The Maria Mitchell Observatory was the first building to be completed at Vassar’s founding and is named after Maria Mitchell, a celebrated astronomer and Vassar professor. In 1991, it became the second Vassar building (after Main in 1973) to be designated a National Historic Landmark.
The Maria Mitchell Observatory is home to the
Education department, which offers a major and a correlate sequence (minor) in Educational Studies. Students who are planning to become teachers can earn their initial New York State certification at the childhood or adolescent level under the supervision of the Education Department.
