While the University's Detroit Observatory is the oldest observatory in America still to have its original astronomical instruments in working condition, renovations to the building itself have been underway for almost two years.
Last Saturday, an estimated 100 people attended a re-dedication ceremony held in honor of the Observatory, which is one of the nation's earliest astronomic facilities built on a university campus.
The Observatory, built in 1854, is named in honor of Detroit's business community which donated a large portion of the fundraising dollars for the building of the structure.
The building is a long-standing legacy of the University's first president, Henry Tappan, who believed astronomy should be a central part of education.
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| KIMITSU YOGACHI/Daily University President Lee Bollinger cuts a ribbon at the Detroit Observatory's re-dedication ceremony Friday. |
Included in the day's ceremony were keynote addresses by University President Lee Bollinger and Vice President for Research Fawwaz Ulaby.
Bollinger said the renovations to restore the Observatory are important because it demonstrates an important aspect of human life.
"What we try to do in life, generally, is see better," Bollinger said. "This is one generation's efforts to see better," he added, commenting on the administration and faculty who originally built the Observatory and those who recently helped in the renovations.
Patricia Whitesell, the director and curator of the Observatory, received an award during the ceremony, along with Ulaby, for efforts throughout the restoration.
Whitesell said the hard work was worth it because the renovation marked "a special time for the University."
The renovations, which started in June 1997, included a duplication of the Observatory's original tin roof and a re-painting of the building's exterior. While a major part of the renovations have been completed, more work is being done on finishing the details of the Observatory's museum before it is re-opened.
The Observatory, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in science, education and architecture, stands as one of the two oldest buildings on campus.
As she looked over the recently restored entrance, staff member Karen Woollams said she was "glad that all the hard work has been brought to fruition."
Woollams said the renovation brings new life to the Observatory.
"I've seen the building before it was restored and this (the renovation) brings it back to its glory," she added.
05-24-99
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