The Chamberlin Observatory was named after Humphrey Baker Chamberlin, who was a philanthropist and amateur astronomer. Chamberlin donated $50,000 towards the construction of the observatory. The construction was greatly aided by DU faculty member Herbert Howe, who helped purchase the telescope in 1894 and construct the building. The Observatory was a huge selling point for the University, as there was nothing like it in the western portion of the United States.The historic Chamberlin Observatory is still operating, using the original telescope. The observatory is used for astronomy courses, and it's open to the public several times a month when the weather is clear.