Note: As part of our 50th Anniversary Celebration, we are constructing a timeline of the Kopernik Observatory & Science Center. This information has been compiled from our archives and the recollections of individuals. This is a work-in-progress and we welcome feedback and additional information.
1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1978 | 1982 | 1984 | 1986 | 1987 | 1989 | 1992 | 1993 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1999 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2016 | 2017 | 2020 | 2024 |
In 1973, the Kopernik Polish Cultural Society of Broome County organized and raised the funds to build a community observatory to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the birth of the astronomer Mikołaj Kopernik.
At a 1973 meeting of the Parish Council of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Dr. Edward D. Kozlowski made a motion to celebrate the approaching 500th Anniversary of the birth of Mikołaj Kopernik.
To honor the genius of the “father of modern astronomy,” the society decided to build a living memorial, an astronomical observatory on one of the highest hills in Broome County, New York. The creation of the observatory was an astounding accomplishment. It would have been easy to build a statue. However, to truly celebrate and perpetuate the exploratory legacy of Mikołaj Kopernik, what was needed was a place people could go to experience Kopernik’s vision and contributions– an observatory.
The committee expanded to include members of St. Casimir’s Church of Endicott, NY and All Saints Polish National Church of Johnson CIty, NY. Kozlowski was appointed Chairperson of the Quincentennial Committee. Kozlowski approached the Director of the Roberson Museum and Science Center Planetarium, Richard DeLuca, about building an observatory. DeLuca already had a 12’ dome and a 12” telescope. A local builder, Edward L. Nezelek was consulted and became Kopernik Observatory Chairman.