the object's apparent responsiveness. The young boy noticed that when he moved left or right, the craft would mirror his movements precisely, suggesting some form of intelligent control or observation. This interactive behavior created an unmistakable impression that the object was monitoring him.
The encounter escalated dramatically when the craft suddenly accelerated directly overhead. According to the witness, it discharged what appeared to be a flame or energy emission directly above him. His grandmother, who had stepped outside, also witnessed the event and rushed to his aid as the object departed at extraordinary speed. The boy reportedly suffered burns from this close encounter, adding physical evidence to his testimony.
Exploring Historical UFO Research
David Marler's UFO Collection Archives
David Marler has established an impressive archive just outside Albuquerque, New Mexico, containing one of the most comprehensive collections of UFO documentation in existence. His collection includes complete Project Blue Book materials, newspaper clippings, headlines, recordings, and various media formats documenting UFO phenomena throughout history.
The archive represents years of dedicated research and preservation efforts. What began as a personal collection has evolved significantly in scope and purpose. Researchers and enthusiasts visiting the archive gain access to primary sources that might otherwise be difficult to locate.
Marler's work connects modern investigations with historical records, providing valuable context for contemporary researchers. His meticulous organization of materials creates an indispensable resource for serious UFO researchers.
The National UFO Historical Records Center
Marler's personal collection has now expanded into the officially established National UFO Historical Records Center. This transition reflects the growing importance of preserving historical UFO documentation in a systematic way. The center continues to acquire new materials as its collection grows.
The center serves as a central repository for UFO information, making historical records accessible to researchers, scientists, and the public. Its establishment represents a significant step in the legitimization of UFO research as a serious field of study.
The center houses documentation of numerous cases, including a notable 1964 incident where an 8-year-old witnessed a top-shaped craft hovering near his home. The object reportedly mimicked the child's movements before zooming overhead and emitting a flame. His grandmother also witnessed the event, providing corroboration to this unusual encounter.
Other historical cases preserved in the center include documentation from the great airship flap of 1896-1897, which predated powered flight and included sightings that began off the California coast and spread eastward across multiple states.
Conclusion
UFO sightings and alien encounters have captivated human imagination for generations. From the Great Airship flap of 1896-1897 to modern Congressional hearings, these phenomena continue to intrigue both researchers and the public alike. The extensive collection of historical records at the National UFO Historical Record Center represents a growing recognition of the importance of preserving this unique aspect of human experience.
The exploration of extraterrestrial possibilities spans across various dimensions - scientific investigation, personal encounters, and cultural impact. Researchers like David Marler have dedicated themselves to archiving and documenting these phenomena, creating valuable resources for future study.
From Victorian-era beliefs about Venusians to contemporary scientific projects like Galileo, humanity's fascination with what might exist beyond our planet reflects our deepest hopes, fears, and fantasies. This enduring interest suggests that regardless of what evidence ultimately emerges, the question of whether we are alone in the universe remains one of the most profound mysteries driving human curiosity.
