Observatory Project
The original ORAS observatory was located in Two Mile Run County Park, Venango County, Pennsylvania.
The original ORAS observatory. The original site in Two Mile Run County Park
In 2014, ORAS moved to a new site. We received a donation of 25 acres of land for an observatory in southeastern Venango County, centered between Franklin, Oil City, and Clarion - a location with a darker sky and a better view to the south. Site preparation began in 2014, with construction underway in 2015. The new facility is known as the Oil Region Astronomy Learning Center, and it features the Bruce M. Bedow Memorial Observatory and the David L. Jones Activity Building.
In 2014, ORAS moved to a new site. We received a donation of 25 acres of land for an observatory in southeastern Venango County, centered between Franklin, Oil City, and Clarion - a location with a darker sky and a better view to the south. Site preparation began in 2014, with construction underway in 2015. The new facility is known as the Oil Region Astronomy Learning Center, and it features the Bruce M. Bedow Memorial Observatory and the David L. Jones Activity Building.
Bruce M. Bedow Memorial Observatory under construction David L. Jones Activity Building under construction
Two views of the observatory roof tracks, and a view of the classroom in the Activity Building
The site includes a large open field surrounding the Bruce M. Bedow Memorial Observatory that provides opportunities for observing under dark skies. The observatory is outfitted with several top-of-the-line telescopes. The David L. Jones Activity Building contains a classroom to accommodate student and adult groups for school field trips, community presentations, and other activities. Both the observatory and the Activity Building are accessible to physically-challenged individuals.
The site includes a large open field surrounding the Bruce M. Bedow Memorial Observatory that provides opportunities for observing under dark skies. The observatory is outfitted with several top-of-the-line telescopes. The David L. Jones Activity Building contains a classroom to accommodate student and adult groups for school field trips, community presentations, and other activities. Both the observatory and the Activity Building are accessible to physically-challenged individuals.
Bruce M. Bedow Memorial Observatory open for observing
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David L. Jones Activity Building
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July 9, 2022 Observatory Grand Opening
On Saturday, July 9, 2022, ORAS held the official Grand Opening of the new Oil Region Astronomy Learning Center. Many of our members, supporters, and other local dignitaries were in attendance. Dr. Tim Spuck, ORAS President, thanked all those who contributed toward the building and development of our new facility. Dr. Spuck said, "We are incredibly thankful to the many local businesses, funding agencies, and individuals who made it all possible.”
The event featured tours of the ORALC facilities, as well as a presentation by Dr. Arthur Kosowsky, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pittsburgh. The topic was "Searching for Planet Nine." The talk was followed by night sky observing through two of the ORAS telescopes.
Dr. Tim Spuck cuts the ribbon on the David L. Jones Activity Center. From left to right are Marianne Hooker, Butch Kapp, Tim Spuck, Rod Bedow, and Barbara Rumore.
Guests enjoy the opening remarks.
ORAS has been fortunate to receive many significant contributions to our observatory project. Below is a list of those who donated money, stock, and in-kind contributions.
Unless otherwise requested, all contributors will be recognized on a "Wall of Stars" display at the facility.
Please consider making a contribution today to support continued development of the Oil Region Astronomy Learning Center by clicking on the "donate" button, or by sending a check made out to ORAS to our mailing address, P. O. Box 1535, Oil City, PA 16301. If you are interested in helping out by contributing labor, resources, or other assets to the project, please contact Tim Spuck at tspuck@hotmail.com or 814-354-6515. ORAS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all contributions are tax-deductible.
Contributors to date -- cash, stock, labor, and materials
Blue Giant ($5,000 or more in value)
Rod Bedow
Elizabeth S. Black Charitable Trust (PNC Bank, trustee)
Clint Brown Sons
David Jones
Thomas Keating Trust
John Nesbit Rees and Sarah Henne Rees Charitable Foundation
Tim and Karen Spuck
Swartfager Welding, Inc.
Third Millenium Architects/David Strickland
County of Venango
Red Giant ($2,500-4,999 in value)
Dan and Sharon Holler
Marianne Hooker
Green Star ($1,000-2,499 in value)
In honor of Joseph and Helen Guzik
Butch and Joanne Kapp
RAM Water Well Services
Reeves Plumbing and Heating
In memory of Charles Spuck
In memory of Larry Stack
Flaccus and Beth Stifel
In honor of Nicholas and Mary Tramdack
Yellow Star ($500-999 in value)
In memory of Jim Donze
J. J. Kennedy, Inc.
In memory of Dave Kiser, Sr.
Larry McHenry
Orange Star ($100-499 in value)
Mike Anderton
Barr's Insurance
Steve and Debbie Behringer
Ray and Jan Beichner
Tyler and Leah Chambers
Brian Doss
Electralloy
Jim Garasich
The Heller family
Denny Hill
Kiski Area Astronomy Club
Robert Kalan
Randal and Mary Leeson
Kate Meredith
Overhead Door Company
Rolling Hills Metal
Dean Salisbury
Slippery Rock Hardware
Snyder Electric
Tonell’s Jewelry
Rebecca Valentine