This collection contains photographic prints, negatives, and slides that document the history of the Lick Observatory from its inception through the early 2000s. The majority of the images record scientific activity and residential life at the Observatory throughout the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. This collection features portraits and snapshots of scientists, their families, and Observatory personnel; images of instruments and celestial objects and events; views of the Observatory and its environs; scenes from Lick Observatory eclipse expeditions; and images that document the general history of astronomy. Although most of the photographs reflect life at the Observatory on Mount Hamilton, also included are scenes from the Chile Station of Lick Observatory, other sites associated with the Observatory, and observatories around the world.

These photographs were produced or collected by Lick observatory staff and faculty, as well as UCSC Library personnel. Many of the early photographs of the major instruments and Observatory buildings were taken by Henry E. Matthews, who served as secretary to the Lick Trust during the planning and construction of the Observatory.

101.62 Linear Feet 127 boxes

Copyright for the items in this collection is owned by the creators and their heirs. Reproduction or distribution of any work protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the copyright owner. It is the responsibility of the user to determine whether a use is fair use, and to obtain any necessary permissions. For more information see UCSC Special Collections and Archives policy on Reproduction and Use.

Collection is open for research.