Winslow Chemical Laboratory facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Winslow Chemical Laboratory
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Winslow Chemical Laboratory in 1866
Location in New York Show map of New York Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	105 Eighth Street, Troy, New York, USA
Area	less than one acre
Built	1866
Architectural style	Romanesque
NRHP reference No.	94001284
Added to NRHP	November 4, 1994

The Winslow Chemical Laboratory was an important building on the campus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York, United States. It was finished in 1866. The laboratory was named after John F. Winslow, who was the fifth president of RPI. He gave half of the money needed to build it.

The building was made of brick with stone decorations. Inside, it used strong woods like butternut, chestnut, and black walnut. It was designed for students to learn all about general and analytical chemistry. Professor Henry B. Nason, who led the chemistry department at RPI, was in charge of its design and construction.

What Was Inside the Lab?

The Winslow Chemical Laboratory had different areas for learning and experiments.

First Floor: Metallurgy

• The lowest floor held the metallurgical laboratory.
• This is where students studied metals and how they are made or changed.

Second Floor: Chemistry and Work Areas

• The second floor was the main chemical laboratory.
• It also had storage rooms for chemicals and other supplies.
• There were work rooms where students could prepare experiments.
• About 40 students could work in the laboratory at one time.

Third Floor: Learning and Research

• The third floor had a lecture room where professors taught classes.
• There was a private study room for professors.
• A library filled with chemistry books and journals was also on this floor.
• John F. Winslow helped start the library by donating books and money.
• A recitation room was available for students to practice what they learned.

History of the Winslow Lab

The Winslow Chemical Laboratory has a long history, including some challenges.

Fires and Rebuilding

• In 1884, a fire damaged the upper part of the building.
• It was rebuilt and made larger in 1885.
• Another fire caused damage in 1904.

Changing Uses

• The building was used as a chemistry laboratory until 1907.
• After that, it was changed into a shop.
• By the early 1970s, the building was in poor condition and was boarded up.
• People even thought about tearing it down.

Becoming a Historic Place

• To help save the building, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 4, 1990.
• This means it is recognized as an important historical site.

New Life for the Building

• The city of Troy and RPI agreed to save the building.
• It was leased to a new children's science museum called the Junior Museum.
• The Junior Museum fixed up the Winslow building and opened in 2000.
• Later, the Junior Museum moved to a new location.
• Today, the Winslow Building is home to many research groups from RPI.
• These groups study things like artificial intelligence (AI), social behavior, and advanced computer science.

Images for kids

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  The laboratory around 1917

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  The interior of the lab