VASSAR COLLEGE

Vassar College was founded by Matthew Vassar (the elder) in 1861. According to the school’s history, Vassar endowed the college with a tin box containing $408,000 and a deed for 200 acres of land for the college site and farm. Indeed, Vassar passed away while addressing the trustees of the college at its third annual meeting on June 23, 1868, falling back in his chair mid-sentence.

The women’s college opened its door to 353 students on September 26, 1865. It became renowned for its liberal arts education and was the first women’s college to have a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.

The college went coed in 1969. It’s current student population is 2,435. (Information from Vassar website, www.vassar.edu)

Vassar also has a wonderful art gallery. The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center has an incredible collection of more than 16,000 pieces. Admission is free, although groups should call ahead (845.437.7745). The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 5pm, and Sunday 1pm to 5pm. Visit the Loeb Center for more information.

For more about the Vassar Family, click here.