Chevy Chase in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Dr. Vera Rubin
This Call Box is in honor of our neighbor, Dr. Vera Rubin, 1928 - 2016.
Sometimes called the "Mother of Dark Matter", Rubin was a pioneering American astronomer who studied galaxy rotation, ultimately confirming the existence of dark matter in the 1970s alongside her longtime collaborator Kent Ford. During her career, she was a staunch advocate for women in STEM and mentored generations of women astronomers. Despite facing significant barriers as a woman in her field, Rubin's groundbreaking discoveries revolutionized our understanding of the universe as we know it. In 1993, Rubin's contributions were recognized with the National Medal of Science for revealing that "the universe is more complex and more mysterious than it had been imagined."
This call box commemorates Carnegie Science, which was Rubin's scientific home throughout her illustrious career. Established in 1902 as an independent research institution, Carnegie Science continues to pursue scientific breakthroughs that transform our understanding of life, planets, and the universe we call home. By providing scientists with sustained support, Carnegie Science
this page online
The art on this call box was created by the local neighborhood artists Danielle Feuillan, Sarah Joyce-McCarron, and Laura McCarron.
This call box was restored in April 2023 by the coalition of District Bridges Chevy Chase Main Street, Ch/Art, the Chevy Chase Community Association, and Historic Chevy Chase DC. Carnegie Science is a Special Sponsor for the restoration.
Erected 2023 by District Bridges Chevy Chase Main Street, Ch/Art, the Chevy Chase Community Association, and Historic Chevy Chase DC; Carnegie Science, Special Sponsor.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Science & Medicine • Women. A significant historical month for this entry is April 2023.
Location. 38° 57.592′ N, 77° 3.859′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Chevy Chase. It is at the intersection of 32nd Street Northwest and Jocelyn Street Northwest, on the right when traveling north on 32nd Street Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5335 32nd
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Broad Branch Market (approx. 0.4 miles away); John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg (approx. half a mile away); Segregated by Design (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Segregated by Design (approx. 0.6 miles away); A Man's Recollection (approx. 0.6 miles away); Fort De Russy (approx. 0.7 miles away); A Garden Protecting Rock Creek (approx. 0.7 miles away); Walter Tobriner (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 15, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 258 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 15, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
