Save the date! The 120th celebration of the MIT Geodetic Obsevatory is being held on 6/2/19 - your invitation is at this link
"The MIT Geodetic Observatory In the Middlesex Fells" is an 1899 historic site located within the borders of Malden, Massachusetts - land that is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.
You can read about it in this free 60+ page booklet with photos, maps, and more - including a bit of historical, local and scientific lore.
You can learn more about DCR at
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-conservation-recreation
An Event for 6/2/19 - Observatory Day 2019 - is posted at
https://www.facebook.com/events/2082498231878315/
Save the date! Your invitation for the 6/2/19 event is at this link
The Friends of Fells provides more coverage of this -
"Uncovering the MIT Geodetic Observatory in the Middlesex Fells"
George F. Swain
The November 10, 1897 Metropolitan Parks Commission (MPC) minutes document MIT’s desire to build a Geodetic Observatory in the Middlesex Fells Reservation. The MPC - as precursor to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) . MIT’s request was approved. From the Minutes:
“The Secretary presented request of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, through Professor George F. Swain, dated October 26th, 1897, for leave to locate a Geodetic Observatory in the Middlesex Fells Reservation, together with report of Landscape Architects, dated November 9th, with recommendations as to location of same. On motion of Mr. Haskell the Secretary was authorized to issue a permit for building of said observatory on location suggested, provided the plans of the building are approved by the Landscape Architects.”
National Academy Sciences - Link to George Swain Memoir
National Academy of Sciences - Link to PDF