Astronomy in Queensland in the nineteenth century was chiefly related to geodetic surveys in establishing the boundaries of the State. An event which attracted wider attention was the 1882 Transit of Venus. However the pursuit of astronomy for its own sake remained in the hands of a few amateurs such as Captain O'Reilly. On June 5th 1896, a group of people met in the School of Arts in Brisbane and agreed to purchase a 6 inch Grubb telescope for £70. On August 7th 1896, the first meeting of the Brisbane Astronomical Society took place. This Society declined over the years and last met on 30th September 1911. The Astronomical Society of Queensland was formed on June 4th 1927. Funds and property from the Brisbane Astronomical Society were legally transferred to the new body. A monthly Bulletin was started in 1933. During World War 2, the Society continued to function and in fact increased its membership, including temporary members from the armed forces of both the United States and Australia. In 1969 a separate organization, the Astronomers' Association Queensland was founded. The two organisations amalgamated in June 1978 to form the present AAQ, which was formally incorporated in June 1982 under the Religious, Educational and Charitable Organizations Act of 1861. The majority of members are and always have been 'armchair astronomers', interested in astronomy, its history and its discoveries and theories, content to attend a meeting, have fun at a field night, astrocamp or expedition, or dip into the Association's extensive library. Nevertheless, it has always been the case that an enthusiastic minority of members have made significant contributions to the science.