In 1988, several prominent members of the Baltimore Astronomical Society (BAS) formed an organization called the Friends of the Baltimore Astronomical Society (FOBAS). It was formed in order to receive, restore, and create a home for a beautiful antique telescope donated from the Estate of Paul S. Watson. The telescope had been sitting unused on the family's property in Eastern Maryland. FOBAS began the telescope's restoration work and raised money to establish an observatory for it. Then, for to a variety of issues, FOBAS and the restoration project stalled until 1999. At that time, FOBAS and the BAS conducted a vote and decided to discontinue FOBAS as an organization and gift their antique telescope and cash assets ($2,144) to help start a new club. Founding members - Dana Boltersdorf, Michael Hall, ZoAnn Lapinsky, Mary Kay Sigaty, and Malcolm Willette formed the Howard Astronomical League as non-profit corporation on December 5, 1999.

The Early Years

Soon after formation, HAL's leaders established a relationship with the Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks and obtained permission to utilize Carrs Mill and Alpha Ridge Parks for astronomical viewing. HAL now has a contract in place with the Department of Recreation and Parks allowing our meetings to be held in their headquarters building. In exchange, HAL conducts several astronomy-related classes. During this time HAL also began an ambitious public star party and public outreach program and conducted countless educational and astronomical viewing events for local schools, libraries, scout troops, and the public at large. In March 2003, HAL obtained IRS 501(c)(3) status, thereby making donations to HAL deductible from income taxes under most circumstances.

Looking Forward

HAL has grown substantially since its founding in 1999. Membership numbers are strong and the club continues to conduct an active star party and public outreach program. We have recently expanded our outreach to include joint astronomy events with Howard Community College. Our monthly meetings have evolved to include a variety of member presentations and guest speakers from leading professional astronomy organizations in the Baltimore-Washington area; yet meetings are still appropriate for amateur astronomers at all levels. HAL continues to pursue its vision of observatory construction. Our history is not yet fully written. There are many exciting chapters ahead. Come and join us - either at our monthly meetings or our public star parties - and help us write those next wonderful chapters in Maryland amateur astronomy.

HAL Officers/Positions 2008 (last four on list not-elected)

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