Volunteer: Case for Support

Our History and Legacy

For over 140 years, Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center has maintained one of the world's most significant and uninterrupted climate records. Since 1885, observations have been taken continuously at the same site atop Great Blue Hill in Milton, Massachusetts, with minimal environmental change to the instrument enclosure. This meticulous, consistent record is an essential resource for climate change research, providing a baseline of atmospheric data that is unmatched in the United States. The Observatory is a National Historic Landmark and one of only eleven Centennial Observing Stations recognized by the World Meteorological Organization, a testament to our enduring commitment to scientific excellence and data integrity.

Our Mission

Our mission is to foster public understanding of Earth’s weather, climate, and environmental systems and to continue to produce, maintain, and analyze a meticulous, consistent record of weather and climate observations. We leverage our considerable scientific assets to promote and protect the health and well-being of all people and the planet through the lens of climate science—across research, education, and outreach.

Our Unique Assets

• A 141+ year unbroken weather record at a single site, providing a rare and vital long-term dataset for climate research and education.
• National Historic Landmark status and World Meteorological Organization Centennial Observing Station recognition, elevating our credibility and visibility.
• A highly credentialed and engaged Board of Directors providing strong governance and strategic direction.
• National and local strategic partnerships that extend our research and educational reach.
• Current scientific analysis of daily weather observations from an expert meteorologist, reported daily, monthly, and annually on our website and shared directly with our network.
• Robust climate science and STEM educational programming serving over 10,000 adults and youth through on-site tours and outreach.

The Current Need

To sustain and expand our impact, Blue Hill Observatory seeks general operating support and funding for a strategic key hire. This hire is essential to stabilize operations, allowing us to preserve our irreplaceable climate record, expand our climate science research, and deepen our STEM education and outreach efforts. Your support will directly enable continued daily observations, enhanced educational programming, and the operational capacity needed to secure our future.

Opportunity for Impact

We have recently completed governance modernization and are well-positioned for this next chapter of growth and stability. Board and staff are prepared to partner closely with volunteers to develop this compelling narrative. The final Case for Support will be a cornerstone of our fundraising efforts—used across grant applications, major-donor outreach, and appeals—to ensure that Blue Hill Observatory continues to contribute to the understanding and protection of our planet for generations to come.