[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 175 (Monday, November 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE 85TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SEYMOUR PLANETARIUM

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                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2022

  Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
extend my warmest congratulations to Springfield Museums and the 
Seymour Planetarium on celebrating the Planetarium's 85th anniversary. 
This milestone achievement deserves the highest praise for the hard 
work and dedication of the organization's board, staff, and everyone 
who has contributed to the Planetarium's success.
  The doors of the Seymour Planetarium first opened in 1937. Founded by 
Chicopee brothers Frank, John and Stanley Korkosz, the Planetarium was 
created to educate and inspire, just as Frank Korkosz was inspired by 
the 1910 appearance of Halley's Comet, later building a rudimentary 
comet projector with a dynamite box and carbide lamp. Through their 
work, they have brought a new perspective of our universe to countless 
families and individuals.
  Over the course of 85 years, the Planetarium has inspired generations 
of visitors. John Korkosz stressed the importance of curiosity and 
exploring the universe to better understand life on Earth. Through the 
creation of the Korkosz starball--the world's oldest operating, 
American-made star projector--he and his brothers have sparked that 
curiosity in countless others. The past few years, in particular, have 
highlighted the need for looking forward and inspiring the next 
generation of scientists and engineers.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate Springfield Museums and 
the Seymour Planetarium again on celebrating the Planetarium's 85th 
anniversary and thank them for continuing to educate and inspire our 
communities. The Planetarium is a cherished landmark of Massachusetts' 
First District, and I wish them many more years of success and 
prosperity.

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