Benjamin Banneker astronomical journal

The astronomical journal of Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806) primarily contains his calculations for the positions of the sun, moon, and planets as well as graphic projections for solar and lunar eclipses and moveable feasts of the Christian year. There are also practical descriptions of how he obtained his data about the planets, the movement of stars, and the different quarters of the moon.

Additionally, the journal contains a variety of content about Banneker's everyday life, such as interactions with neighbors and friends, encounters with armed intruders on his property, and details of his dreams and nightmares. Other notable pages include a description of the appearance of 17-year cicadas and a copy of his correspondence (1791 August 19) with President Thomas Jefferson.

There is also a handwritten letter (housed separately from the journal) from Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) to Anne Tyson Kirk (1825-1884), the granddaughter of George Ellicott (1760-1832), dated 1878 March 4. In it Douglass thanks Kirk for providing him with the sketch of the life of Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806) written by her mother, Martha Ellicott Tyson (1795-1873). The letter also contains annotations by Kirk's sister, Lucy Tyson Fitzhugh (1833-1910), written in 1910 that mentions her family is still in possession of Benjamin Banneker's astronomical journal.