Two free walking tours of Vassar College history to be offered. Saturday, April 28, 2007

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Free 90-minute walking tours of the historic Vassar College campus will be led by Colton Johnson, Dean Emeritus of the College, on Saturday, April 28, at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., beginning at the front entrance to the college's Main Building. Main is one of two Vassar structures on the National Register of Historic Places, along with the observatory built for the college's first faculty member, the preeminent astronomer Maria Mitchell. Highlights of the tour will also include the college's Thompson Memorial Library, famous both as an early model of collegiate gothic design and for its large and stunning Cornaro stained glass window.

[Left: Dean Emeritus Colton Johnson discusses Main Building during an historic tour of Vassar College (Photo: Noah Fowler/Vassar College)] From his very founding of the college in 1861, Matthew Vassar set out to create an exceptional physical environment to learn. Steadily integrating thoughtful landscape and structural design, the college has transformed the grounds of the former Dutchess County Racetrack into one of the world's most revered academic places. Significantly, Vassar College has never relied upon a predominant architectural style, so over the decades it has grown to showcase the work of such leading and varied architects as James Renwick, Jr. Francis R. Allen, Eero Saarinen, Marcel Breuer, and Cesar Pelli.

To sign up for one of the free walking tours, or for more information, call the Office of Campus Activities at (845) 437-5370 or e-mail Martha Morrison. Vassar College is located on Raymond Avenue in the Town of Poughkeepsie, free parking is available on campus, and further directions can be found at http://www.vassar.edu/directions.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential, liberal arts college founded in 1861.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Thursday, April 5th, 2007.