Collections Overview

Operating for over 165 years, the Dudley Observatory is an astronomical institution in the Capital Region of upstate New York and has changed location several times over the span of its operations. Originally located in Albany, Dudley was also located in Schenectady and can now be found in Loudonville at its new home in Siena College.

Dudley’s artifact collection included telescopes, archive and astronomical research material, photographs, correspondence, timepieces, books and films dating back to it’s founding as well as items from it’s San Luis, Argentina Observatory.

Upon their move to Siena College in 2019, the majority of Dudley’s artifact and archive collection was transferred to the New York State Library. While some portions of the collection still remain (such as the rare books housed at a specialty library offsite), Dudley Observatory current mission remains committed to engaging the public in science and astronomy education.

For additional details on some of the items within Dudley’s former collection, please see below: