Recognizing the 85th Anniversary of the Seymour Planetarium

Floor Speech

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Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest congratulations to Springfield Museums and the Seymour Planetarium on celebrating the Planetarium's 85th anniversary. This milestone achievement deserves the highest praise for the hard work and dedication of the organization's board, staff, and everyone who has contributed to the Planetarium's success.

The doors of the Seymour Planetarium first opened in 1937. Founded by Chicopee brothers Frank, John and Stanley Korkosz, the Planetarium was created to educate and inspire, just as Frank Korkosz was inspired by the 1910 appearance of Halley's Comet, later building a rudimentary comet projector with a dynamite box and carbide lamp. Through their work, they have brought a new perspective of our universe to countless families and individuals.

Over the course of 85 years, the Planetarium has inspired generations of visitors. John Korkosz stressed the importance of curiosity and exploring the universe to better understand life on Earth. Through the creation of the Korkosz starball--the world's oldest operating, American-made star projector--he and his brothers have sparked that curiosity in countless others. The past few years, in particular, have highlighted the need for looking forward and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate Springfield Museums and the Seymour Planetarium again on celebrating the Planetarium's 85th anniversary and thank them for continuing to educate and inspire our communities. The Planetarium is a cherished landmark of Massachusetts' First District, and I wish them many more years of success and prosperity.

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