History

The Beginning - T.C. Bird and Tom Campbell

In the fall of 1969, months after putting the first human on the moon, the United States was in the peak of the Cold War Space Race. As the competition heated up, the motivation to produce students with higher aptitudes in math, science and engineering grew. Following the failure of a first bond attempt, Boise School District Superintendent T.C. Bird passed a “no frills” bond that would provide financial resources for a school district planetarium and local municipal pools. With the passing of the bond, the planetarium was built on the campus of Capital High School in West Boise.

The original planetarium structure was a two story annex building that included a 50 person theater seating classroom with a 30 foot diameter dome roof used to display the stars to audiences young and old. Equipped with the cutting edge electronics of the time, the planetarium included a Spitz ATM-4 planetarium projector, and a separate slide projection room. As the crown jewel of the Capital High campus, the planetarium facility continued to serve the Boise School District population through the end of the Cold War. With the fall of the Soviet Union, the planetarium’s mission shifted to the educational experience we share today.

Last updated in 1996, the planetarium utilized a Spitz ATM-4 fully mechanical projector system to cast the stars onto the dome above. During its first 50 years, the planetarium grew as a unique institution under the eyes of planetarium director Tom Campbell. Planetarium shows were a culminating experience for elementary school students to local astronomy clubs in the greater Treasure Valley. These shows included his beloved “Star of Bethlehem” Christmas show, which served as a holiday tradition for many families in the Boise area.

Post Renovation - Julius Jeker and New Equipment

Following Tom’s departure, the planetarium progressed into the modern era with the help of district instructor and planetarium director, Anne Stafford. With recent generous donations from the Julius Jeker Foundation, and the tireless work of district and Boise Foundation personnel, the planetarium was updated in October 2020 with a new Spitz Digital Projector. Bringing the planetarium into the digital age, the installation and renovation of the now renamed Julius Jeker Planetarium facility will insure its place as a pivotal educational experience for students and public alike.

Planetarium Staff