Vassar College Astronomical Observatory, ca. 1872

Observatory of Vassar College with path, lawn and trees.
Observatory of Vassar College with path, lawn and trees.
Professor Maria Mitchell and six female students wearing long, dark dresses. They are seated, standing or kneeling by two telescopes in front of the Vassar College Observatory. Part of a lamp post is on the left and a tree in leaf is on the right. Also shows tables, chairs and paths.
Five female students wearing long dresses, seated or standing around a telescope. Some of the students have hats. One of them is looking through the telescope. Also shows other apparatus and books on shelves in the background.
Professor Maria Mitchell with six female students wearing long dresses, seated on the interior steps of the Vassar College Observatory (the Parlor). A table, lamps, books, papers and area rug are in the foreground. A telescope and steps are seen through open double doors. Also shows furniture
Professor Maria Mitchell with six female students wearing long dresses, seated on the interior steps of the Vassar College Observatory (the Parlor). A table, lamps, books, papers and area rug are in the foreground. A telescope and steps are seen through open double doors. Also shows furniture
Full-length picture of nine female students wearing baseball caps, long dresses and belts labeled ""Resolutes"". Five are seated, four are standing behind them. A brick building with tall double doors is in the background.
Picture of architect J.A. Wood's drawing of Calisthenium and Riding Academy of Vassar College with paths, lawn and trees.
Calisthenium and Riding Academy of Vassar College with paths, lawn and trees.
Calisthenium and Riding Academy of Vassar College with paths, lawn and trees in leaf. Building is partially covered by vines.
Calisthenium and Riding Academy of Vassar College with paths, lawn and trees in leaf. Building is partially covered by vines.
Calisthenium and Riding Academy of Vassar College with paths, lawn, trees in leaf, street lamps and horse-drawn wagon. Building is partially covered by vines.
Group portrait of the singing group in the chapel
Group portrait of the student singing group in the chapel
Group portrait of the student singing group in the chapel
Group portrait of the student singing group in the chapel
Group portrait of the student singing group in the chapel
Group portrait of the student singing group in the chapel
Group portrait of the college singing group outside the chapel
Content Warning
The Vassar College Archives within the Digital Library include some images, texts, and material items that are racist, xenophobic, or otherwise harmful. The Vassar Libraries have provided descriptive text and additional notes whenever possible to alert Digital Library users to these items. The Engaged Pluralism Initiative Race and Racism in Historical Collections Project Group is working with the library on contextualizing and facilitating community conversations about these materials. For more information see: https://library.vassar.edu/rrhc
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Collections Overview
The Archives & Special Collections Library is part of the Vassar College Libraries system. It holds the rare book, manuscript, and archival collections of the college. It collects, preserves, and makes available rare and unique collections, and also engages in teaching and outreach activities. This collection of finding aids describe items in both the Virginia B. Smith Memorial Manuscript Collection and the College Archives.
The Vassar College herbarium holds over 8,000 specimens of vascular plants, bryophytes, and algae. Holdings are primarily from northeastern North America, and include collections made by several notable 19th century botanists. To learn more about this project visit the website here.
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