Henry Draper Observatory facts for kids
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Henry Draper Observatory
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Front view of building in 2007
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 407 Broadway, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | c. 1860 |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001237 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 15, 1975 |
| Designated NHL | May 15, 1975 |
The Henry Draper Observatory, also called Draper Cottage, is a historic house in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. It's located in Draper Park, near US 9. This building started as an astronomical observatory around 1860. It was built for a brilliant scientist named Henry Draper (1837-1882).
Henry Draper made history here with his astrophotography. In 1863, he took some of the earliest photos of the Moon through a telescope. These pictures were amazing because they showed clear features on the Moon's surface. The house was named a National Historic Landmark in 1975. Today, it serves as a local history museum.
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Henry Draper: A Star Photographer
Henry Draper was a pioneer in the field of astrophotography. This is the art of taking pictures of objects in space. He used his observatory to capture images of the Moon and other celestial bodies. His work helped scientists learn more about space.
Early Moon Photos
In 1863, Henry Draper achieved a major breakthrough. He took detailed photographs of the Moon. These were some of the first photos to clearly show features on the Moon's surface. This was a huge step forward for astronomy.
The Draper Family Legacy
The observatory is sometimes mistakenly called the "John William Draper House." This is because Henry's father, John William Draper (1811-1882), was also a famous scientist. John William Draper was known for improving early photography methods, like the daguerreotype. He was a very influential scientist in his time.
Observatory's Changes Over Time
Henry Draper added a second dome to the observatory to expand his work. After Henry's death in 1882, his sister, Antonia Draper Dixon, took over the property. In 1905, a fire destroyed the second dome. However, Antonia rebuilt it.
In 1912, Antonia changed the building to be her home. She lived there until she passed away in 1923. After some legal discussions, the building and the surrounding park became property of Hastings-on-Hudson village. The agreement was that the building would be used as a museum.
The Observatory Today
Today, the Henry Draper Observatory is home to the local historical society. It teaches visitors about the history of the area. It also shares the amazing scientific achievements that happened within its walls. It's a place where history and science come together.
See also
- List of astronomical observatories
- List of National Historic Landmarks in New York
- National Register of Historic Places listings in southern Westchester County, New York
