The Theodor Jacobsen Observatory may be the second-oldest building on campus, but it is still alive and kicking, as one of the University's best-kept secrets.

The observatory was built in 1895 with leftover stones from the construction of Denny Hall, earning it a place on the State Register of Historical Buildings.

The building itself is not only a historical treasure, but its interior contains many surprises, including several century-old instruments.

"A lot of the instruments are from when the astronomy department got started in the 1890s," said Shannon Schmoll, a student volunteer. "They are obsolete now, but still really interesting."

One of the most prominent pieces of equipment in the observatory is the 90-inch long telescope.

"The telescope was first housed at the original downtown campus, and moved here in 1895," said student volunteer Alison Snyder.

The observatory itself was named after Theodor Jacobsen, a professor at the University from 1928 until 1965. During his years as a professor, Jacobsen played an integral part in developing the astronomy program.

While there is over a century of history at the observatory, the most interesting developments have been happening within the past decade.

In 2000 there was heavy discussion about what to do with the telescope and the building, which was then used as storage.

"Some people wanted to dismantle the telescope and put it in a museum," said Ana Larson, an astronomy lecturer. "A few of us thought that was not a good idea."

To help salvage the building, Larson, along with several student volunteers, began working tirelessly on the observatory, which had fallen into disarray.

"It was ridiculously dirty," Larson said.

A wasp nest was discovered in the end of the telescope as cleaning progressed, she said.

After the observatory was restored, Larson and her volunteers started a new outreach program. The program has now grown in size and includes two open house nights per month as well as many volunteers.

"The first group [of volunteers] was really active," Larson said. "Now everyone else is following in their footsteps."

The last open house night of the season was held Nov. 15 and hosted more than 90 people, making it one of the most successful open houses the observatory has had this year.

The observatory is now closed for the winter, but will reopen March 7 when it will resume open house nights on the first and third Wednesday of every month.

While it is closed, Larson and the volunteers will be working on an exciting new astronomy curriculum for the blind, which would be one of the first in the country.

"Blind students have nothing when it comes to learning astronomy," Larson said.

Her plan is to make astronomy and the observatory more accessible to the blind community, incorporating things like braille star maps and touchable models of the planets.

Events keep the observatory active through most of the year and create opportunities for education and outreach.

Larson and her volunteers are behind the observatory's resurrection.

"I hope Ana Larson never retires," Snyder said. "She is truly the heart and soul of the program."

Contributing writer Sara Wilson: development@thedaily.washington.edu