The Carlton Observatory is the vision of Forrest Babcock and Janet Zuelke, who dreamed of building a science center that would cultivate and deepen community connections, while fostering innovative, scientific discovery.  The duo enlisted the support of a small group of like-minded friends to reach out through community events, lectures, and star parties.  At every interaction, the team encountered an enthusiastic curiosity about the science of astronomy and a desire to make all science more accessible to everyone.  

The Carlton Observatory will provide a state-of-the-art resource, creating opportunities to expand science education for students and educators in rural Yamhill County and the greater area.  From the traveling exhibits, to our maker’s studio, to the Observatory itself, this one-of-a-kind science center brings an innovative asset to the region. Visitors of all ages will find an interactive and exciting space where they can discover, experience, and celebrate the wonder of science in a whole new way.  

This Concept Design moves the Observatory Project forward from what was an aspirational notion to a more concrete vision of a place, rooted in the community, located synergistically with the region’s major museum, and speaking to the deep wonder we all feel for the cosmos. 

The Carlton Observatory is an organized 501c3 as of May 2018

So…Keep looking up!