AAVSO: Clinton B. Ford Astronomical Data and Research Center Dedication

At two o'clock, AAVSO president Thomas R. Williams stepped to the podium under the tent, and with news photographers' cameras flashing and videotape cameras rolling, addressed the audience of well over one hundred. In his remarks, President Williams recognized the attendance of AAVSO astronomers from all parts of the world including South Africa, Spain, Hungary, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Also recognized were Margaret Mayall, past director of the AAVSO, and guests of Dr. Ford.

Mr. Keith Danskin, AAVSO first vice-president, gave the audience a short history of how the new Headquarters building had been located. Dr. Janet Mattei, Director of the AAVSO, continued the chronology with the details behind the actual acquisition of the building, the preparations needed to put it to use, and the complex logistics of moving Headquarters operations from the old site at 187 Concord Avenue.


Opening Ceremonies: (from left) Keith Danskin, Janet Mattei, Riccardo Giacconi, Dorrit Hoffleit, Clint Ford, and Cambridge Mayor Walter Sullivan; Remarks by AAVSO Director Janet Mattei; Former AAVSO Director Margaret Mayall is recognized

In her remarks, Dr. Mattei impressed the audience with the fact that acquisition of the building would have been entirely out of the question if it had not been for the magnanimous generosity of Dr. Clinton B. Ford.

Dr. Ford was then given the podium to respond. He recalled how the dream of a permanent home for the AAVSO had originated with Newton Mayall, and then described his own part in making the dream a reality. He concluded by saying how happy he was to be able to give the AAVSO the home that he had so long wished for them to have.

Two presentations were made to Dr. Ford. A citation from Governor Michael S. Dukakis lauding Dr. Ford's efforts was read and presented by President Williams, and an elegant letter of congratulations from President Ronald Reagan was similarly delivered by Mr. Danskin.

The Guest Speaker for the occasion followed Dr. Ford, after being introduced by Dr. Mattei. Dr. Riccardo Giacconi, Director of the Space Telescope Science Institute, graciously commended the members and staff of the AAVSO for their very fine work in support of all the orbiting observatory programs to date. As a result of the work of the AAVSO and other amateur astronomer organizations and their very real contribution to professional astronomical research, Dr. Giacconi stated that the next day, August 7, 1986, at a press conference at Astrocon 86 in Baltimore, he would formally announce that amateur observers would be permitted time on the Hubble Space Telescope facility. This announcement was enthusiastically received by all present. Dr. Giacconi continued his remarks with high praise for all the work the AAVSO has done over the 75 years since its founding, and urged the organization to continue its fine work in its very special field.


Citations presented to Clint Ford; guest speaker, Dr. Riccardo Giacconi

The Honorable Walter S. Sullivan, Mayor of the City of Cambridge, then briefly and humorously thanked the AAVSO for keeping its Headquarters within the bounds of the city whose name is synonymous with Harvard, MIT, and high-tech industry--not to mention the town of the AAVSO's birth and past 75 years.

So, on a very high note, the guests left the tent to gather in front of the Headquarters building, where to the flashing of many cameras, the Mayor pulled the royal blue drape, unveiling the AAVSO sign, featuring the Mayall projected star, on the front of Headquarters. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Ford cut the ribbon across the front door to officially open the building.


The official ribbon-cutting ceremony, and all guests are invited inside

As a fitting finale to the ceremonies, everyone was invited inside Headquarters for a champagne toast by Dr. Dorrit Hoffleit and the unveiling of a plaque by Mr. Theodore Wales, AAVSO Treasurer, recognizing donors who gave $1,000 or more to the Headquarters or to the AAVSO's two priority projects. A book containing a list of all donors to these programs was put on permanent display directly below the plaque.

During the reception, the attendees had the opportunity to explore the new AAVSO Headquarters, including its gracious library. Friends were able to see Headquarters at work, as several of the staff demonstrated the day-to-day operations in handling observations. Everyone enjoyed the fascinating display which was prepared by AAVSO staffer Michael Saladyga and showed the history of the AAVSO in photos and documents, and was presented in the large meeting room on the ground floor. A further item of interest was a paper "wall" erected in the parking lot. Constructed as a view-block, the wall became a giant greeting card which everyone was encouraged to sign. It is now part of the AAVSO archives.

The final event of the day was a genuine New England clambake under the tent. Everyone ate their fill of lobster, mussels, corn-on-the-cob, and a special 75th Anniversary cake baked by Mrs. Silvia Danskin. An informal program followed, again recognizing some of the members from distant corners of the globe. One member, Attila Mizser from Hungary, was presented with a gift from Michael Mattei of two 10-inch pyrex mirror blanks, a rare commodity in Eastern Europe.

As members reluctantly headed to the dormitory, everyone agreed it had been a very exciting day, Wednesday, the first of four to celebrate the AAVSO's 75th.