Handbooks for Floor Aides of
The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Internet Web Site Master Index for the History of
The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science, Pittsburgh

Daily operation of The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science was conducted by a Floor Staff, which included a Floor Manager, Floor Supervisors, and Floor Aides. The Floor Manager, a full-time position, was in charge of all aspects of Floor operations(i.e. the presentation of exhibits and programs directly to the public). Part-time Floor Supervisors were in charge, at times when the Floor Manager was not on duty(usually evenings and weekends).

Part-time Floor Aides, who performed many of the programs(except Planetarium and Laser-Light shows), and answered questions regarding building exhibits, reported to the Floor Supervisor(or Floor Manager) on duty. In many cases, the Floor Staff was composed of college students(and, occasionally, high school students) who had an interest in Science and Technology.

In 1983, the Floor Staff became part of the Buhl Science Center's new Department of Visitor Services and Volunteers. Although there had always been a few volunteers assisting with Buhl programs, this new department agressively sought volunteers to assist in many aspects of Buhl operations. After a few years, volunteers were involved throughout the Buhl Science Center. For instance, beginning in June of 1986, a newly expanded program in Buhl's Astronomical Observatory was almost entirely operated by volunteers; this permitted Buhl's Observatory to be open to the public every Friday evening, weather permitting, year-round. In addition to many senior citizen volunteers, as well as some young-to-middle-aged volunteers working in the Science professions, some of the best and brightest high school students in Allegheny County became Buhl Volunteers(as an example of this, click here to see a photograph and accompanying news article, from the front page of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette).

When a Floor Aide was hired, he or she was given a "Handbook for Aides" which gave detailed information about the many exhibits and programs of The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science. Below are three copies of the handbook. The first(designated "No. 8") was published in June of 1954. The second(designated "Copy 25") was produced in the 1970s. The third, issued on February 28, 1983, was the first one produced by the renamed Buhl Science Center. These handbooks give a good description of the exhibits and programs of The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science, at the time of publication.

"Handbook for Aides of The Buhl Planetarium" - No. 8
(June, 1954)

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Internet Web Site Master Index for the History of
The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science, Pittsburgh

Disclaimer Statement: This Internet Web page is not affiliated with the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum,
Henry Buhl, Jr. Planetarium and Observatory, The Carnegie Science Center,
or The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh/Carnegie Institute.

This Internet, World Wide Web Site administered by Glenn A. Walsh.
Unless otherwise indicated, all web pages in this account are Copyright 1999-2001, Glenn A. Walsh, All Rights Reserved.
Additions and corrections to: buhlaides@planetarium.cc

Last modified : Tuesday, 20-Feb-2001 18:42:29 EST.

Handbooks for Floor Aides ofThe Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

"Handbook for Aides of The Buhl Planetarium" - No. 8 (June, 1954)

"Aides Book" - Copy 25 (1970s)

"Aides Reference Manual" (February 28, 1983)

Handbooks for Floor Aides of
The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

"Handbook for Aides of The Buhl Planetarium" - No. 8
(June, 1954)

"Aides Book" - Copy 25
(1970s)

"Aides Reference Manual"
(February 28, 1983)