As renovation continues, we are taking thoughtful steps to preserve Dyer’s history while preparing for its future.
This month, the Cooke telescope was carefully relocated from the Dyer residence to the Vanderbilt University Library, where it will be permanently displayed for the campus community. Originally mounted in the Vanderbilt University Observatory from 1875 until 1952 and the atop the Stevenson Center in 1973, the telescope was moved to Dyer in 2007 and restored by Bob O’Dell before going on display in the residence. Now, it begins a new chapter on campus, continuing to tell the story of scientific exploration at Vanderbilt.
We also relocated and properly stored pieces of the meridian transit telescope, including components still housed in decades-old crates from Vanderbilt’s original observatory. Together, these instruments reflect Dyer’s enduring role in discovery, education and culture.
Read the full history of the Cooke and meridian transit telescopes.
Learn more about the renovation.
