1921
David Dunlap attends a public talk on comets and introduces himself to the lecturer, Dr. Clarence Chant (above), founder of the U of T’s Department of Astronomy.
1921
1863 – 1924
David Alexander Dunlap
1863 – 1924
1926
David Dunlap’s widow Jessie Donalda Dunlap makes a donation in memory of her husband to build Chant’s dream and ambition: an astronomical observatory.
1926
May 31, 1935
The David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) opens in Richmond Hill. The observatory’s 1.9-metre (74-inch) telescope is second largest in the world.
May 31, 1935
From 1935 to the 90s
John Percy, professor emeritus, on the history of the DDO.
From 1935 to the 90s
Observatory to Institute
Over the decades, the light pollution of Richmond Hill encroaches upon the DDO. At the same time, large observatories are built by international collaborations in locations like Hawaii and northern Chile. Prof. Peter Martin becomes director of the DDO and begins discussions with the Dunlap family to continue their grandparent’s legacy.
Observatory to Institute
2008
An endowment fund is established through the sale of observatory property in Richmond Hill, and the Dunlap Institute is founded on the St. George campus of the U of T. It joins the university’s Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics and Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics.
2008
2010
Prof. James Graham is appointed the institute’s first director.
2010
