The Martz-Kohl Observatory exists for one reason: to share the night sky. As a volunteer-run, non-profit observatory, we open our domes to the public, bring real science to our community, and help people of every age discover the wonder of looking up.
🌟 New here? Join us on a Wednesday night to see our mission in action — every public night is free and open to all. 🌟
🧭 Our Mission Statement
The Marshal Martz Memorial Astronomical Association, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization devoted to the amateur astronomer. The emphasis of our association is observational astronomy, well-rooted in public education and enjoyment of the starry skies.
Our mission is to inform, educate, and inspire the general public, and to support teaching in the sciences of astronomy and physics.
The Martz-Kohl Observatory in Frewsburg, NY is the base of operations for our organization and is key to our public education efforts. We are actively involved in outreach, citizen science, and hosting world-class speakers at the observatory — and we welcome volunteers to assist in our endeavors.
🌌 Observational Astronomy
At our core, we are observers. From our location in the countryside of Frewsburg, our members use the observatory’s telescopes — anchored by the Martz 24-inch reflector — to study and image the sky, from the Moon and planets to distant galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. Open Observatory Nights invite the public to look through these instruments and experience that same firsthand discovery.
🎓 Public Education & Outreach
Education is at the heart of everything we do. We bring world-class speakers to our free lecture series, host school groups, scouts, and civic organizations, run an annual Space STEM Camp, and place telescopes in local libraries through our Library Telescope Loan Program. Our goal is simple: to make astronomy accessible to everyone, regardless of background or experience.
🔎 Citizen Science
Astronomy is one of the few sciences where dedicated amateurs still make real contributions, and our members take that seriously. Through original observation and participation in citizen-science projects, the work done at Martz-Kohl reaches beyond our domes and into the broader scientific community — proof that careful local observers can help advance discoveries of global importance.
🤝 Get Involved
Everything we do is powered by volunteers, and there’s a place for you here — whether you’re an experienced astronomer, a hands-on tinkerer, or simply someone who loves the night sky and wants to share it. Just want to help in the garden or help with painting or roofing? Boy, can we use your help! Members enjoy hands-on access to the observatory and its telescopes, and the chance to be part of a welcoming community of people who learn and observe together.