Detroit Observatory (University of Michigan) records, 1860-2004 (majority within 1994-2001)

Start Over Collection Detroit Observatory (University of Michigan) records, 1860-2004 (majority within 1994-2001)

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Detroit Observatory (University of Michigan) records, 1860-2004 (majority within 1994-2001)

29 linear feet (and oversize material)

The Detroit Observatory, an astronomical observatory on the campus of the University of Michigan, was the vision of University of Michigan President Henry Philip Tappan. He recognized the need for institutions of higher education to pursue scientific endeavors. Built in 1854, the Detroit Observatory was named after the Detroit residents who helped finance the building project. Extensive restoration work of the Observatory was completed in 1999.

The Detroit Observatory record group includes administrative materials of the Observatory's later years (post-1994), including documentation on the Observatory's restoration project and materials encompassing the Observatory's publicity and outreach efforts. The collection also contains various historical documents and artifacts such as logbooks and records, photographs and other visual materials, motion pictures, architectural drawings, and publications. The collection includes all of the documents, artifacts, and records transferred to the Bentley Historical Library in 2005. Materials not physically transferred to the Bentley that remain in the Observatory (such as telescopes, clocks, and associated astronomical devices) have not been identified here, but documentation can be found listed in the various inventories and databases found in the administrative series.

This collection contains the following series: Administrative, Publicity and Outreach, Research, Historical, and Publications.

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Administrative, 1994-2004

5 linear feet

The Administrative series (1994-2004, 5 linear feet) includes materials relating to the operation and functioning of the Detroit Observatory since 1994. This series includes an extensive inventory of photographs and descriptive records of the over three-hundred Detroit Observatory holdings; these are scientific instruments, historical photographs, publications, logbooks, and other miscellaneous artifacts and materials. The administrative series also includes correspondence, budget and fundraising documentation, meeting minutes, and materials documenting the day-to-day operation of the Observatory. A substantial portion of this series concerns the planning and implementation of the extensive restoration of the Observatory. For administrative materials prior to 1994, researchers should consult other Bentley collections, including the University of Michigan Observatory record group. The Observatory record group contains administrative material on the Detroit Observatory, including inventories, budgets, personnel, and account books from approximately 1908 to 1948.