About MAPs

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.

In The Beginning

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.)

The Society shall cultivate, foster and promote excellence in all facets of the planetarium profession, including research, education and programming. The Society shall strive to advance the personnel and facilities of its members by being a source of information and a medium for the exchange of ideas, services and resources among its membership.

MAPS Mission Statement

Today

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.