John Whalan George Mason University history collection, 1966/2005

Location of collection:

George Mason University

2400 Fenwick Library

Special Collections Research Center

Fenwick Library MS2FL

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA 22030

Contact for questions and access:

POC: Mieko Palazzo

Email: speccoll@gmu.edu

Phone: (703) 993-2220

Fax: (703) 993-2669

Web: scrc.gmu.edu

Restrictions:

There are no access restrictions.

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions on personal use. Permission to publish material from the John Whalan George Mason University history collection must be obtained from Special Collections and Archives, George Mason University Libraries.

Preferred citation:

John Whalan George Mason University history collection, C0264, Special Collections and Archives, George Mason University Libraries.

Summary

Extent:

1.0 linear feet (2 boxes)

Creator:

Whalan, John

Abstract:

This collection documents George Mason University student John Whalan's involvement in the Whig Society and the Herschel Observatory.

Language:

English

Preferred citation:

John Whalan George Mason University history collection, C0264, Special Collections and Archives, George Mason University Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection documents John Whalan's involvement in the George Mason College/University Whig Society, as well as the creation of Herschel Observatory and its telescope. It includes correspondence, maps, notes, promotional materials, newsclippings, and photographs dating from 1967-1975. The collection also includes a retrospective essay by Whalan from 2005 on the history of the observatory and sketches of the telescope. There are also two bound volumes of handwritten notes from Whig Society meetings from 1966-1973. Box one contains the photos and loose papers. Box two contains the bound record books.

Biographical / historical:

John Whalan was a biology student at George Mason College and George Mason University in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was active in the Whig Society and served as its president for a time. Additionally, he, along with several other classmates, was involved in the construction of the Herschel Observatory and telescope in the mid-1970s.

Acquisition information:

Donated by John Whalan before 2008.

Processing information:

Processed by Special Collections and Archives staff. Processing completed by Elizabeth Beckman in May 2015. EAD markup completed by Elizabeth Beckman in May 2015.

Arrangement:

Materials are arranged by subject and format.

Rules or conventions:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:

Astronomy.