It Started with a Dome
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center – 1974
More than 50 years ago, coinciding with our nation’s commitment to put a person on the moon, members of the Polish-American community of the Southern Tier of New York gathered to plan a commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the birth of Miko∤aj Kopernik. It began with a conversation and a dome. In 1969, Richard DeLuca, curator of the Roberson Center planetarium, convinced the museum board to purchase a small observatory dome for $500. This dome sat on the museum lawn, drawing curiosity from visitors and passers-by. Over the next year, the museum acquired two donated telescopes. Here were the seeds of an observatory! Lacking were the funds to build it! That changed in 1972 when Deluca was invited to a planning meeting with members of Broome County’s Polish community to decide on a fitting way to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Kopernik’s birth. DeLuca described his vision of an observatory. The Roberson museum possessed a dome and two telescopes. All that was needed was a parcel of land and a building.
The Kopernik Polish Cultural Society embraced DeLuca’s vision of an observatory as a living memorial to inspire generations with a passion for science. In 1972, Broome County’s Polish-American community took on the formidable task of building a public observatory, dedicated to Miko∤aj Kopernik, situated in the hills of Vestal, New York. Within two years this group raised $400,000. Added to this was the significant donation of services from Edward Nezelek who constructed the observatory building. On June 16, 1974, the Kopernik Observatory was dedicated. To this day, Kopernik is the best-sited public observatory in the northeast and a Broome County landmark and treasure.
Kopernik’s 1993 Expansion
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center – 1993
Twenty years later, in 1992, with major support from the Broome County Kopernik Society, the Decker Foundation, individuals, and organizations, Roberson Museum undertook a $2 million expansion of the observatory. Rededicated as the Kopernik Space Education Center, the expanded facility contained additional classroom and office space and a third custom-built telescope and dome. The new education center opened in 1993 as a major provider of school programs for science education in the Southern Tier of New York.
The Turn of the Century
As the new century began, fundraising was underway for the addition of a classroom to accommodate increasing school programs. This plan did not come to fruition as the reality of Broome County’s economic downturn impacted nonprofits throughout the region. In 2007, the Kopernik Space Education Center separated from the Roberson Museum and became an independent non-profit organization, the Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, under the oversight of the Kopernik Society of Broome County. As such, it broadened its mission beyond space education to include all sciences.
The Last 10 Years
Kopernik Science Park – 2020
By 2014, Kopernik returned to fiscal strength. In the past 10 years, Kopernik has generated more than $1.8 million in government, corporate, and foundation grants. In 2020, through a partnership with the Junior League of Broome County and New York State, and with the generous support of community members, Kopernik opened its Science Park to the families of the Southern Tier.
Today, Kopernik’s school and public education programs continue to grow in popularity and attendance. Science education throughout the state and nation has taken center stage with growing demand for specialized teacher education and school programming to capture the rapid innovations in the field of science and technology. Now is the time for new tools of learning!
Northern Lights Over KOSC – August 12, 2024