2025 Stellafane Convention Schedule
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Thursday, July 24, 2025
Hartness House Hosted by Dan Lorraine & Tom Spirock Workshop (Separate Registration)
Hartness House Hosted by Dan Lorraine & Tom Spirock Dinner (Separate Registration)
Friday, July 25, 2025
Tent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Rick Hunter Intro & Grinding
Flanders Pavilion Presented by Gregory Caicco & William Jon McCann
Tent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Junie Esslinger Making Dental Stone Tools
Tent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Phil Rounseville Making Pitch Laps
Tent by Stellafane Clubhouse Presented by Eli Goldfine
Tent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Francis O'Reilly Polishing & Figuring
Tent by T-Shirt Sales With Dave Kelly & Doug Arion Testing (Bring your own mirror)
Tent by the Stellafane Clubhouse Hosted by Meghan Morse
Flanders Pavilion Bruce Beford, MC Short presentations by Convention Attendees
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Tent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Rick Hunter Intro & Grinding
McGregor Observatory Space Rocks Ages 5-12; Limited to first 20
Tent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Junie Esslinger Making Dental Stone Tools
Tent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Phil Rounseville Making Pitch Laps
Tent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Francis O'Reilly Polishing & Figuring
Flanders Pavilion Presented by Phil Harrington
McGregor Observatory Space Make & Take Ages 5-12; Limited to first 20
Tent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Ken Slater Dobsonian Basics
Flanders Pavilion Presented by Larry Mitchell
Amphitheater (Flanders Pavilion if rain) Includes Keynote, Shadowgram, Raffle & Awards
Fields around Clubhouse Optical Competition (Only if not held Friday)
Sunday, July 27, 2025
— Major Convention Events —
Friday Evening Informal Talks
| Fri 7:30 pm - | Flanders Pavilion | Bruce Beford, MC | Short presentations by Convention Attendees |
10 minute or under informal talks from convention attendees. If you wish to make a presentation, please register on the convention main page.
Swap Tables
| Sat 7:00 am - 12:00 pm | Swap Table Area - North of Main Camping Area |
The Swap Tables (located at the northeast edge of the main camping/parking area) are provided to give amateurs an opportunity to trade, buy or sell their surplus astronomical and telescope related items. The Swap Table area will be open from 7:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
POLICY OF THE SPRINGFIELD TELESCOPE MAKERS REGARDING COMMERCIALISM
AND THE SWAP TABLES AT THE CONVENTION
The Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. has clarified its policy regarding commercialism and Swap Table sales at the Stellafane Convention. For the sake of historical continuity, to preserve the uniqueness of the Stellafane Convention and to encourage Conventioneers to build their own instruments, the Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. does not allow commercial sales, of any kind, at the Stellafane Convention. All swap table sales must comply, in concept, with the above objective but are also specifically subject to the following criteria:
- Only surplus astronomical, telescope and telescope making related items may be sold.
- Each person will be allowed 16 square feet of table or ground space.
- Items which have the appearance of being specifically purchased or manufactured for sale at the Swap Tables may not be sold.
- All sales must take place within the designated Swap Table area only between 7 a.m. and noon, the Saturday of the Stellafane Convention.
The Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. may choose to grant a limited exception to the above policies to astronomy related organizations for their fundraising. Any request for an exemption must be made, in writing, at least one month prior to the Convention. If granted, the President of the Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. will notify the requesting organization in writing.
Any member of the Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. has the authority to determine whether a party is in compliance with the established regulations. Any person who is found to be in violation of the stated policies will be required to comply. Failing compliance, the offending party will be asked to leave the Convention and may be escorted from the premises by Convention security.
The Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. encourages those with questions regarding this policy to contact the Club via the Stellafane web page (https://Stellafane.org). During the Convention, any questions regarding this policy, the appropriateness of items being displayed, or any information being disseminated, should be directed to a member of the Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc.
Saturday Evening Program & Keynote Talk
| Sat 7:00 pm - | Amphitheater (Flanders Pavilion if rain) | Includes Keynote, Shadowgram, Raffle & Awards |
The Saturday evening program will begin at 7:00 pm in the hillside amphitheater. (In case of inclement weather, the program will be held inside the Flanders Pavilion). Mario Motta, of the Springfield Telescope Makers, will be master of ceremonies.
- Greetings, announcements, and Raffle Drawings
- Stellafane Shadowgram by Dr. Kristine Larsen
I Don’t Wanna Grow Up, I’m a Stellafane Kid... - Presentation of Telescope Competition Awards
- Stellafane Keynote by Dr. Stephen Sekula:
Astronomy Without Light: Revealing the Unseen Universe
— Telescope Competition —
Telescope Competition
| Fri 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Clubhouse | Optical and Mechanical Registration | |
| Fri 10:00 pm - | Fields around Clubhouse | Optical Competition Begins | |
| Sat 8:00 am - 9:30 am | Clubhouse | Mechanical (and Optical if needed) Registration | |
| Sat 10:00 am - 1:00 pm | Fields around Clubhouse | Mechanical Competition | |
| Sat 10:00 pm - | Fields around Clubhouse | Optical Competition (Only if not held Friday) |
Details are on the Telescope Competition Page
— Telescope Making —
Star Test Hands-on Activity
| Thu 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Stellafane Clubhouse | Presented by Francis O'Reilly |
Join us for a captivating one-hour class on Star Testing Astronomical Telescopes at the Stellafane Pink Clubhouse! This hands-on session will provide a unique opportunity to learn and observe the techniques of star testing, a crucial method for evaluating the optical quality of telescopes. Our experienced instructors will guide you through the process, offering live demonstrations, weather permitting. Please note that telescopes registered for the optical competition that weekend will not be tested. Don't miss this chance to enhance your astronomical knowledge and skills!
Telescope Making Demo
| Fri 10:00 am - 4:00 pm | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Org. by Bob Trzcinski | ATM Demo Hours |
| Fri 10:00 am - 10:30 am | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Rick Hunter | Intro & Grinding |
| Fri 11:00 am - 11:30 am | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Junie Esslinger | Making Dental Stone Tools |
| Fri 11:30 am - 12:00 pm | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Phil Rounseville | Making Pitch Laps |
| Fri 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Francis O'Reilly | Polishing & Figuring |
| Fri 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | With Dave Kelly & Doug Arion | Testing (Bring your own mirror) |
| Sat 10:00 am - 5:00 pm | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Org. by Bob Trzcinski | ATM Demo Hours |
| Sat 10:00 am - 10:30 am | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Rick Hunter | Intro & Grinding |
| Sat 11:00 am - 11:30 am | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Junie Esslinger | Making Dental Stone Tools |
| Sat 11:30 am - 12:00 pm | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Phil Rounseville | Making Pitch Laps |
| Sat 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Francis O'Reilly | Polishing & Figuring |
| Sat 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Ken Slater | Dobsonian Basics |
Learn about working on mirrors at every stage of grinding, polishing and testing. Experienced ATMs will help explain each step of the process and answer any questions you may have.
Bring your own mirror for testing between 2:00 and 4:00 PM on Friday - 12½-inch Max Diameter.
Try it Yourself! Hands on Grinding
| Fri 10:00 am - 11:00 am | Small Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Michael O'Gara | |
| Fri 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Small Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Michael O'Gara | |
| Sat 10:00 am - 11:00 am | Small Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Michael O'Gara | |
| Sat 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Small Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Michael O'Gara |
Try it Yourself! This is a HANDS-ON mirror making demonstration - Gain first-hand experience grinding a mirrors.
Telescope Clinic
| Thu 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm | Outside North of the Pavilion | Hosted by Jim Flood | |
| Fri 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Outside North of the Pavilion | Hosted by Jim Flood |
— Talks & Events for All Levels —
Nurturing the Night: How the Dark Skies of Vermont Shelter Healing and the Imagination
| Fri 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Gregory Caicco & William Jon McCann |
In this discussion we will enter the history, medicine and poetics of the night as essential for environmental and human wellbeing. We will honor Vermont's significant efforts to date in looking after its star-soaked nights, and explore ways to further tend the darkness.
A Sneak Peak at the documentary film "Stellafane and Beyond"
| Fri 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm | Friday Night Movie | Flanders Pavilion |
Southern Objects, or "Things You Can't See From Up Here"
| Sat 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Mario Motta |
Mario Motta has taken many images of the Southern Sky from Naples, South West Florida. While attending the Winter Star Party in 2023 he noted that many observers were unaware of the fine gems to see while down south, and compiled an observing list for the Florida Keys. They also became the subject of the article “Winter Observing in the South” that Mario wrote for the February 2024 issue of Sky & Telescope magazine. These objects have since become the observing list for subsequent Winter Star Parties. In addition, while attending the "Starlight Conference" in New Zealand as the keynote speaker in October of 2024, he observed a number of far southern objects with a C14 from the South Island, and also met an amateur Adrien Barrajon who had imaged many of these objects but had less than adequate processing but with excellent subs frames saved. They have since collaborated, and Mario has reprocessed many of his deep southern objects. In this talk Mario will show you a variety of far Southern Sky objects, or "Things You Can't See From Up Here".
WAS Is! The History of the Westport Astronomical Society from 1975 to 2025 and Beyond
| Sat 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Phil Harrington |
Phil Harrington’s “WAS Is” presentation commemorates the Westport Astronomical Society’s 50th anniversary, reflecting on its 1975 founding. Driven by physics teacher Fred Bump, students, parents, and townsfolk revived the 1960s Rolnick Observatory—built on a former Nike radar site—and forged a new volunteer club that has grown to one of New England’s most active groups. Harrington celebrates five decades of public outreach, discovery, and community spirit.
A Panel with the Next Generation of Astronomers
| Sat 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Young Astronomers |
Presented by Kaitlynn Goulette, Eli Goldfine, John Holleran, and Qijia Zhou
A panel of young astronomers will discuss their experiences in space and astronomy, as well as their dreams for the future. They will share how they first became interested in the field, what inspires them to keep exploring, and the challenges they've faced along the way. This discussion will offer a unique glimpse into the next generation of scientists and their hopes for advancing our understanding of the universe.
The 2025 Visual Observing Olympics - "A Little Bit of Everything"
| Sat 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Larry Mitchell |
— Beginners Talks —
Introduction to Stellafane
| Sat 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Bruce Beford |
Are you familiar with these terms: “The Pink”, “Tent Talks” or “The Turret”? If not, if this is your first time attending the Stellafane Convention, or if you are returning and want to learn more about who the Springfield Telescope Makers are, as well as what is going on during the Convention, then this presentation is for you. Topics include, but are not limited to: A short history of Stellafane, a description of our site, including the buildings and landmarks, descriptions of the scheduled talks and activities, services available at Stellafane, local services off site, etc., in addition to answering any questions you may have about the Convention.
Solar System Walk
| Fri 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm | Meet at M44 (Green Shed) near Clubhouse | Kaitlynn Goulette | |
| Sat 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm | Meet at M44 (Green Shed) near Clubhouse | Kaitlynn Goulette |
To illustrate the vast size of outer space, the Springfield Telescope Makers have constructed a scale model of the solar system, based on the Sun being 12 inches in diameter. At that scale, the Earth would be approximately 1/10 of an inch in diameter and 107 feet from the Sun. Jupiter would be 1.2 inches in diameter and approximately 560 feet from the Sun.
The “Solar System Walk” begins behind the Pink Clubhouse and proceeds down the road going towards the Stellafane camping area. At the appropriate distance from the scale model of the Sun, there are stations with the appropriate planet, built to scale, and a short description of each planet. The Solar System walk can be taken on your own at any time during the Convention. However, a guided walk is available at the times mentioned above, when a docent will provide additional information about the “Solar System Walk” and each particular planet. The walk takes approximately ¾ of an hour if you walk all the way to the planet Neptune, with a total distance of 3,232 feet or a little over ½ of a mile.
Telescope Field Walk
| Sat 11:30 am - 12:30 pm | Meet at Front of Clubhouse | Led by David McGaw |
During the “Telescope Field Walk” an experienced Amateur Telescope Maker will guide small groups through the fields around the Pink Clubhouse, where the telescopes that will be participating in the mechanical competition will be set up. Your guide will describe the various types of optical designs and mounting configurations that will be on display, point out the subtle details that go into award winning telescopes and be available to answer your questions.
Nightscapes
| Fri 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Preseneted by Bruce Berger |
Bruce will share the inspiration behind his interest in NightScape photography, highlight some of the projects he has worked on, and provide insights on how to get started in this exciting hobby.
Solar Observing and the AAVSO Solar SIG
| Fri 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Dr. Kristine Larsen |
Learn how to safely observe the sun and contribute scientifically useful data to the AAVSO solar database.
— Intermediate Talks —
Spectroscopy, the Next Frontier
| Fri 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Dr. Brian Kloppenborg |
Stellar spectroscopy is a cornerstone of modern astrophysics, offering critical insights into the physical properties, chemical composition, and dynamics of stars. This talk will provide an overview of fundamental spectroscopic principles, including the electromagnetic spectrum, blackbody radiation, and the formation of absorption and emission lines. We will discuss how spectra are used to classify stars, determine their motion through Doppler shifts, and analyze their atmospheric conditions. The presentation will also cover practical aspects of spectroscopic observations, including instrumentation, data collection, calibration, and reduction techniques. Finally, we will explore key scientific applications, such as studying binary systems, variable stars, and stellar activity, while highlighting opportunities for amateur astronomers to contribute valuable data to professional research.
Get published: Using Your Telescope for Science
| Fri 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Roxanne Kamin – IOTA |
You can observe objects. You can image objects. How about using your telescope to prove that something exists by not observing the object itself, but rather by capturing an image of its shadow? Join us as we talk about how you can use your own telescope to contribute images, and light curve data to researchers around the world.
— Workshops & Seminars —
Hartness House Workshop
| Thu 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | Hartness House | Hosted by Dan Lorraine & Tom Spirock | Workshop (Separate Registration) |
| Thu 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Hartness House | Hosted by Dan Lorraine & Tom Spirock | Dinner (Separate Registration) |
Workshop and Dinner information is here. Separate registration and fees apply.
— Youth Events —
Rocket Science Basics
| Fri 9:00 am - 10:30 am | McGregor Observatory Library | Ben Roberts & John Holloran | Ages 12-18 |
| Sat 9:00 am - 10:30 am | McGregor Observatory Library | Ben Roberts & John Holloran | Ages 12-18 |
Have you ever wanted to fly your own rocket? Come join us and learn how we get to, and stay in, space using the most incredible machines humanity has ever created! No experience required. Pre-registration is recommended.
Contact orbitalmech@stellafane.org to pre-register or for more information.
Astronomy Activities for Children
| Sat 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | McGregor Observatory | Space Rocks | Ages 5-12; Limited to first 20 |
| Sat 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | McGregor Observatory | Space Make & Take | Ages 5-12; Limited to first 20 |
There will be two 1-hour astronomy workshops for children; each session has a different activity. These astronomy workshops have been held at the Stellafane Convention since 1995. Led by Dr. Kristine Larsen, Professor of Astronomy at Central Connecticut State University and a member of the Springfield Telescope Makers, each of the 1-hour workshops includes several activities geared for children ages 5 - 12. Younger children are welcome but will need help from a parent.
Due to space limitations, each workshop is limited to 20 children on a first-come basis. Late-comers may be turned away.
Saturday 11 AM: Space Rocks Have you ever held a piece of outer space? Many of them fall to earth as meteorites. Learn about meteorites and 'meteor-wrongs' and see many different meteorites up close and personal. You might even win one to bring home!
Saturday 2 PM: Space Make and Take Stop by the McGregor Library and make your own Saturn model, star finder, UV detector, sun clock and more to take home!
Stellafane Family Lunar Rover Mission
| Fri 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Bunkhouse | Presented by Johny Colt & Dominic Fucile |
Stellafane’s space-tech program activity has been updated to encourage family participation though it is also open to Conventioneers of all ages. Attendees this year will be introduced to the mission and technology behind NASA’s CADRE (Cooperative Autonomous Distributed Robotic Exploration) spacecraft. Scheduled to launch in 2026, a trio of CADRE rovers will demonstrate how smarter autonomous and networked systems on the moon can operate. Course material includes a discussion on CADRE’s sensor systems, in particular how they relate to lunar deployed spacecraft.
This will be a hands-on and team oriented class that includes constructing CADRE inspired spacecraft to explore the Convention’s ‘lunar terrain’. Attendance will be first-come first-served. If interested, please email us directly at robots@stellafane.org. No technical experience is required however there will be a lot of specialized instruction. Please be on time! We will be working with hand tools, so please no open toed shoes (sandals or flip-flops).
— More to Explore —
Mount Ephraim Hike
| Fri 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Meet North Side of Food Tent | Led by Katie Shusdock |
Walk in Russell Porter's footsteps and start your Stellafane Convention with a little Stellafane lore and an easy hike to the summit of nearby Mount Ephraim. Stellafane members have been enjoying this hike for over one hundred years. A beautiful long-distance view of the McGregor Observatory and the Stellafane Convention, and a photo op at the summit next to the cairn monument are highlights of the trip. The round-trip distance is 4.3 miles, with an elevation gain of 671 feet. Dress for trail hiking with proper footwear and take precautions for ticks. If you need water and snacks for the hike they can be purchased from our food vendor. You can ask for the special Stellafane Hike Snack Bag. Meet your hike leader, Katie, at the Food Tent prior to 9:00am so the hike can start on time.
Astronomy Trivia Game for Teens-ish, Ages 10 to 20
| Fri 11:30 am - 12:15 pm | Tent by Stellafane Clubhouse | Presented by Eli Goldfine |
Test your knowledge of Astronomy and Stellafane in a trivia game designed exclusively for the Stellafane Convention. Prizes will be awarded!
Stellafane Geology Hike
| Fri 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm | Meet at North Side of Food Tent | Led by George Springston |
Are you interested in what's below your feet as well as what's up in the sky? If so, the geology hike is for you. We'll head out on a hike on the wooded roads of Stellafane East and examine rock outcrops and glacial features that highlight parts of Vermont's long geologic history. The total length of the hike will probably only be about one mile, but the route is steep in places, and it will be over some rough, rocky ground. Hiking boots are recommended and be prepared for mosquitoes and ticks. If you need water and snacks for the hike they can be purchased from our food vendor. You can ask for the special Stellafane Hike Snack Bag. Meet your hike leader, George, at the Food Tent prior to 1:00pm so the hike can start on time.
Meet & Greet Social Hour for Youthful Adults, Ages 20 to 35ish
| Fri 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm | Tent by the Stellafane Clubhouse | Hosted by Meghan Morse |
Youthful adults, under 35-ish, should make their way up to the Stellafane Clubhouse to enjoy light refreshments and the company of other Stellafane fans and STEAM geeks. Share your story about what brought you to Stellafane and your interest in astronomy. Are you new to astronomy? Telescopes will be set up just outside the tent and Springfield Telescope Maker club members will be there for hands-on demonstrations of how to use a telescope for observing the night sky.
Pop-up Museum Exhibits
| Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm | Outside the Flanders Pavillion | ||
| Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm | Outside the Flanders Pavillion |
These Exhibits Will Pop-up at Different Times
- American Precision Museum, Windsor, VT
- DarkSky Vermont, the local chapter of DarkSky International
— Observing —
Solar Observing Hour
| Fri 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Observing Fields | Please set up your Solar Scope and Share | |
| Sat 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Observing Fields | Please set up your Solar Scope and Share |
All attendees with solar filters or projection set-ups are encouraged to share the Sun with other attendees. The Simoni and Porter Turret observatories will be set up for solar observing as well.
Observing Olympics
| Thu 8:30 pm - 12:00 am | Observing Fields | Coordinated by Eileen Myers | Telescopes & Binoculars |
| Fri 8:30 pm - 12:00 am | Observing Fields | Coordinated by Eileen Myers | Telescopes & Binoculars |
| Sat 8:30 pm - 12:00 am | Observing Fields | Coordinated by Eileen Myers | Telescopes & Binoculars |
| Sun 10:30 am - 11:30 am | Hillside below McGregor | Coordinated by Eileen Myers | Award Pins Only |
Observing Olympics: Dusk to Midnight or later depending on observing conditions.
See the Observing Olympics Page for details and observing lists.
Cook Spectrohelioscope
| Fri 9:00 am - 4:00 pm | Simoni Observatory | Solar Observing | Weather Permitting |
| Sat 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | Simoni Observatory | Solar observing | Weather Permitting |
The circa 1930 Cook Spectrohelioscope will be observing solar prominences and sunspots in hydrogen-alpha light. The Simoni Observatory is northwest of the Stellafane Clubhouse on Breezy Hill.
Porter Turret Telescope
| Thu 9:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observing | Weather Permitting | |
| Fri 9:00 am - 6:00 pm | Open, Solar Observing | Weather Permitting | |
| Fri 8:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observing | Weather Permitting | |
| Sat 8:00 am - 6:00 pm | Open, Solar Observing | Weather Permitting | |
| Sat 9:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observing | Weather Permitting |
The 1930 Porter Turret Telescope is located just north of the clubhouse on Breezy Hill.
McGregor Observatory
| Thu 9:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observing | Weather Permitting | |
| Fri 10:00 am - 6:00 pm | Open, Solar Observing | Weather Permitting | |
| Fri 8:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observing | Weather Permitting | |
| Sat 8:00 am - 6:00 pm | Open, Solar Observing | Weather Permitting | |
| Sat 9:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observing | Weather Permitting |
The McGregor Observatory, home of the 13-inch Schupmann Refractor, is located on a hilltop in the northwest corner of Stellafane East.
Breuning Observatory (Domed Observatory)
| Thu 9:30 pm - 12:00 am | Observing | Weather Permitting | |
| Fri 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Open | ||
| Fri 9:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observing | Weather Permitting | |
| Sat 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Open | ||
| Sat 9:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observing | Weather Permitting |
The domed Breuning Observatory is located just south of and downhill from the McGregor Observatory.
— Museum Open —
Hartness-Porter ATM Museum Open
| Fri 4:15 pm - 6:00 pm | Hartness House | Hosted by Matt Considine, Curator | |
| Sun 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Hartness House | Hosted by Matt Considine, Curator |
The Hartness-Porter Museum of Amateur Telescope Making is located in the underground rooms at the Hartness House Inn. Admission is free. GPS address 109 Front Street, Springfield, Vermont. Many of the items on display are by or about Russell W. Porter, including the Springfield and Garden telescopes. His artwork traces his arctic exploration years to his work on the 200" Palomar telescope, culminating in his famous cutaway drawings. Other items of interest include early telescopes and mirror making parts.
— Operating Hours —
Large RV Permit Holders must arrive
| Thu 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Entry Gate | Please don't arrive before Noon! |
Large RVs have to be pre-registered, and must arrive between Noon and 4PM on Thursday. Do not arrive early. We have large trucks making food deliveries and installing sanitation facilities before then.
Early Entry Permit Holders can arrive
| Thu 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm | Entry Gate | Please don't arrive before 3:00! |
Please do not arrive before 3:00 PM and do not park on Jordan Road. The large RV's come in before you, starting at noon. You will not be admitted before 3:00 PM, and our gate staff is busy getting the RV's safely in place.
Registration Gate
| Fri 8:00 am - | Entry Gate | Gate Opens | |
| Fri 10:00 pm - | Entry Gate | Gate Closes | |
| Sat 7:00 am - | Entry Gate | Gate Opens |
The hours of operation of the Registration Gate.
Shuttle Bus Operates
| Fri 10:00 am - 6:00 pm | Bus Stops | Bus Stops: Pine Island, Food Tent, Pink Clubhouse | |
| Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm | Bus Stops | Bus Stops: Pine Island, Food Tent, Pink Clubhouse |
The Shuttle Bus makes two stops in Stellafane East, one by the Food Tent and one by the main Camping Area (See Stellafane East Site Map (pdf)). It makes one stop on Breezy Hill near the Clubhouse.
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