633 Royce Avenue

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15243-1149

(412) 561-7876

February 18, 1994

Dr. Doreen E. Boyce, President

The Buhl Foundation

Four Gateway Center, Room 1325

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222

Dear Dr. Boyce:

You may not remember me. I met you several years ago at the Buhl Science Center. I was a Science Center employee between 1982 and 1992. During my tenure, I served in several capacities including Curator of the popular Embryology exhibit, in which chicks and ducklings were hatched weekly. For five years, I served as Coordinator of Buhl's Astronomical Observatory.

On December 22, I was quite distressed to read, in Christopher Rawson's "On Stage" column in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, of The Carnegie's plan to leave The Carnegie Science Center, Allegheny Square Annex building--the original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science. I wrote a letter to The Carnegie President Ellsworth Brown regarding this matter, last month. I am enclosing a copy of the letter, for your information.

I have studied the history of The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science extensively. In my letter to Mr. Brown, I outlined the historical significance of the original building, Planetarium, and Observatory. I also made several suggestions as to how revenue could be increased to cover the operating costs of the original building. It appears my letter was too late to have an impact on this decision. Last week, I learned that The Carnegie's plan is now being implemented.

The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science is an important part of the history of Pittsburgh. I further believe it is an important part of the history of Science museums and Science Centers, in this country. I feel quite strongly that the original building, and Planetarium and Observatory instruments, should be preserved in usable form.

As I understand it, the Pittsburgh Children's Museum, or some other appropriate organization, may become the chief tenant of the original Buhl building. Hence, the building does not appear to be in jeopardy, at this time.

Dr. Doreen E. Boyce February 18, 1994 Page 2 of 2

However, I am very concerned about the future of the original Planetarium and Observatory. Although these historic instruments are more than fifty years old, they still perform well. Even if it is not possible to use this equipment, at the present time, I strongly believe that these instruments should be maintained at the original Buhl building.

The existence of this equipment, in the original building, need not hamper the building's use by other tenants. In the case of the Planetarium, the projector can easily be moved below floor level; the theater can then be used for many other types of performances. Hopefully, not in the too-distant future, funding might be secured to utilize the original Planetarium and Observatory for the benefit of the public, perhaps a few times a year.

I am writing you, because I believe you and The Buhl Foundation may have a special interest in this historic equipment. These instruments are an important part of the wonderful legacy The Buhl Foundation has left for the people of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. This part of the legacy should not be lost to future generations.

I urge you and The Buhl Foundation to use your influence for the preservation of the original Buhl Planetarium and Observatory, in usable form in The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science building.

Sincerely yours,

Glenn A. Walsh

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