Presentation Information
[PO1-08]Reintroducing the Anderson Hancock Planetarium: A New Era for a Small College Facility
*Ann E Bragg1, Frances J Bolden1 (1. Marietta College / Anderson Hancock Planetarium (USA))
Keywords:
Planetarium operations,Education and outreach,Community engagement,Technology upgrade,Small planetariums
After more than fifteen years of connecting the Marietta College community and surrounding Appalachian region with the wonders of the Universe, the Anderson Hancock Planetarium is completing a major renewal. Located in Marietta, Ohio, this 40-foot, 102-seat facility was originally equipped with a Chronos–Digistar3 hybrid projection system that has been in operation since its installation in 2009. Following years of planning, the planetarium is now preparing to upgrade to Digistar 2025, scheduled for installation in March 2026. This presentation will highlight the reopening of the Anderson Hancock Planetarium and its reintroduction to the campus and wider community. We will share the strategies used to generate excitement, describe planned public and educational events celebrating the facility’s relaunch, and discuss the new opportunities the system offers for enhanced teaching, outreach, and collaboration within our community. Emphasis will be placed on approaches suited to small institutions seeking to reinvigorate existing facilities and re-engage audiences.