Preserving A Legacy of
Innovation
The Artur A. Collins Legacy Association (AACLA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization utilizing the legacy of Arthur A. Collins, Collins Radio Company, his people, and its subsequent legacy-driven companies to inspire and motivate all who are curious about how technology has shaped world history and is transforming the future.
The Collins Story

The Life and Legacy of Arthur A. Collins
Arthur Collins has been described as a genius, a visionary, a fireball casting a brilliancy across the sky. There is no doubt Arthur and his Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based company engineered many pioneering technologies that greatly influenced significant moments in our world and in space.
“Your progress will depend on your individual imagination. I urge you to give it free reign.”
About AACLA

Arthur A. Collins Legacy Association
AACLA is committed to serving past and present employees while also inspiring future innovators through an online collection and immersive experiences that preserve and promote the advancements of Arthur A. Collins and the Collins Radio Company.
The Firsts
Discover the world-changing technologies developed at this small radio communications company headquartered in Iowa.
First Broadcast Radio Station at Antarctica
Explorers in the Richard Byrd expedition regaled Americans with stories of their discoveries at the bottom of the Earth through Collins’ radio equipment.





Memorials

Dominique R. Blank
We were saddened to read in this morning’s Cedar Rapids Gazette the obituary for Dominique Blank who passed away January 3rd at age 57. Dominique was AACLA’s public relations manager in the first few years of the organization up until she and her family moved to Iowa City.
She was instrumental in organizing the AACLA interviews with retirees as well as our public showings of “Culture of Innovation” which premiered at Coe College’s Sinclair Auditorium, in 2016. Dominique served on the AACLA Board of Directors in 2015.

Loney R. Duncan
With deep sadness, we have to inform you Loney Duncan (WØGZV) passed away last Saturday. Loney was a real gentleman, an incredible engineer and a family man. Professionally, he spent about 40 years with Collins Radio and raised to a top management position. During his career at Collins, he was involved with the development of antenna couplers, the Navy Tactical Data System, the URG II system, TACAMO and many other programs. He loved Collins and worked closely with Arthur Collins. He was a stimulating person to be with that often switched from highly technical discussions to fun stories from his past. He was on the board of the Arthur Collins Legacy Association and the Collins Collectors Association and was a great supporter of our efforts to capture and preserve the history of Collins Radio. We have lost a great and irreplaceable friend and a powerful mentor. We feel honored to be able to say that Loney was a close friend.

Terry Lamb
The staff and members of the AACLA are saddened to report the passing of one our association’s founders, Terry Lamb. Terald Rex Lamb was an Air Force Veteran and a long-time employee of the Collins Radio Company. For years he managed the department responsible for obtaining FAA certification and installation of Collins systems. He served on the AACLA Board of Directors and previously as our President. He also served as a Docent at the Collins Aerospace Museum. He was a Mentor to us all, a Friend and a Gentleman.

James Robert Shanklin
The staff and members of the AACLA are saddened to report the passing of one our association’s founders, Jim Shanklin. Jim was a long-time Employee of the Collins Radio Company, author of several history books about Collins Radio, served on the AACLA Board of Directors and as a Docent and Supporter of the Collins Aerospace Museum.

Ben W. Stearns Jr.
Ben was instrumental in creating the Arthur A. Collins Legacy Association and served on the Board of Directors and as a Collins Aerospace Museum Docent.
Collins History Short Stories
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