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U-46 Planetarium & Observatory Inducted into Alliance of Historic Observatories 

Team from Harvard University to visit and inspect antique equipment 

ELGIN - The School District U-46 Planetarium & Observatory, where generations of students have gazed at the stars while learning about Earth’s place in space, is now recognized as a member of the Alliance of Historic Observatories (AHO). The international organization is dedicated to preserving and advancing the world’s most significant historic astronomical sites.

“The U-46 Planetarium & Observatory is a special treasure for us, but now we know others across the globe recognize its importance as well,” said Planetarium teacher Joseph Kellenberger. “Students who come here get to experience a part of history and add to the legacy of the facility. I often hear the building described as a ‘hidden gem in Elgin,’ but now maybe it's not so hidden anymore!”

The benefit of the Planetarium belonging to the AHO is already becoming clear. The Planetarium will host on Jan. 23-24 several individuals from Harvard University who are experts in antique astronomical equipment. During their visit, the experts will assess the observatory’s rare telescope and timekeeping instruments for preservation and possible restoration, while also training U-46 employees on proper care and maintenance.

“U-46 is among a select few school districts fortunate enough to have a planetarium for our students and community, so it is vital that we maintain this amazing learning space and opportunity,” said Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Johnson.

U-46 Science Coordinator Deb McMullen said the training from the Harvard experts will “ensure that this nationally significant facility continues to inspire learning and discovery for generations to come.”

The AHO designation highlights the unique historic and scientific legacy of the structure, which traces its roots to an observatory built in 1910 by the Elgin National Watch Company. The Elgin National Watch Company Observatory was used in the company’s marketing efforts as it boasted its watches and clocks were “timed to the stars.” When the company went out of business, it deeded the Observatory to School District U-46, which added the Planetarium onto the structure in 1963, and acknowledges its continued educational role in sparking interest in astronomy among students and members of the community.

The Planetarium welcomes approximately 14,000 visitors a year, with the vast majority field trips of U-46 students who experience grade-level lessons on science and astronomy, aligned to Next Generation Science Standards.

The building also offers public sky shows, usually four or five times a year. The next one, on Monday, Feb. 9, will focus on Mayan Archaeoastronomy. The Thursday, May 14, show will highlight the building’s history.

U-46 alumnus Mike McDowell looks back fondly on visiting the Planetarium regularly, starting when he was in first grade. He eventually built telescopes under the direction of the Planetarium’s teacher.

“It was incredibly influential on my life. I’m still an amateur astronomer today,” McDowell said.

The formal announcement of the building being inducted into the AHO was made in the fall of 2025 at the organization’s meeting in Flagstaff, Ariz. Peggy Hernandez, who served as the U-46 Planetarium teacher for 15 years until her retirement in 2024, traveled to Flagstaff to present on the mission and current status of U-46’s historic structure and to formally accept the prestigious recognition on behalf of the district.

There are fewer than 30 sites recognized as members of the AHO. Among them are iconic structures that have played pivotal roles in advancing our understanding of the cosmos, including the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Ariz., and the Vatican Observatory in Rome.

This video was created to mark the 60th anniversary of the Planetarium in 2023.

NOTE: Media interested in covering the visit from the Harvard University team should contact Tara Burghart via email at taraburghart@u-46.org

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School District U-46 serves families in 11 communities: Bartlett, Elgin, Hanover Park, South Elgin, Streamwood and Wayne, as well as portions of Carol Stream, Hoffman Estates, St. Charles, Schaumburg, and West Chicago. In total, the District encompasses 90 square miles within the Fox River Valley, approximately 45 minutes northwest of downtown Chicago, and includes communities within Cook, DuPage and Kane counties. Thirty-three thousand preschoolers through twelfth graders attend the 56 District schools and programs. To learn more, visit the U-46 website, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.