PF Anniversary

Dateline: December 14th, 2001

Parapsychology Foundation Celebrates 50 Years

“Mysteries raised by psychical research remain largely unsolved. A half century of Parapsychology Foundation’s support of parapsychological research has merely scratched the surface of explanation, shedding light on some areas but whetting our appetite for futher enlightenment. Parapsychology Foundation has rededicated itself to the goals of our founders and has renewed efforts to stimulate the active exploration and ultimate understanding of the psychic elements in our lives.”
… Eileen Coly, President, Parapsychology Foundation

A Golden Anniversary is a milestone that compels one to look back over past accomplishments, take stock and look to the future, as the officers and Board of Trustees of the Parapsychology Foundation have done in contemplation of our anniversary year.

For the past 50 years, the Foundation has accomplished much to encourage the global study of parapsychology, amassing an impressive body of work. In the midst of radical changes in technology since 1951 — changes which have not only altered the face of science, but the very ways in which we all interact — the organization remains true to the primary goals of its founders, Eileen J. Garrett and Frances P. Bolton, while incorporating new technologies in service of those goals.

In looking forward, it becomes clear that the retooling and restructuring of the organization must respond to the needs of both our constituencies — the academic community and the public at large. Coinciding with our anniversary, the new millenium is a fitting time to reach for wider horizons. With the continued development of new programs, coupled with our well-known and respected existing programs, two parallel tracks emerge, both leading to the same goal of advancing our knowledge and understanding of psychical phenomena.

The Foundation’s support of the field remains reciprocal, and we were very pleased to host the 44th Annual International Convention of the Parapsychological Association in New York City, in August of 2001. Our colleagues’ valuable work ensures parapsychology’s continued progress.

Our belief in — and enthusiasm for — the future of parapsychology remains firm. We pledge to continue to facilitate studies worldwide in various disciplines, striving to find answers raised by psychical research and realizing, as Eileen J. Garrett once stated, that “it is only by scientific patience, over long years, that real spiritual insight for reality can be achieved, and thus clear away the sentimental emotionalism that has long been the main enemy of true psychic research.”

… Lisette Coly, Executive Director, Parapsychology Foundation

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December, 2006: Now available as an Adobe Acrobat PDF reprint is an article written to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Foundation, presented at the annual convention of the Parapsychological Association in New York City in 2001 which the Foundation hosted, and published in the anniverary issue of the International Journal of Parapsychology. To download a copy of this article, click here.