[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 56 (Monday, April 7, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E532-E533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO DR. EDWIN C. KRUPP

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 7, 2014

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Edwin C. Krupp as 
he celebrates 40 years as Director of Griffith Observatory in Los 
Angeles. During these past four decades, Dr. Krupp has become an expert 
on ancient, prehistoric, and traditional astronomy, authored extensive 
publications on astronomical and science education to promote the field 
to the general public, and established Griffith Observatory as one of 
Los Angeles' iconic destinations.
   Prior to directing the most-visited public observatory in the world, 
Dr. Krupp graduated with a B.A. in physics and astronomy from Pomona 
College in 1966; he followed with M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the 
University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Krupp joined Griffith 
Observatory in 1970 as a part-time Planetarium Lecturer, was appointed 
full-time Curator in 1972 after receiving his Ph.D. in astronomy, and 
was named Observatory Director in 1974. Soon thereafter, Dr. Krupp co-
founded Friends Of The Observatory (FOTO) in 1978 as the Observatory's 
indispensable non-profit partner. From concept to completion, Dr. Krupp 
led the $93 million, award-winning renovation and expansion of the 
Observatory from 2002-2006, which restored and renewed the historic 
landmark, transformed its exhibits and programming capabilities, and 
more than doubled the size of its public space. Attendance has 
increased every year since reopening, and now exceeds 1 million 
visitors annually.

[[Page E533]]

   In pursuit of groundbreaking research, Dr. Krupp has visited, 
examined, photographed, and measured over 1,900 ancient and prehistoric 
sites throughout the world, and has led 38 field study tours for UCLA 
Extension and other organizations to exotic locations of both 
astronomical and archaeological interest.
   Dr. Krupp has also published noteworthy texts on astronomy 
throughout his career, such as ``In Search of Ancient Astronomies'' 
(1978) and ``Skywatchers, Shamans & Kings--Astronomy and the Archeology 
of Power'' (1997), both of which demonstrate his specialist 
contributions to the field of archaeoastronomy. Additionally, he has 
written several astronomy books for children, and hosted the astronomy 
education series ``Project Universe'' on the Public Broadcasting 
Service (PBS), in the late 1970s. These books and broadcasts, as well 
as his lectures, programs, and publications at the Observatory, have 
inspired countless new astronomers and archaeoastronomers, not to 
mention tens of millions of visitors.
   It is with profound appreciation and respect that I congratulate Dr. 
Edwin C. Krupp on 40 years of leadership and innovation at Griffith 
Observatory. As an employee of the City of Los Angeles, Department of 
Recreation and Parks, Dr. Krupp embodies the best attributes of a 
public servant. His dedication, energy, and enthusiasm is 
extraordinary, and people the world over have benefited from his 
service and scientific contributions. I now proudly ask you all to join 
me in commending Dr. Edwin C. Krupp for going ``to infinity and 
beyond'' to share the wonder of the cosmos.

                          ____________________