Smith Observatory and Dr. William R. Brooks House

The Smith Observatory and Dr. William R. Brooks House is a Victorian complex with a two-story tower and adjoining wings located in Geneva. The tower contains mounting systems for telescopes and other instruments, while the attached residence features brick construction with period details and residential rooms.

The property was built in 1888 as an observatory and home for astronomer William R. Brooks. Hobart College operated the facility for astronomical research and teaching until the late 1900s, making it a working scientific station for more than a century.

The site shows how colleges and astronomy were closely linked in 19th century New York, with the residence and tower serving together as a center for scientific inquiry. Visitors can sense how the two buildings worked as one working space for research and daily life.

The site is located in Geneva, New York and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors should be prepared for the historic buildings on their original elevated grounds and should check ahead for visiting times and access arrangements before going.

The complex preserves a meridian transit telescope and a sidereal pendulum clock that reveal how astronomers measured time with precision in the 1800s. These tools were essential for mapping stars with accuracy and tracking celestial movements.

Location: New York

GPS coordinates: 42.87111,-76.99028

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:43