[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 7096-7097]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



           THE ADLER PLANETARIUM CELEBRATES ITS 70TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN EDWARD PORTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 8, 2000

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to recognize one of 
Chicago's premier cultural institutions, the Adler Planetarium and 
Astronomy Museum, as it celebrates its 70th birthday on May 12, 2000. I 
would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the outstanding 
contributions of J. Douglas Donenfeld, a member of the Adler Board of 
Trustees for nearly 21 years and Chairman of the Board for nine years, 
as he steps down as Chairman.
  Located on Chicago's stunning lakefront, the Adler was founded in 
1930 by Sears executive Max Adler to showcase leading planetarium 
technology and to serve as a center for the study of the evolving human 
conception of the Universe.
  When the Adler opened its doors to the public on May 12, 1930, it was 
the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. Seventy years later, 
more than 20 million people have visited the Adler to see sky shows, 
enjoy exhibits, find answers and craft new questions. The Adler has 
fulfilled Max Adler's mission by becoming one of the world's premier 
planetaria and astronomy museums.

[[Page 7097]]

  Today, the Adler continues to grow and remain on the cutting edge of 
technology. Last year, the Adler celebrated the completion of its new 
Sky Pavilion and the complete renovation of the original building, a 
project which doubled the Adler's exhibit space. The architecturally 
striking Sky Pavilion is a two-story, 60,000-square-foot addition on 
the east side of the Adler's existing 1930 landmark structure. This 
facility comprises four major exhibition galleries, including the 
world's first StarRider Theater, a 3-D interactive virtual reality 
experience that transports audiences to other planets, stars and 
distant galaxies.
  Doug Donenfeld has been a leading force in the growth of numerous 
Chicago-area charitable, cultural and other not-for-profit 
organizations for more than 20 years. The Adler has been extremely 
fortunate to have him on their board. His contributions to the success 
of the Adler and its recent rejuvenation has been unparalleled. Mr. 
Donenfeld's dedication and efforts on behalf of the Adler have enhanced 
Max Adler's original vision of the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy 
Museum.
  Mr. Speaker, 70 years have seen remarkable changes in astronomy and 
at the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum. Yet, Max Adler's vision 
remains as vital as ever. Astronomical discovery will continue to push 
the boundaries of human knowledge, challenging our most basic 
understanding. The Adler will be there as an evolutionary educational 
resource and guide for all of us seeking to learn more about our 
Universe.

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