Mark O’Connell

Presentation: “The Roswell Debate,” with Donald R. Schmitt and Mark O’Connell, Saturday (Oct.15), Wisconsin Room

At a cursory glance, Donald Schmitt and Mark O’Connell have some things in common– both are Wisconsin residents, writers, and researchers of the UFO phenomenon. Both were guest speakers at our first Milwaukee Paranormal Conference last year. Both also have found inspiration from pioneering UFO researcher Dr. J. Allen Hynek.

However, they don’t quite see eye-to-eye.

The issue put forth in this debate: the alleged 1947 crash of a UFO at Roswell, undeniably the most famous UFO case of all time, explored thoroughly in books and the inspiration for TV shows, movies, and other popular culture.

Some of the things likely to be debated– the impact the Roswell case has had on UFO research, the credibility and relevance of the Roswell case, the Roswell Slides, and more.

Donald R. Schmitt

We are excited to host our first Milwaukee Paranormal Conference debate and we think this is a great opportunity to hear different perspectives on UFO research and the Roswell case.

Schmitt will have his books available, including his latest, Children of Roswell (2016). O’Connell’s new book, The Close Encounters Man, will be released in May of 2017.

The debate will be moderated by David Henning, head of Lakeland College’s debate and forensics program. Henning has over 30 years of debate experience. His students will assist in the debate.

We are also happy to say that if you can’t make it to Milwaukee for the conference, you’ll be able to listen to the debate anywhere in the world thanks to a live broadcast from our media sponsors KGRA Radio.

Milwaukee Paranormal Conference tickets: milwaukeeparacon.brownpapertickets.com
June is our VIP ticket drive. Tickets go up from $75 to $100 on July 1, so get yours today!

Roswell  101 Gallery

The front page of the Roswell Daily Record, July 8, 1947

RAAF Major Jesse Marcel displays pieces of a weather balloon, the official story of what was found crashed outside of Roswell. Many Ufologists say this story is a cover up.

One of the Roswell Slides released last year. Schmitt was a member of the team who revealed the slides, found in a collection in an attic. It was later determined the pictures actually show the mummified remains of a child on display in a museum.

Schmitt’s first book, released in 1991, became a best seller and part of the early 90s UFO-mania.

Dr. J. Allen Hynek was a pioneering ufologist. Schmitt is the former co-director of the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies and O’Connell is currently wrapping up a biography of Dr. Hynek.