Under the Stars: Stellafane and Springfield’s Celestial Heritage

In a quiet corner of Southern Vermont, just above the bustle of Springfield, a community of stargazers gathers each summer to honor a century-old tradition that has made our town a beacon for amateur astronomers worldwide. Welcome to Stellafane, a celebration of curiosity, craftsmanship, and cosmic wonder, right here in Springfield, Vermont.

A Star is Born in Precision Valley

Stellafane, Latin for “shrine to the stars,” isn’t just an annual telescope-makers convention. It’s a living tribute to the spirit of innovation that has long defined Springfield. Founded in 1923 by Russell Porter, an engineer and explorer who was one of the original visionaries behind the Hubble Space Telescope, the Stellafane Convention began as a gathering for fellow inventors and dreamers.
Today, more than 800 people travel from across the country to camp on Breezy Hill and share their love of astronomy. For a few days each July/August, this wooded hilltop becomes a pop-up observatory filled with handmade telescopes, educational talks, and a sky so dark and clear it feels like a window into the universe.

Where Science Meets Storytelling

Springfield has always been a place where big ideas take root in small spaces. From the machine tool innovations that gave us our “Precision Valley” nickname to our modern tech hub at the Black River Innovation Campus, Stellafane is part of that legacy.

Attendees don’t just look up at the stars, they build the tools to bring them closer. Each year, a telescope-making competition honors both technical skill and artistic design. And while the science is serious, the atmosphere is anything but stiff. Families picnic under the stars, students marvel at Saturn’s rings, and a shared sense of awe brings everyone together.

Our Night Sky, Our Community

Stellafane is more than a gathering. It is a reminder that even in an era of smartphones and satellite streams, the night sky still stops us in our tracks. It’s one of the many things that make Springfield special, a full-service town where tradition and innovation live side by side.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, Stellafane invites you to pause, look up, and reconnect with wonder. It’s one more reason Springfield isn’t just a place to live, it’s a place to explore.

Recently, NBC5 featured Stellafane in a special report that captures the magic of this annual event. Watch the video below to see why this gathering means so much to Springfield and the stargazing community.

Plan Your Trip to Springfield

This year’s Stellafane convention was July 24-27. Next year’s will be August 13-16, 2026. Visit stellafane.org for more information. While you’re here, enjoy our scenic trails, local dining, and the charm of our historic downtown. Your next adventure, earthly or otherwise, starts here in Springfield, Vermont.

Recent Posts

morningside flight park

Morningside Flight Park

Soar Above Springfield: Learn to Fly at Morningside Flight Park Tucked into the rolling hills just outside downtown Springfield, Vermont, there’s a place where gravity gives way to adventure. Welcome to Morningside Flight Park, one of the most unique and breathtaking outdoor destinations in the region.Whether you’ve always dreamed of flying or are simply looking to try something new, Morningside offers the rare opportunity to launch into the sky, safely, confidently, and with a view you’ll

Read More »
Stellafane

Under the Stars: Stellafane and Springfield’s Celestial Heritage

Under the Stars: Stellafane and Springfield’s Celestial Heritage In a quiet corner of Southern Vermont, just above the bustle of Springfield, a community of stargazers gathers each summer to honor a century-old tradition that has made our town a beacon for amateur astronomers worldwide. Welcome to Stellafane, a celebration of curiosity, craftsmanship, and cosmic wonder, right here in Springfield, Vermont. A Star is Born in Precision Valley Stellafane, Latin for “shrine to the stars,” isn’t just

Read More »
Springfield Police

Springfield Police

Springfield Vermont Police Department Progress Under Chief Jeff Burnham Since taking over as Chief of Police in 2022, Jeff Burnham has led a department-wide transformation focused on staffing, community engagement, and addressing root causes of crime. Crime Reduction Since 2022, Springfield, Vermont has experienced a 28% drop in reported offenses—including drug, property, and public order crimes. This significant decline reflects the police department’s proactive, accountable approach to community safety. Staffing Rebuilt When Chief Burnham arrived, the

Read More »
swimming holes-buttermilk-falls

Swimming Holes Adventure

Dive into Summer: A 2–3 Day Swimming Hole Adventure in Springfield, Vermont Summer in Vermont is pure magic, sunlit rivers, cool forest trails, and hidden swimming holes that feel like your own private retreat. To enjoy the best of Southern Vermont without spending your trip in the car, make Springfield, Vermont your basecamp. Located on the banks of the Connecticut and Black Rivers, Springfield offers a welcoming small-town vibe, local dining, and easy access to some

Read More »
Springfield cinema 3

Springfield Cinema 3

Springfield Cinema 3: Discover a Movie-Going Experience Like No Other Nestled in the heart of downtown Springfield, Vermont, lies a cinematic gem that offers a movie-going experience uniquely charming and unforgettable. Springfield Cinema 3, an updated historic theater, invites movie enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy films in an environment that beautifully blends nostalgia with modern comfort. When you step inside Springfield Cinema 3, you’re greeted not just by the latest blockbuster hits but also by

Read More »
Aerial Drone Competition

Drone Championship

Springfield Students Soar to Victory at National Drone Championship Springfield, Vermont, is buzzing with excitement after the impressive triumph of our local students at the prestigious Dragonfly Regional Drone Championship in West Virginia. On their return, the young champions received a hero’s welcome, complete with a police escort parade, celebrating their remarkable accomplishment. Carter Fox, a ninth-grader and a member of River Valley Technical Center’s Robotics and Aerial Drone Club (RADs), shared his astonishment: “I was

Read More »