Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association Purchases Land Surrounding Veen Observatory

Veen Observatory during the day. Photo taken by Jeff Dickerman, GRAAA officer.

For years the Veen and Marron families have been linked.  A love of looking upward into the night sky brought them together.  The James C. Veen Observatory is named after the first president of the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association (GRAAA), which formed in 1955.  While Veen did not live to see construction of the observatory his stories live on in his children and grandchildren.  After becoming involved with GRAAA in the mid-60’s , James and Evelyn Marron donated 18 acres of land on Kissing Rock to build an observatory.  James Marron was the president of the club in 1965 when construction began.

A History in the Making
The Veen Observatory was built on land to which GRAAA has been given access through a $1/year lease up until recently.  After decades of use, GRAAA board members showed interest in purchasing the land from the Marrons.  A sustainability campaign focused on raising funds.  Through grants from the Lowell Cable TV Fund, Look Memorial Fund, and the Estate of James C. Veen, Jr.  much of the finances were secured.

A total of 12.3 acres of land were purchased.  Should at any point in the future GRAAA be dissolved, the observatory and land would transfer to the Grand Rapids Public Museum.  This will ensure the building and property will remain an observatory for future generations.

Dave DeBruyn presnts a check to James and Evelyn Marron.  Photo courtesy of Jeff Dickerman.

This past Friday evening a celebration at the Veen Observatory brought GRAAA members together with James and Evelyn Marron and James Veen, III and Claudia Nightengale from the Veen family.  Current GRAAA president Dave DeBruyn presented the Marrons with a check for the purchase of their land on which the observatory is located.  An informal open house style gathering allowed those involved with the organization the opportunity to celebrate and witness what is a historical moment in the legacy of GRAAA and the Veen Observatory.

Upcoming Events
Veen Public Nights have ended for the year but will resume in the spring.  This year, these Saturday nights were a popular destination.  A public observation night during the Perseid meteor shower had cars lining Kissing Rock and hundreds of visitors taking in the night sky.  Group tours are also available apart from Public Nights.  This year’s tours are winding down but will be offered again starting in mid-March.

On Saturday, November 11 from 10 am – 12 pm the club will present “How to Pick the Right Telescope for Christmas” presented by Greg Comegys and friends.  The event will take place at Schuler Books & Music located at 2660 28th Street SE.  Even those who already own a telescope will learn useful information about upgrading to something new.

The final event of 2017 for GRAAA will be a presentation and meeting on Thursday, November 16 from 7 pm – 9 pm at the Grand Rapids Public Museum located at 272 Pearl Street NW in Grand Rapids.  “The Star of Bethlehem: New Light on an Old Mystery” will be presented by Dave DeBruyn.  He will use the planetarium’s technology to set the sky to Biblical times and discuss this famous star.

To Infinity and Beyond
Generations past, present, and future will be able to experience looking into space from a local observatory.  Not many communities, especially in Michigan, can say these words.  For decades, learning and wondering about objects in the night sky has excited people of all ages.  Thanks to the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association, education, discoveries, and nighttime viewing will be available for decades to come.

While the sustainability campaign reached its goal of purchasing the land on which the observatory sits, GRAAA continues to look at ways to improve the facility and expose more people to the night sky viewing experience.

 

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