Observatory construction and telescope purchase records

The Haverford College observatory was built in 1857 to replace the original one built for John Gummere in the 1830s. Amidst a growing interest in astronomical research during the 19th century, many colleges in the U.S. directed funding towards their astronomy departments; Haverford was no different. Intent on creating an adequate space for cutting-edge astronomical research, Hugh Vail (the Haverford professor of astronomy at the time), advocated for the construction of a new observatory on a more ideal site. This request was eventually granted, taking shape as the Strawbridge Observatory, which is still used by the college today. In 1853, Haverford purchased an 8 1/4 inch refracting telescope to be housed within the observatory's distinctive dome. Additions were made in the late 19th century, when a second dome was added to accomodate the college's purchase of a larger, 10 inch, telescope.