3-18-2024 4:19am

Local Historical Society To Host Peter Detterline Program about Upcoming Eclipse

Lesley Misko Editor

by Luann Zambanini*

We have all heard about the upcoming solar eclipse. If you miss this one, you will have to wait until 2045 to get another look! The Boyertown Area Historical Society is hosting a special program about this solar eclipse Thursday, March 21 at 7 pm at the society building, located at 43 South Chestnut Street in Boyertown.

Boyertown’s own Peter Detterline will present this special program entitled, “Chasing Shadows." Many local residents may know Detterline: he is an avid astronomer and for 35 years he was the Director of the Boyertown Area School District Planetarium.

For about four minutes on April 8, 2024, the sun, moon, and earth will be perfectly aligned in the eastern United States, thereby creating a total solar eclipse. While the path of totality offers a breathtaking view of the sun’s corona, not everyone will find themselves in this path. Detterline's presentation will aim to engage and educate participants about what they will be able to see in Boyertown on that day. With 90% of the sun being covered, there are activities that can be done to enhance the enjoyment of the event as well as provide a unique perspective even outside the path of totality.

“Chasing Shadows” celebrates the wonder of celestial events, emphasizing that even a partial solar eclipse offers unique opportunities for learning, creativity, and community engagement. Stop by to get prepared to experience the magic of this rare eclipse.

Tell your friends and neighbors; all are invited. This program is free to Historical Society members; $5 for non -members.

Please spread the word. If you know Peter Detterline, you know this will be an excellent program.

*Since retiring three years ago, Luann Zambanini has kept herself busy with volunteering at many places with the most hours dedicated to the Boyertown Area Historical Society. Other spare time is spent on researching things that catch her attention. Her recent project was putting together a program to present at the Boyertown Area Historical Society in October about Stoneman Willie. She is always open to doing these presentations for other groups in the area. Presently she working on a program about the PA Turnpike and another about the tunnels of the PA Turnpike to present to different groups in the area. Research is always on her mind whether it is a place, a time in history, or her family history. Her family includes her husband of almost 35 years (Rob), daughter (Katie), son-in-law (Erik), her grandchild (Levi) and her many fur babies.