Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center, Inc.

Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center is a historic weather station, museum and active climate research center on Great Blue Hill in Milton. Since February 1, 1885, someone has climbed the hill every day to record the weather, producing North America’s oldest continuous weather record. The World Meteorological Organization has called it the most homogeneous climate record in North America, and its data serve as a resource for science research and education.

The observatory is a National Historic Landmark and welcomes thousands of visitors each year. It runs STEM programs including field trips, classroom visits and seasonal and community programs, along with webinars and special events. It also works as a venue for retreats and meetings. With a new board of trustees, the organization is working to protect its archives, which remain undigitized and are threatened by funding cuts, and it is recovering from a recent act of vandalism.

What to Know

• The observatory hosts a Climate and Weather Conference, formerly the Southern New England Weather Conference, held in person and online.
• The observatory receives 100 percent of every donation, which helps preserve the weather record.
• Volunteer and career opportunities are posted for people who want to get involved.
• The site is designated a Centennial Observing Station.