Ohio Wesleyan University Student Observatory
Also known as: Perkins Astronomical Observatory
Why it's listed
Built about 1900 on a hill west of the main Ohio Wesleyan University campus, this small observatory was a gift of astronomy professor Hiram M. Perkins, who taught at the school from 1873 to 1907. It was the first building on what became known as the Barnes Campus, or Observatory Hill. Its two parts are a domed observatory with a round-arched entry porch and a one-story brick wing with a pedimented pavilion. Rough-faced brick, quoins, sandstone trim, round-arched windows and a wrought iron balcony around the dome reflect Classical Revival design. The building held a 9 1/2 inch refracting telescope, also donated by Perkins, which was unusual for a college of the university's size at that time. It encouraged laboratory study of astronomy. After a research-oriented Perkins Observatory opened at Stratford in 1923-24, this building became the Student Observatory, a role it still fills today.
Significance in brief: The nomination cites Criteria A and C. It is significant for its Classical Revival architecture and for its part in developing astronomy and science at Ohio Wesleyan in the late 19th century. It housed a 9 1/2 inch refracting telescope donated by Professor Hiram M. Perkins, advanced equipment for a college of its size.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 85000633, listed March 18, 1985. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | OWU, W. William St., Delaware |
|---|---|
| County | Delaware County |
| Listed | March 18, 1985 |
| Reference number | 85000633 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Education, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Listed in good condition inside and outside, and still used as the student observatory. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 40.29877, -83.07632 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For a publicly owned building or structure, listing mainly matters when federal funds, permits or licences are involved: projects then go through Section 106 review so effects on the property are considered. Listing also strengthens applications for preservation grants and, for leased income-producing uses, can enable the federal rehabilitation tax credit.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 85000633.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q112690387
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.