The Dudley Observatory, chartered by the State of New York in 1852, is the oldest independent organization in the country supporting research and education in astronomy and the history of astronomy.

One of the world’s finest collections of historically significant astronomical texts is included in the Dudley Observatory library, with rare books dating from as early as 1492.  Historians visit on a regular basis to study the Gould Collection- the fascinating library of a research astronomer of the 19th century- and the Dudley Observatory Archives.

Locally, we award grants to fund educational programs serving the schools and community. These grants support astronomy education programs, such as those in planetariums and museums, scholarships to Advanced Astronomy Camp and Advanced Space Camp, Internships, and radio and television programming.

On a national level, the Ernest F. Fullam and the Herbert C. Pollock awards support innovative research projects in astronomy, astrophysics, and the history of astronomy.  These awards have recognized, and given a start to many up and coming researchers over the years.