In the early 1900s, Vassar purchased several pieces of land and moved its farming operation, which supplied much of the food for the college, from the main campus across Hooker Avenue. This move necessitated the construction of a poultry farm, stables, greenhouses, storage barns, and a model dairy barn. By the 1950s, the farming operation was no longer economically viable; all of the cows were sold, and the Vassar Farm stopped producing its own vegetables and milk products. A little more than 50 years later, the model dairy wing of that barn has been renovated as event, exhibit, and office space which is now home to the Environmental Cooperative.
The barn offers space for use by community groups, campus organizations, and other interested parties. The application for use of the space must be submitted at least two weeks in advance of a program or event. For more information, please read more about the Barn rental guidelines here. Questions? Please contact Jen Rubbo at jerubbo@vassar.edu.
