Blue Hill Observatory Science Center

CONTACT:

P.O. Box 187
Readville, MA 02137
617-696-0389
www.bluehill.org

Charles Orloff, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

The Blue Hill Observatory, a National Historic Landmark, was founded in 1885 as a private scientific station to study weather, climate, and the atmosphere. The first kite soundings of the upper atmosphere were taken there, and the staff has produced over 1200 scientific papers. It maintains the longest unbroken weather observations in North America — dating back to February 1, 1885 — and is certified as an International Benchmark Climate Station. The Observatory has branched out beyond research and data collection to become a center for public science education. The MDC completed a $1 million restoration, and the new Science Center and Kite Shed Museum are open for visitors — especially school field trips from all over eastern Massachusetts. Now serving nearly 10,000 students annually, their budget has multiplied tenfold, to $250,000. They are a weather monitoring station for both the federal EPA and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and in 2001 they received a national award from the American Meteorological Society for “best service to the meteorological community.” Now they have a new building project for your support: a green building for more teaching and exhibit space, and even better environmental education. So here you can support one of Massachusetts' venerable philanthropic institutions, as it moves creatively into the future.

(1999: NATURE: Environmental Education)