Miss Mitchell's Comet Party

On October 1st, 1847, Maria was sweeping the sky from the roof of the Pacific Bank on Main Street, where her father was the head Cashier and where they lived as a result of his position. She spotted a small blurry object that did not appear on her charts. She had discovered a comet! After achieving her fame, Maria was widely sought after and went on to many notable accomplishments. She resigned her post at the Atheneum in 1856 to travel throughout the US and Europe. In 1865, she became Professor of Astronomy at the newly-founded Vassar College. She was a founder of the Association for the Advancement of Woman, the first woman member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and one of the first women members of the American Philosophical Society. Her position as the computer for the ephemeris of Venus for the US Nautical Almanac made her one of the first women to work for the US federal government.

Join us at the Maria Mitchell Association Loines Observatory, 59 Milk Street at 7PM for bourbon and brownies to celebrate the anniversary of Miss Mitchell's comet. This program will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.