DAS History

The Delaware Astronomical Society has a very rich and stellar history.  The club was founded in 1956 and in 2006, celebrated its 50th Anniversary.  The following brochure explains quite a lot about the history of the DAS.  Rene Van Caneghem, a founding member of the DAS wrote an extensive history that can be found below the brochure for logged in club members.  Another great resource is the Focus Archives, which are available to any current member of the DAS.  Please stay tuned for articles and chronicles on the history of the DAS.

The Chronicle of the DAS

The Early History of the Delaware Astronomical Society

The Delaware Astronomical Society has a long, rich history.  Rene Van Caneghem, one of the founding members, wrote a history of the "Early Years of the DAS" in 1960 that covered the years from from the founding fo the club in 1956 to the end of his term as the second DAS president in 1959.  In 1996, to honor of the 40th Anniversary of the Club,  he published that document in our montly club newsletter, the Focus, in a series of 12 parts from November 1995 to November 1996.  

The History of the Delaware Astronomical Society:  A Continued Saga

This early history sparked such interest that Rene volunteered to continue his "History of the Delaware Astronomical Society: A Continued Saga" (otherwise known as the DAS Chronicles).  In a similar manner to the "Early History," he usually published one part in each issue of the Focus from January 2001 to June 2007 for a total of 64 parts that covered the years from 1959 to 1982.  

Both histories that Rene wrote were collected and scanned by Rob Lancaster and are presented at the bottom of this page in their entirety for logged in club members.  Enjoy!

DAS History Articles: