Key Number:	HS 81401
Site Name:	Newbrook Observatory
Other Names:
Site Type:	1399 - Governmental: Other

Location

ATS Legal Description:

			Twp	Rge	Mer
			61	20	4

Address:	N/A
Number:	N/A
Street:	N/A
Avenue:	N/A
Other:
Town:	Newbrook
Near Town:

Media

Type	Number	Date	View	Source

Architectural

Style:
Plan Shape:	T
Storeys:
Foundation:
Superstructure:
Superstructure Cover:
Roof Structure:	Medium Gable
Roof Cover:
Exterior Codes:
Exterior:	N/A
Interior:	N/A
Environment:	2.03 ac
Condition:	N/A
Alterations:	N/A

Historical

Construction:	Construction Date:
Usage:	Usage Date:
Observatory
Owner:	Owner Date:
The County of Thorhild No. 7

Architect:	N/A
Builder:	N/A
Craftsman:	N/A
History:	HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE One of a chain of Dominion Observatories, the Newbrook Observatory caught the attention of the western world on October 4, 1957 when an observatory staff member, Art Griffen, photographed , and thereby confirmed the existence of the world’s first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1. The successful launching and orbiting of Sputnik 1 dispelled any notion that the USSR was technologically inferior to the United States. The space race was on. It was to consume politicians’, engineers’ and the media’s energies for more than thirty years. In 1946, working with the American government, the Canadian government built a number of meteor observation stations so that as large a latitude spread as possible could be had for a study of the upper atmosphere. The Canadian stations were built “as far north as was practical” for maximum auroral frequency. For topographical reasons, Newbrook was deemed to be an excellent site. It was outfitted with a state-of-the-art Super-Schmidt Meteor camera and the first test exposures were taken on August 18 & 19, 1952. The residence was built that same year to accommodate the observatory staff. BUILDING/SITE ASSESSMENT The Observatory is in good condition following an extensive restoration program carried out from 1994 to 1996. Because of the visitation potential and fiscal issues with the site, it was decided that a small interpretive centre be established in the double car garage attached to the residence. The garage was partially completed to a "white box" finish in preparation of the displays and artifacts. The site requires additional changes to create an enviroment suitable for the major artifacts that are in Ottawa, the installation of the security system, and the final landscaping. COMMENTS At the outset of this project, the society and Historic Sites Service staff proposed the development of an interpretive plan to tell a complete story of the role the Newbrook Observatory played in the investigation of meterorites. As mentioned above, the society first restored the exterior of the two buildings and followed by finishing the double car garage to serve as a small visitors centre . The next phase involved the historical research to identify interpretive themes and an interpretive matrix that could be used by a museum facility planner to develop a plan that includes an inventory of the artifacts required and the design of the displays and the restoration of the Observatory to the a period around October 1957 when Art Griffen photographed Sputnik 1 passing overhead. The Interpretive Plan was completed by Len Clark Architect and Facilities Planner, assisted by David Parama Consultant in Museum Operations, Research and Exhibit Design. The plan is now complete with all of the information required to add the artifacts and build and install the displays. The return of the nine essential artifacts for the Observatory has to meet the special requirements of the National Museum of Science and Technology before they are released on loan.

Internal

Designation Status:	Designation Date:
Provincial Historic Resource	1995/02/01

Register:	N/A

Links

Internet:
Alberta Register of Historic Places:	4665-0529