The Hartness-Porter Museum of Amateur Telescope Making

The Hartness-Porter Museum of Amateur Telescope Making, located at the historic Hartness House in Springfield, Vermont, celebrates the history and innovation of the amateur telescope making movement. Established in 1975, the museum showcases a rich collection of artifacts, including telescopes crafted by early and current members of the Springfield Telescope Makers, a Hartness sundial, and tools used by renowned figures like Russell Porter, the founder of the movement.

Visitors can explore unique exhibits such as Porter’s Garden Telescope, original artwork, and an underground tunnel system built by James Hartness, a former Vermont governor and accomplished inventor. Open primarily during the annual Stellafane Convention or by special arrangement, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of science, craftsmanship, and history. Donations are welcomed to support this remarkable preservation of amateur telescope making heritage.