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Vassar College Observatory

Astronomical observatories in New York (state)National Historic Landmarks in New York (state)National Register of Historic Places in Dutchess County, New YorkSchool buildings completed in 1865University and college buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in New York (state)
Vassar College buildings
Vassar College Observatory, March 2014
Vassar College Observatory, March 2014

The Vassar College Observatory is an astronomical observatory of the private Vassar College, located near the eastern edge of the Poughkeepsie, New York college's campus. Finished in 1865, it was the first building on the college's campus, older even than the Main Building, with which it shares the status of National Historic Landmark. The observatory's significance is due to its association with Maria Mitchell, the first widely known woman astronomer in the United States.As the college has built a new observatory on a hill near the edge of campus, the building is no longer used for astronomy. In 2008 it underwent a large restoration and renovation and now houses the offices of the Education Department and classrooms.

Excerpt from the Wikipedia article Vassar College Observatory (License: CC BY-SA 3.0, Authors, Images).

Vassar College Observatory
Brewers Lane, Town of Poughkeepsie

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Wikipedia: Vassar College ObservatoryContinue reading on Wikipedia

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N 41.688285 ° E -73.89331 °
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Vassar College

Brewers Lane
12604 Town of Poughkeepsie
New York, United States
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Vassar College Observatory, March 2014
Vassar College Observatory, March 2014
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Vassar College

Vassar College ( VASS-ər) is a private liberal arts college in Poughkeepsie, New York, United States. Founded in 1861 by Matthew Vassar, it was the second degree-granting institution of higher education for women in the United States, closely following Elmira College. It became coeducational in 1969 and now has a gender ratio at the national average. The college is one of the historic Seven Sisters, the first elite women's colleges in the U.S., and has a historic relationship with Yale University, which suggested a merger before they both became coeducational. As of 2021, of all those who apply to Vassar, approximately 19% are accepted for matriculation. Currently, there are close to 2,500 students attending the degree awarding institution. The college offers B.A. degrees in more than 50 majors, and features a flexible curriculum designed to promote a breadth of studies. Student groups at the college include theater and comedy organizations, a cappella groups, club sports teams, volunteer and service groups, and a circus troupe. Vassar College's varsity sports teams, known as the Brewers, play in the NCAA's Division III as members of the Liberty League. The Vassar campus comprises over 1,000 acres (400 ha) and more than 100 buildings, including two National Historic Landmarks and an additional National Historic Place. A designated arboretum, the campus features more than 200 species of trees, a native plant preserve, and a 530-acre (210 ha) ecological preserve.