JUNE 2019: READ THE MAPS POSITION STATEMENT: CODE OF CONDUCT as discussed at the business meeting in Columbia, SC.
JULY 2013: READ THE NEW MAPS POSITION STATEMENT: VALUE OF THE PLANETARIUM: EDUCATION, COMMUNITY, INSPIRATION.
Our Society unites in promoting excellence in all facets of planetarium education and programming.
We endeavor to enhance the personnel and the facilities of our members by becoming a source of information and a medium for exchange of ideas.
Formed in 1965, the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society (MAPS) is one of the oldest regional planetarium associations in the United States. In 1968, MAPS, in conjunction with the Great Lakes Planetarium Association, was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the founding of the International Society of Planetarium Educators (now known as the International Planetarium Society.)
Today, MAPS members represent some of the largest and best known planetariums in the world, as well as a vast collection of small and mid-sized public, private, and educational installations. Each spring the membership gathers to exchange information, view planetarium presentations, and examine vendor exhibits at the Annual Conference. Our membership welcomes and includes volunteer, part time, and full time planetarium operators, directors, museum specialists, and astronomy / science educators.
Throughout the year, members keep in touch through The Constellation (the Society’s quarterly newsletter), our website, and an online forum on the groups.io platform. We are a resource for planetarium educators and promote smaller area conferences and local gatherings of planetarians. We welcome astronomy and science educators to join with us to augment their professional development.