Murphys, CA…The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors has officially declared December 19th as Albert Michelson Day in honor of the Nobel Prize-winning physicist who spent part of his childhood in Murphys. The proclamation, adopted last week during the board’s meeting, celebrates Michelson’s contributions to science and his historical connection to the county.

At the proclamation reading, Doug Modlin stated, “that not only are we honoring an extraordinary man but also the transformative power of curiosity, persistence, character and intellectual achievement that inspires our students, parents, and educators.” He continued by saying, “establishing Michelson Day is not just a tribute to Albert’s legacy, it is also a powerful reminder to our community, especially our young people, that there is no limit to what our students can accomplish in their lives.”

Following the reading and adoption of the proclamation, students from Albert Michelson Elementary School in Murphys, along with the Vallecito Union School District Superintendent and the school’s principal, visited the Albert Michelson Exhibit at the Angels Camp Museum. The exhibit, which highlights Michelson’s groundbreaking work in physics, provided the students with a unique opportunity to connect with their school’s namesake and his legacy. Students shared what they found interesting about Albert Michelson and participated in the hands-on interferometer and spectrometer demonstrations.

“It was a truly heartwarming and memorable day for our county,” said Vallecito Union School District Superintendent Tom Hoskins. “We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Albert Michelson’s remarkable contributions to science and to the history and legacy of Calaveras County.”

Also in attendance was Peter Michelson, Professor of Physics at Stanford University and great grandnephew of Albert Michelson, who later sent a note thanking everyone for the proclamation and the students who visited the museum after the reading.

This Dec. 19th, Albert Michelson Elementary School will host a special celebration to honor Albert Michelson Day. Students will learn about Michelson’s achievements, participate in science-related activities, and reflect on his enduring legacy. A copy of the proclamation will be on permanent display at the school to remind students of the local connection to this extraordinary scientist.

Albert Michelson Day serves as an opportunity to honor a pioneer in science and inspire future generations of learners and innovators in Calaveras County.