John Herschel discovered NGC 6937 = h3836, along with NGC 6935, on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "vF; R; 40"." On a second sweep he noted "F; R; glbM; 30"."

600/800mm - 30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): fainter of a pair with NGC 6935 4.4' NW. Fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 2'x1.5'. There are three distinct zones. At the center is a small, very bright nucleus ~15" diameter. This is surrounded by a bright, round, 40" core. Finally the core is surrounded by a much fainter halo up to 2' with an irregular surface brightness, though no distinct arms. Located 50' WSW of mag 4.5 Eta Indi.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb