Why Join?

Available for a limited time!

When purchasing a gift membership online add the Mini Basket

featuring a magnetic notepad, pen, and window cling with a geometric rendering

of the Observatory! A perfect extra something to present your gift for only $5.

Membership donations are pivotal to keeping the Observatory an active and vibrant Cincinnati institution since our founding in 1843. 

In 1842, our founder, Ormsby MacKnight Mitchel, engaged a committed group of Cincinnatians to invest $25 each with the goal of securing the finest telescope available for America's first public observatory. With additional fundraising and a donation of land, Mitchel proceeded to purchase the telescope in Munich, Bavaria and the Observatory was born. Since then, the Observatory has made a lasting impact on many generations in the Greater Cincinnati region, as well as serving as an important institution in the greater astronomy and space science community. The same telescope purchased over 180 years ago is used on a daily basis to ‘wow’ young and old alike with the wonders of the universe. Modern visitors to the Observatory can’t help but marvel at the beauty and elegance of the telescopes, as well as the stunning architecture of the National Historic Landmark buildings.

Please continue the Observatory’s legacy with a membership contribution in order to assure that the telescopes and grounds are available for the next generations of star gazers. Please note that memberships are tax deductible.

Join the Observatory Using Our Online Form  

You can also join the Observatory's mailing list by clicking here! 

For questions regarding membership, please contact our Executive Director, Anna Hehman at anna@cincinnatiobservatory.org