Dear Mount Wilson Friend,
We had a full and exciting Season on the mountain this year… Perhaps you attended one of our monthly Concerts in the Dome, lectures with telescope viewings, Engineering tours, or Public Ticket Nights — ALL sold out month after month, starting in May. We expanded programming to include a Movie Night – whose audience was at capacity! OR maybe you enjoyed a picnic on the forest grounds, and then took in the mysteries of the universe by looking through the 60 inch or 100-inch telescopes – the two largest in the world available to the public.
To make all this available, Mount Wilson has initiated the first phase of the Second Century Campaign, whose purpose is to upgrade our 120-year-old campus after years of wear and tear. As our attendance has grown, we’re making every effort to improve our Visitor and member experience. This past year we took care of the following:
- Upgraded our 1935 auditorium with a new screen, projector and enhanced air circulation
- Purchased essential equipment to improve pathways and fencing, and to assist in fuel abatement and snow removal
- Re-aluminized the 100-inch telescope to create a better viewing experience for YOU and all our telescope fans
And there are more projects ahead. But we need your support as a NEW MEMBER to make progress.
Your membership is incredibly important to us! We receive no regular governmental or institutional support. Approximately 15% of Mount Wilson’s budget is covered by Lease holders, while the largest share – 85% — comes from private sources: memberships, general gifts, ticket sales and tour fees. We rely on YOU to help this historic institution continue to grow and thrive
As a thank you for your Membership, we have a roster of benefits – featured on our membership page. Free Members-Only telescope nights and ticket discounts for starters. And you’ll hear about our events and new programming FIRST – so you’re at the front of the line. And while you enjoy the festivities, know that your support of Mount Wilson is building an infrastructure that will be available for
generations to come.
We so appreciate your support of our historic institution… With the gift of your membership, you are an extension of a committed community who are carrying Mount Wilson’s vision into the next century.
All the best,
Sam Hale, Chairman of the Board of Trustees
