Vassar College Astronomical Observatory, 1873

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. 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.
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
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.
Main Building of Vassar College with lawn and young trees.
Northeast view of Main Building of Vassar College with paths and lawn. Building is partially covered by bare vines.
Northwest view of Main Building of Vassar College with paths, lawn, trees and people.
Northwest view of Main Building of Vassar College with paths, lawn, trees and people.
Main Building of Vassar College with Vassar Lake. Trees, row boats and people are in the foreground.
Picture of drawing of Main building of Vassar College with paths, lawn, shrubs and people.
Main Building of Vassar College seen through entrance gates of the Lodge with evergreen-lined drive.
Southeast view of Main Building of Vassar College with lawn and trees.
Southeast view of Main Building of Vassar College with lawn and trees.
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.