William Herschel discovered NGC 3381 = H II-565 = h756 on 28 Mar 1786 (sweep 549) and logged "pB, cL, lbM, iF." Caroline's reduced position is 10 seconds of RA west of UGC 5909. John Herschel made two observations and three were made at Birr Castle. On 8 Mar 1858, R.J. Mitchell noted, "I think there is a B streak through it." This likely refers to the bar running east-west. The NGC description is in error stating "1st of 3", which applies to NGC 3379.

400/500mm - 17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.6' diameter, broad weak concentration, no distinct core. Located near midpoint of two mag 13 stars 5.5' NNW and 5.2' SSE. Forms a pair with IC 641 6' W (not seen).

Notes by Steve Gottlieb