Reach for the Stars- Dwight O. Conner Planetarium Upgrade

The Parkersburg High School Foundation, with the support of alumni, friends, and local businesses, is working towards a high-definition, modern Planetarium for community use. This state of the art facility will feature advanced astronomy software, STEM experiences for multiple subject areas, and improved sound and accessibility!

History of the Planetarium

The planetarium was constructed in the 1960s through the joint efforts of the 

  • Rotary Club of Parkersburg 

  • Corning Glass Works

  • the National Defense Education Act (NDEA)

  • Wood County Board of Education

Named after Dwight O. Conner an outstanding educator, Parkersburg High School principal, and Rotarian.

Planetarium Transformation: Before

Planetarium Transformation: During

Group of men working on a large, curved white structure in a dimly lit industrial space, with equipment and bright lights around.
Two people working on a complex scientific or technological device that appears to be a space probe or satellite, with spherical components and metal frameworks, in an indoor setting.
A gray brick wall with a metal pipe and a digital thermometer on a carpeted floor.

Planetarium Completion: Coming Soon!

Who will benefit? 

Community Members

All Wood County School Students

Students beyond Wood County

Students in different subject areas (Math, Geology, STEM)

Thank You Donors

A group of ten people standing indoors in front of red and black lockers, holding a large check for $5,000 made out to the Parkersburg High School Foundation, dated December 16, 2025, with some individuals wearing holiday sweaters and others dressed in casual business attire.
Logo for Pickering Associates with text 'Architects, Engineers, Surveyors'.

Rotary Club of Parkersburg

Pickering Associates

Interior view of a white, domed ceiling made of segmented panels with visible seams.
Group of people standing outside a building, smiling, holding a large check for $25,000 made out to PHS Foundation, during a fundraising event.

Minnite Family Charitable Fund

Stargazer – $250

Helps fund classroom materials and entry for local students. Name is listed on the planetarium website donor page.

Sam McPherson. Scot Swartz. Timothy Higgs

Kathryn Kent. John Reed. Sandra Laird

Stanley Hefner. Cathy Martin. In memory of Joyce Pitrolo

Bryan Cain. David Halliwell.

Star Supporter – $500

Provides resources for community programs and hands-on activities. Recognition in person donor listing and online donor page.

Cheryl Callen

James Jeffery & Sue Woodward

Bill Niday

Galaxy Partner – $1,000

Funds exhibit enhancements and technology improvements. Recognition on screen before select shows, online donor page and in person mentions. 

Jeff Thomas David Sims

Malcolm (Barry) Louden ‘68

Sue Steinbeck

WVU Medicine Camden Clark

Susan Ross

Comet Contributor – $2,500

Supports outreach to schools and underserved communities. Recognition on screens, online and in person mentions. VIP seats to select shows. 

Roger McCune

Solar Benefactor – $5,000

Helps fund large-scale upgrades (projectors, sound systems). Recognition in promotional materials and at events. Plaque outside of Planetarium. VIP seats for community shows. 

Parkersburg Rotary Club

Milky Way Visionary – $10,000

Supports long-term STEM initiatives. Prominent recognition in lobby and program guides, and on the website. Plaque outside of Planetarium. Private showing/VIP seats for community shows. 

Larry Johnson

Pickering Associates

In Memory Of Megan Collins, Class of 1997

Can we count on you?

Contact us to partner as a corporate or community sponsor.

Don’t forget Share the campaign with fellow alumni and community members!

Checks should be made payable to PHS Foundation and mailed to PHS Foundation, 2101 Dudley Avenue, Parkersburg, WV 26101.  Please note “Planetarium” on the memo line.

 
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