New exhibition: “A Stellar Education: Astronomy at Wesleyan, 1831-1916”

The new SC&A exhibition, “A Stellar Education: Astronomy at Wesleyan, 1831-1916,” is now open. It explores the study of astronomy at Wesleyan from the University’s founding in 1831 through the construction of Van Vleck Observatory in 1916, which celebrates its centennial this year. Items on display include atlases, textbooks, photographs, an original Henry Bacon Van … Read more

Happy New Year! Party like you’re in a Fellini movie!

In October 1973, the Friends of the Davison Art Center held a Fellini Ball, a fundraising event that took place in the newly-completed Center for the Arts. The inspiration was the work of the great Italian director Federico Fellini, whose iconic works include La Strada, 8 1/2, and La Dolce Vita. Guests attended as their favorite … Read more

Pick of the week, Sept. 6: Happy 40th anniversary, CFA!

As you may be aware by now, the CFA is celebrating its 40th anniversary this academic year. We worked with Pamela Tatge, Andy Chatfield, and John Elmore to provide a wide range of images from the SC&A collections that will be used to mark the occasion. Forty will be displayed in an online exhibition, Celebrating … Read more

Pick of the week, May 24: Hall Laboratory of Chemistry

The Hall Laboratory of Chemistry is shown in the above photograph taken around the early 1930s. It was situated directly across from Olin Library on Church Street and the two buildings were designed by Henry Bacon (whose papers are held by SC&A), sharing architectural elements. Constructed from 1925 to 1927, it was demolished in late … Read more

Pick of the week, May 3: La Dernière Classe–Chem I, 1916

In the “Chemistry Dept. 1832-1968” vertical file, you’ll find this document. The caption reads: The chemistry lecture room in old Judd Hall. Prof. M.L. “Mose” Crosley was lecturing on the last day of classes prior to the final exam. The device at the right moved a huge roll of wrapping paper by means of the … Read more