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By Miranda Startare

Famed researcher, lecturer, author, and documentary film producer Stan Gordon recently visited Monessen Public Library & Cultural Center and presented an illustrated lecture titled, "Strange Encounters of Pennsylvania" to a curious audience of believers and – undoubtedly – a few skeptics.

Stan Gordon

Gordon, who resides in Greensburg, began research and field investigations of UFOs and other unexplainable events in 1965, and was the primary investigator of the December 9, 1965 UFO "crash" in Kecksburg, PA. He founded a series of volunteer research groups that included scientists, researchers, and anthropologists to study UFOs and other occurrences in the state.

A former PA State Director for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), Gordon has authored two books, produced an award-winning video documentary on the Kecksburg incident, and operates a 24-hour UFO hotline. He has lectured throughout the country and has appeared on numerous television and radio shows, including Coast to Coast AM with George Noory, heard locally on News Talk 104.7.

Gordon detailed the long history of strange occurrences and sightings throughout Pennsylvania in the nearly two-hour presentation to a standing-room only crowd. Reports of UFOs in Pennsylvania date back to the 1800s, according to Gordon, who cited a multitude of reports of UFOs in Western Pennsylvania – including the Mon Valley area.

During the summer of 1973 through 1974, a major wave of UFO activity occurred throughout the country, according to Gordon. Gordon received reports of unidentified flying objects throughout the state, including Monongahela and other parts of the Mon Valley, with reports peaking in the fall of 1973.

Gordon explained that the history of strange sightings in the Mon Valley area also includes reports of so-called "bigfoot," mysterious panther-like black cats, mountain lions (supposedly extinct in PA), and "thunderbirds."

In addition to his lecturing, Gordon's duties as an independent field investigator are keeping him busy. He continues to document witness accounts of strange occurrences throughout the state, including an April 10 report from Mt. Pleasant of a bright orange arc-shaped light that purportedly made a U-turn before flying away in seconds.

With 55 years of experience in the investigation of unexplained phenomenon, Gordon's beliefs are clear. "Evidence suggests there's something out there we've yet to explain."

For more information, check out Gordon's website at www.stangordon.info.

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