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Join us for the Lu French Observatory Dedication

Administration Office
Please join us for the dedication of the newly named Lu French Observatory. Guests will gather on campus between the observatory and the Benjamin Beers Maintenance Shop parking lot on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 7:00 pm.

The dedication ceremony will celebrate Lu’s life and generosity and her love of astronomy.  For years, Lu was actively involved in the BBA Astronomy Club and enjoyed many nights stargazing at the observatory. The French family generously donated funds to name and refurbish the campus observatory upon Lu’s passing last year. Headmaster Mark Tashjian will offer brief remarks honoring Lu, and invite guests to enjoy stargazing. March 20th was Lu’s birthday and marks the beginning of the spring equinox. The Manchester Journal recently highlighted this event.  Learn more about Lu and the dedication here.
 
The Lu French Observatory at BBA
Built in 1928 as a gift to the school from Mary Harlan Lincoln, the observatory originally housed Robert Todd Lincoln’s eight-foot equatorial telescope—at the time considered the finest in the world. The telescope remained in place at Burr and Burton until it was gifted back to Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home, in 1992. 
 
Currently used by the BBA Astronomy Club, the Lu French Observatory now houses a 12" computerized Meade LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope on a fork mount, as well as an 8" Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and a 12" Apertura dobsonian telescope, both made possible by community support. 

Personal telescopes are welcome. This event is open to the public, rain or shine. No RSVP is required. For more information, contact Mary Francis at mfrancis@burrburton.org
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