Albertson Hall was built in 1928 and is easily recognizable by the observatory on top that houses a large telescope. Additions to the building were completed in 1962 and 1978. In 2000 the building underwent a complete renovation. Departments presently occupying the building include Agriculture, Biological Sciences, Communication Sciences and Disorders, and the Dean's office for the College of Health and Life Sciences.
The building is named for Dr. Frederick W. Albertson who worked at the university for 43 years in various capacities and died while still in full-time service to the university. He came to Fort Hays in 1918 to teach agriculture. Albertson began his doctoral study just as the drought of the 1930's began on the Great Plains. This natural phenomenon presented Albertson with an opportunity to study Great Plains grasslands under adverse climatic conditions. He and Dr. J. E. Weaver later published “Grasslands of the Great Plains”, the classic study of plant ecology and range management. Albertson continued his studies of the short and mixed prairie grasses in western Kansas after he returned to teach in the 1930's. He taught the first course in visual instruction and is known as the "Father of Visual Education" on the Fort Hays campus.
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Albertson Hall Rededication Map of Facility
Fort Hays State University
A pamphlet containing a map of Albertson Hall produced as part of the rededication ceremonies. Contains a short history of the building.
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Rededication of Albertson Hall & "To Our Teachers Who Toiling Fell"
Fort Hays State University
A pamphlet produced as part of the Albertson Hall rededication containing a short history of Albertson Hall, a biography of Fred Albertson whom the building is named for, and a short history of the "Toiling Fell" plaque in Forsyth Library.
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Newspaper Clipping: Two FHSU Departments Happy to Have, Dedicate New Facilities
Diane Gasper-O'Brien
A newspaper clipping from the Hays Daily News featuring a story on the Albertson Hall renovation.
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Newspaper Clipping: Restored building improves functionality
Amanda Holley
A newspaper clipping from The University Leader featuring a story on the renovation of Albertson Hall.
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Space and Construction: Needs for Kansas Higher Education
Kansas Board of Regents
A publication containing descriptions of needed construction at KBOR institutions. Contains a section on Albertson Hall.
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Specifications for Science Building Addition and Alterations
John E. Brink and T. Marion Heter
A document containing specifications for an addition to Albertson Hall.
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Letter from J. Howard Compton to M.C. Cunningham
J. Howard Compton
A letter from J. Howard Compton, Assistant State Architect, to M.C. Cunningham, president of Fort Hays Kansas State College, regarding preliminary drawings for an addition to Albertson Hall.
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Report Covering the Proposed Science Bldg.
John E. Brink and T. Marion Heter
A report from the Kansas State Architect detailing building project specifications for Albertson Hall.
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Newspaper Clipping: Ground is Broken at Hays for New Building
Ellis County News
A newspaper clipping from the Ellis County News featuring an article on the groundbreaking for the new Science Hall, later renamed Albertson Hall.
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Newspaper Clipping: Will Begin Work Today
Ellis County News
A newspaper clipping from the Ellis County News featuring an article on the construction of the new Science Hall, later renamed Albertson Hall.
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Newspaper: Work Begins Soon at Hays on New Building
Ellis County News
A newspaper clipping from the Ellis County News featuring an article on the construction of the new Science Hall, later renamed Albertson Hall.
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Newspaper Clipping: At Hays Dedication, 1,500
Ellis County Star
A newspaper clipping from the Ellis County Star featuring an article on the placing of the cornerstone for the new Science Hall, later named Albertson Hall.
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Newspaper Clipping: Jacobs Won't Get Contract
Ellis County Star
A newspaper clipping from the Ellis County Star featuring an article about the contract for the construction of the new Science Hall, later named Albertson Hall.
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Newspaper Clipping: Morgan Wields Trowel in Hays Celebration
Ellis County Star
A newspaper clipping form the Ellis County Star featuring an article on the placing of the cornerstone for the new Science Hall, later named Albertson Hall.
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Newspaper Clipping: Most Up to Date Science Hall in State Planned for Hays Teachers College
Ellis County Star
A clipping from the Ellis County Star featuring an article on the new Science Hall, later renamed Albertson Hall.
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Newspaper Clipping: Work Begins Soon At Hays on New Building
Ellis County Star
A newspaper clipping from the Ellis County Star featuring an article on the construction of the new Science Hall, later renamed Albertson Hall.
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Forsyth Library Dedication & Science Hall Corner Stone Placing
Kansas State Teachers College of Hays
The program for the Forsyth Library Dedication and Science Hall Cornerstone Placing on July 10, 1928.
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Ground Breaking: Science Hall
Kansas State Teachers College of Hays
A program from the Ground Breaking ceremony for the Science Hall, later named Albertson Hall.
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Program, Placing of Science Hall Corner Stone
Kansas State Teachers College of Hays
A draft program for the placing of the cornerstone of the Science Hall, later renamed Albertson Hall.
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Science Hall Celebration
Kansas State Teachers College of Hays
A draft program for a celebration of the proposed new Science Hall, later renamed Albertson Hall.