Murder at the Observatory: a Forgotten Chapter in the Legacy of Alvan Clark & Sons

Presented by the RASC History Committee
Speaker: Clark Muir

During the celebrated history of Alvan Clark & Sons, founded by the legendary lens- and telescope-making family, there was a stunning chain of events that had a profound impact on the business and its future prosperity. Although many of the details were of a highly personal nature, they were not ignored by the media. Among the episodes was an apparent kidnapping within the family, followed shortly thereafter by a death at the Clark’s observatory that led to a sensational murder trial. A series of other litigious matters continued to trouble the family and keep them in the public consciousness for more than a decade. Here, we will review some of the triumphs of the family business and examine the lasting impact these scandals had on its legacy.

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