An Appeal to the Greater Boston Community from Executive Director, Charles Orloff

Blue Hill Observatory achieved many exciting milestones in 2022 and we have a community of individual donors to thank for our success. Through 137 years of triumphs and tribulations the Observatory is here today due to individual donors who consistently give to our Annual Fund each year.

In May 2023 the Observatory will reopen completely renovated for the community’s enjoyment with its historic 137-year climate record in-tact. The three-year renovation exposed the bones of the building for an extended period and, then, with immense precision the Observatory’s walls, windows, floors, doors and roof have been strengthened, rebuilt, replaced where necessary, and even polished. Through this process despite being closed our individual supporters never wavered.

A newly built exhibit hall within the Observatory will showcase fascinating and relevant educational content under the theme “Innovations Past and Present” that visitors will be able to explore through touchscreens. On display will be the Observatory’s newly bound climate record books with hand-written weather observations dating back to 1885. Both were achieved with individual support.

These advancements will allow the Observatory’s team in implementing STEM educational programs for youth. Three hundred middle school youth are scheduled to visit the Observatory when we reopen, many for the first time. They will participate in “Picture Post for Environmental Conservation” a new experiential learning program at the Observatory with complementary curriculum for teachers to utilize in the classroom.

In order to maximize contributions to the Observatory, new this “Giving Season” an anonymous donor has pledged a $100,000 match to the our Annual Fund, but the community must give first. Essentially, if we raise $100,000 then the donor will match it with another $100,000 contribution. We know we can reach this goal together, but we need you to act today.

As you consider making a contribution to the Observatory this year, please know individual contributions have the biggest impact on our nonprofit operations and programs. We can point to our past collective achievements and will do so again with your generous and stalwart support.

Our board, staff, and volunteers wish you and yours a joyous holiday season.

Sincerely,

Charles Orloff

Executive Director Blue Hill Observatory