LEN SPECHT
Founder
Friends of the Gengras Planetarium
gengrasplanetarium.orgPast Director (1992–1999)Gengras Planetarium
Who we are
The Center for Astronomy + Space Exploration (CASE) is a proposed public planetarium and space science center designed to serve students, educators, families, and guests from across New England.
The destination
CASE will strengthen Connecticut’s appeal to tourists, support local businesses, and bring lasting educational and economic value to the state.
A new tradition
CASE is managed by the Friends of the Gengras Planetarium, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization advancing astronomy education.
Our mission
The Center for Astronomy + Space Exploration deepens understanding of the natural sciences through astronomy and inspires participation in a new era of space exploration. As humanity becomes a spacefaring civilization, CASE invites every generation to investigate what awaits us beyond Earth.
Our vision
We envision a future shaped by greater knowledge, curiosity, and purpose, where society is prepared to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
Our core values
These are the guiding principles that shape how we broaden perspectives through science and the arts, foster inquiry through research, and prepare ourselves as we enter the great expanse.
Exploration
CASE combines immersive experiences with emerging technologies. Our goal is to inspire generations to envision visiting faraway worlds and shaping a future among the stars.
Wonder
A sense of awe can spark imagination and new ways of seeing the natural world. CASE helps guests appreciate the scale, beauty, and mystery of the universe.
Understanding
Astronomy helps us piece together concepts and uncover how nature works. CASE brings clarity to complex subjects and greater meaning to our place within the cosmos.
Participation
We are entering an era in which we are no longer simply observers. CASE invites guests to engage through inquiry, experimentation, and active involvement.
Belonging
CASE will bring people together across ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Everyone will be invited to contribute, connect, and feel part of our shared journey.
Our advisory board
From the outset, CASE has drawn on the expertise of advisors in experiential design, education, business, marketing, civic engagement, and economic development.
Their insight has challenged and strengthened the concept, helping ensure that CASE is ambitious, relevant, and prepared for the future it seeks to inspire.
JASON ARCHER
Planetarium Coordinator
Glastonbury Planetarium
GEHMS / Glastonbury Public Schools
glastonburyplanetarium.orgPast Director (1999–2008)Travelers Science DomeGengras PlanetariumFRANCINE CHRISTIANSEN
Owner
Christiansen Consulting
christiansenconsulting.comPETER CLAFFEY
Vice President of Museum Operations
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Omni Theater
fwmuseum.orgTJ CLINCH
Founder
Civic Mind
civicmind.comMARY FAY
Radio Personality
Talk of Connecticut / WDRC
talkofconnecticut.comWest Hartford Town Council(2017–2025)JAMES GAGNON
Vice President
Drill Construction
drillconstruction.comJOHN GERNER
Managing Director
Leisure Business Advisors
leisure-business.comNOREEN GRICE
Founder and President
You Can Do Astronomy LLC
youcandoastronomy.comPast President (2023–2025)Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society (MAPS)mapsplanetarium.orgPast Manager (2012–2018)Travelers Science DomeGengras PlanetariumJOHN HIGGINS
Executive Production Design
Walt Disney Imagineering Florida
sites.disney.com/waltdisneyimagineering/ART HORN
Meteorologist
The Art of Weather
theartofweather.netSTEVE RUSSO
Past Director (2011–2021)
Eastern Kentucky Science Center
Varia Planetarium
bigsandy.kctcs.edu/community/eksc/Meteorologist / Broadcast announcerRAY ZYWNO
Past President (2013–2018)
Astronomical Society of Greater Hartford
asgh.orgPast Member (1982–1994)Los Angeles Astronomical Societylaas.org