The RAS startedin 1949 October as a group of local astronomers wanting to set up a group. The society, with a great deal of cooperative effort and some ingenious designs, constructed a 7-inch refracting telescope in the Bon Air vicinity of the Richmond area; this telescope is still usable today despite light pollution. The club has hosted a number of events, especially Virginia Association of Astronomical Societies (VAAS) meetings, and has worked closely with the Science Museum of Virginia to sponsor such things as regular and special sky watches and Astronomy Day programs.