University of Michigan. Detroit Observatory

Astronomical observatory on the campus of the University of Michigan. Built in 1854, it was named to recognize the Detroit citizens who helped finance its building. No longer an active observatory, a major restoration was completed in 1999.

From the description of Detroit Observatory (University of Michigan) records, 1860-2004. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 82180445

In his inaugural speech of 1852, University of Michigan President Henry Philip Tappan stressed the need for institutions of higher education in America to pursue scientific endeavors in order to keep up with their European counterparts. Inspired by his speech, Detroit lawyer and former railroad businessman, Henry N. Walker approached Tappan, offering to help finance the construction of an astronomical observatory at the University of Michigan. Walker was able to secure funds from business acquaintances and friends, primarily Detroit residents. In 1854, an Observatory was constructed on the University of Michigan campus and named the Detroit Observatory in tribute to these Detroit benefactors. (For a detailed and rich account of the early history of the Detroit Observatory, researchers should consult the book of former Observatory director Patricia S. Whitesell entitled, A Creation of His Own: Tappan's Detroit Observatory, 1998).

The Observatory flourished through the early twentieth century, enabling the construction of several additions to the original structure, including a director's residence and classroom and office spaces. During the latter half of the century, with a decline in use of the instruments and space along with the erection of new university buildings, these additions were demolished. Today, only the 1854 structure remains.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the Observatory was mainly abandoned and the university proposed to demolish the building. A group of concerned citizens saved the building from destruction, and in 1973, the Detroit Observatory was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Although the building was saved from destruction, the Observatory was in need of extensive restoration work. In 1994, the Office of the Vice President for Research and the History and Traditions Committee submitted a proposal to the University to restore the 1854 structure. Transferred to the new direction of the Office of the Vice President for Research, the Observatory was able to secure the necessary funds for restoration. From 1994 to 1999, the Detroit Observatory was significantly restored, from the restoration of the domes, telescopes, and interior furnishings to the addition of a bathroom and handicap accessible entrances and walkways. Under the new leadership of Patricia S. Whitesell, the Detroit Observatory opened its doors to the public, offering public tours (but no astronomic viewing program or other use of the historic telescopes), a lecture series, as well as many additional educational outreach activities. In 2005, the oversight of the Observatory was transferred to the Bentley Historical Library.

History of the Name

When the Observatory was constructed in 1854, it was named the Detroit Observatory to recognize the Detroit citizens who had donated funds for its construction. In 1931, the name was changed to the Observatory (Observatories) of the University of Michigan (Regents Proceedings, November 1931, p.809). In 1999, the identity was changed to the University of Michigan Detroit Observatory in tribute to the original name (Regents Proceedings, May 1999, p.335).

From the guide to the Detroit Observatory (University of Michigan) records, 1800-2004, 1994-2001, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)