CAMPAIGN GOALS

Detroit Observatory

Director and Curator: Dr. Patricia S. Whitesell
Overall goal: $700,000

Highlights:
• Endowment support for scholarship and public activities about 19th century science and technology
• Annual distinguished lecture and ongoing lecture series
• Expansion of the reference library on astronomy, history of science and scientific instruments
• Historic preservation of building and telescopes

For more information:
phone: 734-763-2230
The Detroit Observatory is a division of the Bentley Historical Library: http://www.umich.edu/~bhl/

The Detroit Observatory, created in 1854 with funding from Detroit philanthropists, is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2004. It is the oldest astronomical observatory in America to retain its original telescopes in their mounts. This national treasure was meticulously restored in 1994-98 and has been recognized with numerous national, state and local awards. The Observatory opened in 1999 as a museum and a scholarly center for 19th century science, technology and culture. An increase of $700,000 in the Observatory’s endowment will permit this fledgling campus unit to expand its modest program offerings for the benefit of both students and the community.