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BUHL GRANTS: IN EXCESS OF $9,000,000 SINCE 1939

In 1939, the Foundation built and opened the Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science on Pittsburgh’s Northside.  Conceived in 1935, the Planetarium was only the fifth of its kind in the United States.  Over the next six decades, the Buhl Foundation provided over $6 million of operating funds for the Planetarium until its merger with the Carnegie Science Center in 1991.  Now, the Buhl legacy continues inside the Carnegie Science Center through the Buhl Digital Dome, supported with a $1 million grant from the Buhl Foundation.  The Buhl Digital Dome utilizes a high-definition projection system for a “full dome” experience that is spawning a new breed of planetarium where entertainment technology and science education find common ground.  The Science Center itself is overseen by the Museum Directors who hold the Henry Buhl, Jr. Chair at the Carnegie Science Center, a professional chair funded with a $3 million grant from the Buhl Foundation in celebration of the Foundation’s 75th anniversary.  In addition, the Buhl Foundation and its Frick Fund regularly provide support to the Science Center for programs ranging from science fairs to STEM education. The Carnegie Science Center shares a long history with the Buhl Foundation and it reflects many of Buhl’s funding priorities including economic development, science and math education and improving the quality of life of Western Pennsylvania and the Northside of Pittsburgh.