Stellafane Observatory is an astronomical observatory

Observatory

An observatory is a location used for observing terrestrial or celestial events. Astronomy, climatology/meteorology, geology, oceanography and volcanology are examples of disciplines for which observatories have been constructed...

 built and maintained by the Springfield Telescope Makers Inc., an amateur astronomical

Amateur astronomy

Amateur astronomy, also called backyard astronomy and stargazing, is a hobby whose participants enjoy watching the night sky , and the plethora of objects found in it, mainly with portable telescopes and binoculars...

 club of about 100 members. The club was founded by Russell W. Porter

Russell W. Porter

Russell Williams Porter was an American artist, engineer, amateur astronomer and explorer. He was a pioneer in the field of “cutaway illustration" and is sometimes referred to as the "founder" or one of the "founders" of amateur telescope making."-Biography:Russell W...

 had its first meeting on December 7, 1923. The observatory consists of the Stellafane clubhouse with its integrated instruments, completed in 1924, and the 12 inch Porter Turret Telescope, completed in 1931.

It was declared a National Historic Landmark

National Historic Landmark

A National Historic Landmark is a building, site, structure, object, or district, that is officially recognized by the United States government for its historical significance...

 in 1989.

It is located at 1270 feet elevation on Breezy Hill, one quarter mile southeast of the Breezy Hill Road, in Springfield, Vermont

Springfield, Vermont

Springfield is a town in Windsor County, Vermont, United States. The population was 9,373 at the 2010 census.-History:One of the New Hampshire grants, the township was chartered on August 20, 1761 by Governor Benning Wentworth and awarded to Gideon Lyman and 61 others...

.