William Tyler Olcott

Born on January 11, 1873, in Chicago and raised in Norwich, Connecticut, William Tyler Olcott trained as a lawyer, studying at Trinity College and later at New York Law School. Although law was his profession, astronomy became his lasting passion.

His interest in the stars deepened after hearing astronomer Edward C. Pickering speak in 1909. In 1911, he helped found the American Association of Variable Star Observers, an organization that gave amateur skywatchers a meaningful role in scientific observation. He served the group for many years and became an important link between professional astronomy and the public.

Olcott also wrote several accessible astronomy books for general readers, including works that encouraged beginners to learn the constellations and observe the sky for themselves. He died on July 6, 1936, in New Hampshire, but his clear, welcoming approach to astronomy helped inspire generations of amateur observers.