The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh, Inc. (AAAP) was established in 1929 as a non-profit corporation. The purpose of AAAP is to promote the common interests of amateur astronomers while further advancing the science of astronomy through public education programs and scientific research. Leo Scanlon and Chester Roe organized the first meeting of the AAAP in June 1929. In less than a year the organization became so well established it joined the newly created Astronomical Section of the Academy of Science and Art of Pittsburgh. In October 1929 the AAAP proposed the construction of a planetarium and ten years later the Buhl Planetarium opened to the public. The original interest of the group focused on home built telescopes, but the success of the Buhl Planetarium broadened the vision to include public lectures and star parties. During the 1950's and 1960's the organization continued to study home built telescopes and met with other amateur groups. The group's members closely followed the emerging U.S. space program and frequently published related articles in the local newspapers. In the mid-1970's the AAAP began exploring construction of an observatory. After various proposals, site location studies, and raising $23,000, the Wagman Observatory was dedicated in June 1987. Located in Deer Lakes Park, the observatory bears the name of the former Allegheny Observatory Director and friend of the AAAP, Nicholas E. Wagman.
From the description of Records of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh, 1931-2002. (University of Pittsburgh). WorldCat record id: 54755058
