What Is the Ladd Observatory?
This is the official observatory of Brown University!
What Makes It Historical?
When it opened in 1891, the Ladd Observatory was lightyears ahead of other university observatories because of its public service goals, but it wasn’t a smooth start! In fact, five years into his tenure—five years after the university promised to build him an observatory—Professor Winslow Upton threatened to quit and throw the whole astronomy department into disarray! That year, Governor Herbert Ladd pledged funds for an observatory, and silk merchants, Frank & Knight Cheney, donated land outside the center of town for it! The prominent firm of Stone, Carpenter & Willson led the construction, which wrapped up on October 21, 1891!
Unlike other university observatories, The Ladd Observatory was more than just a place to watch and study. In fact, from 1893 until 1916, it set the standard time for all of Rhode Island! By measuring the speed of stars crossing a north-south meridian line and comparing that pace to clocks, observers at Ladd created a foolproof standard time that they sold to the Rhode Island Protective Company for distribution across the Ocean State. This helped railroads, businesses, and average folks stay synced with their cities! Even after the the U.S. Naval Observatory took over as timekeeper, Ladd Observatory kept sending signals for daily air raid sirens during World War II and to police and firefighters until 1973! Today, it is still open for observers of all backgrounds, to watch, study, and learn!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Become a member of the Providence Preservation Society!
- Donate to Brown University!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
210 Doyle Ave
Providence, RI 02906
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
The Ladd Observatory is open to the public on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM!