History of the Astronomical Society of Harrisburg:

The Third meeting -
March 7.1955

By Jack Betz & Bob King

This is a third in a series of articles on the history of ASH. The format of the first several reports resembles the format of minutes taken during the meeting. This is to emphasize the process that was necessary to establish the Society. Later on the format will revert to more of a story prose.

This, the third meeting of the association and one of great importance, was called to order by the temporary Chairman, John Groome. Following the reading of the minutes of the last meeting, parliamentary actions were initiated to found the Astronomical Society of Harrisburg.

Subsequent to the reading of the proposed Constitution and By-Laws, amending motions were received to establish a document satisfactory to the Association members. This document established the name as the ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF HARRISBURG and established the purpose of the society...... to promote the interest, education and advancement of the members in the science of astronomy, and to stimulate the interest of the public in this branch of science.

The motion to adopt the Constitution and By-Laws as read was passed by the members.

John Groome, First President of the Astronomical Society of Harrisburg looks through a telescope, scanned by TANII

A motion then was made to set aside the Constitution and By-Laws to permit nominations from the floor and the election of a slate of officers. This motion was passed and the following were nominated and elected:
President John Groome
Vice President Charles Keller
Secretary Ed Naylor
Treasurer Bruce Butt
Trustees
3 Years Dr. George Markley
2 Years Mrs. Jane Deitrick
I Year George Schriver

A report was made by Ed Naylor regarding his attendance at a meeting at the State Museum to promote the inclusion of a planetarium in the new proposed museum. The interests of the Society were expressed.

Press regarding Efforts of ASH to secure a Planetarium at the State Museum of Pennsylvania, scanned by TANII

A period was devoted then to the study of stars and constellations using a small "planetarium" furnished and explained by Jane Deitrick. Thus, the first meeting of the Astronomical Society of Harrisburg was adjourned.