Through our digital collections, Vassar College Libraries aim to provide access to high-quality digital content generated by the Libraries for research and study, as open as possible; support the teaching, learning, and research needs of the College; preserve at-risk or fragile physical collections through digitization, or at-risk born-digital collections through reformatting; expose hidden, less-used physical collections through access to digital surrogates; and foster experimental, cutting-edge, and innovative projects through technology. Learn More
Professor Henry Van Ingen wearing a black hat and dark suit. He is seated, holding a book. Also shows two female students wearing hats and long dresses, standing in front of Vassar Lake and trees. A bridge crosses the lake.
Observatory at Vassar College with path, lawn, and trees. Several buildings are in the background.
Observatory of Vassar College with path, lawn, evergreens and bare trees.
Observatory of Vassar College with path, lawn, trees and lamp post. Building is partially covered by vines.
Interior of Observatory of Vassar College with a door, telescope on tripod, chart, desks, table, chairs, blackboard, globe and basket.
Interior (the Parlor) of Observatory of Vassar College with windows, curtains, couch, bed, table, rocking chairs, pictures and accessories.
Interior of Observatory dome of Vassar College with an equatorial telescope, steps, chair and double-doors.
Interior (the Meridian Room) of Observatory of Vassar College with telescopes, brick pillars, ladder, table, chair, clock and books on shelves. Also shows professor Mary W. Whitney (?) and students wearing long, dark dresses, some with hats. They are seated or standing around the telescope. One of
Interior of Observatory dome of Vassar College with an equatorial telescope and ladder. Also shows Maria Mitchell wearing a long, dark dress and shawl, seated on the left and Mary W. Whitney wearing a long, dark dress, leaning on a ladder on the right.
Interior (the Meridian Room) of Observatory of Vassar College with telescopes, brick pillars, ladder and books on shelves.
Interior (the Parlor) of Observatory of Vassar College with windows, hanging lamp, tables, chairs, large clock, bust, pictures and accessories.
Observatory of Vassar College with path, lawn, trees and lamp post. Also shows Maria Mitchell, members of the classes of 1871-1874 using astronomical instruments and a boy seated on the steps. Woman halfway up the steps is Abby Farwell Ferry, VC 1872.
Observatory of Vassar College with path, lawn, trees and lamp post. Building is partially covered by vines. Also shows women wearing long dresses, most with hats. Several of them are playing croquet and one is holding a parasol.
Observatory of Vassar College with path, lawn, evergreens and lamp post. Building is partially covered by vines. Five women wearing hats and long dresses are seated or standing around a telescope on a table in the foreground. One is seated on the steps and two are seated on the right.
Observatory of Vassar College with path, lawn and trees. Building is partially covered by vines. Two people are seated on the lawn, another is on the steps.
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
Here you will find digitized archival collections, oral histories, and more. We are continually expanding the collections and improving access. You may find additional digital resources that reside outside the digital library here, and a selection of Online Exhibitions here.
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.
Vassar College's institutional repository reflects the research and scholarly output of the Vassar College community. It provides access to senior theses, peer reviewed open access articles, and projects from a wide range of disciplines.