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James
Hill: Director of the Rainwater Observatory & Planetarium
in French Camp, Miss. Jim has been "doing" astronomy
since he built his first telescope in 1953. Since his
founding of the Rainwater facility in 1985 (in time
for Haley's Comet), it has grown to include 15 telescopes,
a planetarium, and many other exhibits. Events held
at Rainwater include: seasonal "Backyard Astronomy"
programs, teacher workshops, and the Mid-South Star
Gaze which brings 200 amateur astronomers from the South
and Midwest US each April. Over 200 groups each year
receive programs through the Observatory's outreach.
Jim has been married for 38 years, has 4 grown children,
and is now working on grandchildren. He plays violin
and viola and builds harpsichrods and restores pipe
organs for a hobby.
Taught
at the 2001 Mississippi Governor's School Winner of
the 2001 Brennan Award from the Astro. Soc. of the Pacific
for Astro. Education. Received $7500 V.M. Slipher grant
to present 60 "Backyard Astronomy" programs
state wide. Was selected a Miss. STAR teacher for the
5th time
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