named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Constellation Guide
Online educational resource covering all 88 constellations with star charts, photography, and cultural context
Library Telescope Loan Program
Community initiative to lend telescopes through local libraries to increase public access to astronomy
Observatory Lecture Series
Hosts expert speakers on topics including exoplanets, gravitational waves, radio astronomy, and space exploration
Observatory Open Nights
Weekly public viewing events every Wednesday at 7:30 PM featuring telescope access and astronomy education
STEM Space Camp
Summer educational program for youth focusing on astronomy and space science
activities · 2 groups
What they do
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Public Astronomy & Space Science Education 7 activities
- Deliver monthly public lecture series featuring scientists and researchersHosts a monthly lecture series with in-person and online access, featuring experts from NASA, academic institutions, and observatories on topics in astronomy and space science. Over 50 recorded lectures are archived online for public access.
- Develop and distribute free online astronomy education resourcesProduces and maintains two free web-based educational tools: a Constellation Guide covering all 88 constellations and a Deep-Sky Object Guide featuring 219 galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters, supporting self-directed public learning in observational astronomy.
- Host special public astronomy events and celebrationsOrganizes public events such as International Observe the Moon Night and cultural presentations by Indigenous knowledge keepers, including Seneca storyteller Ja:no’s Bowen, to share Haudenosaunee star legends and promote inclusive science engagement.
- Host weekly public observatory nights with telescope viewing and astronomy educationHosts weekly open observatory sessions every Wednesday at 7:30 PM, and selected Saturdays, offering free public access to large-aperture telescopes for stargazing and celestial observation. Indoor presentations and tours are provided during cloudy weather.
- Operate Library Telescope Loan Program to expand public access to astronomy toolsPartners with public libraries across Chautauqua County, NY, and into Pennsylvania to place telescopes in libraries for free borrowing with a library card, increasing community access to observational equipment and promoting science education.
- Provide educational outreach to schools, scouts, and civic groupsHosts educational visits for school groups, scouts, and civic organizations at the observatory, offering scheduled tours, telescope viewing, and interactive astronomy learning experiences, with reservations required for groups of six or more.
- Support member engagement in citizen science and observational astronomyProvides members with hands-on access to observatory facilities, training in telescope use, opportunities to borrow equipment, and participation in original astronomical observations and citizen science projects.
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Hands-On STEM Education Programs 1 activity
- Run annual Space STEM Camp for middle school studentsOffers a weeklong educational program for students entering grades 7–9, featuring hands-on activities such as building and using telescopes, programming rovers, launching rockets, and applying spectrometry to study the universe, with curriculum on international space cooperation.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$54K
Contributions & grants$47K86%
Program service revenue——
Investment income$8442%
Other revenue—
expenses
Total expenses$16K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits—
Grants paid out$100
balance sheet
Total assets$329K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$329K
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +169.9%
relationships · 16
Who they work with
- Cold Spring Longhouse Partner — Collaborates with the observatory to host cultural presentations by Seneca Faith Keeper Ja:no’s Bowen on Haudenosaunee star legends.
- Falconer Central Schools Partner — Co-hosts the Space STEM Camp with Martz-Kohl Observatory and Jamestown Community College.
- Falconer Printing Partner — Partnered to offer observatory-branded apparel and merchandise.
- Hall Optical Government — Shares administrative resources, including a business phone line.
- Ja:no's Bowen Partner — Collaborates with Indigenous presenter Ja:no's Bowen for cultural astronomy lectures.
- Jamestown Community College Partner — Co-hosts the Space STEM Camp with Martz-Kohl Observatory and Falconer Central Schools.
- Library Partner — Partners with local libraries to host telescopes through the Library Telescope Loan Program.
- MMMAA Network — Organization operates under the name Marshal Martz Memorial Astronomical Association, Inc. (MMMAA).
- NASA Government — Hosts speakers affiliated with NASA and features content related to NASA missions, including Artemis and the Habitable Worlds Observatory.
- NASA Partner — Collaborates with NASA scientists and researchers for its monthly lecture series.
- NASA Partner — Features NASA scientists in its monthly lecture series.
- Night Sky Network Network — Member of the Night Sky Network for public astronomy outreach and event coordination.
- Randolf Library Partner — Participates in the Library Telescope Loan Program by hosting telescopes from the observatory for public borrowing.
- Seneca Nation Partner — Collaborates with members of the Seneca Nation to present cultural perspectives on astronomy, such as the significance of Grandmother Moon.
- Warren Public Library Partner — Participates in the Library Telescope Loan Program by hosting telescopes from the observatory for public borrowing.
- Zooniverse Partner — Features presentations on NASA-funded citizen science projects hosted on the Zooniverse platform, indicating a collaborative relationship in public science engagement.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Equitable Access Through Community Infrastructuremethodology: library_based_access_expansionBy placing telescopes in public libraries and offering free public viewing events, we increase participation in astronomy, because using trusted, local institutions reduces logistical and socioeconomic barriers to scientific engagement.
- Hands-On Inquiry as Gateway to Scientific Learningmethodology: inquiry_based_learningBy providing hands-on telescope training, observational access, and peer-supported skill development, we cultivate lasting interest in astronomy, because experiential learning transforms curiosity into deep, self-motivated scientific understanding.
- Volunteer-Powered Astronomy Educationmethodology: volunteer_run_modelBy leveraging amateur astronomers as volunteer educators and program leaders, we deliver sustainable public astronomy education and facility operations, because community-driven expertise fosters authentic engagement and lowers institutional overhead.