Announcement: The Yerkes Future Foundation would like to thank everyone for their support and encouragement over the past two years. A … Yerkes Observatory (/ ˈjɜːrkiːz / YUR-keez) is an astronomical observatory located in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, U.S.A. Thank you Kyle Cudworth and Rich Kron for such great direction on things that should be saved and things that could be safely removed. The University's most recent prior update about Yerkes, posted on their Yerkes Updates page on August 15, concerned educational programming at the observatory. The meeting followed the University’s announcement in March that it will wind down its activities at Yerkes and formally cease on-site operations by Oct. 1, 2018. The University will continue to occasionally operate the telescopes at Yerkes to ensure the Observatory can continue to be used for  research and education, and the large collection of glass photographic plates will continue to be available to researchers by appointment via the department Astronomy and Astrophysics. Reply to: Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay update. We are excited to begin the next phase of restoration, preservation, programming and research at this historic observatory. YFF and the University have agreed to several long-term loans of the University’s astronomical equipment that YFF may use at Yerkes, including the observatory’s large collection of glass plates and several historically significant artifacts. The University of Chicago is in the final steps of a plan to close Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wis. to the public as of Oct. 1, 2018. This is to be followed by an additional cash donation by the University, drawing on proceeds from the planned sale of three rezoned parcels of University-owned lakefront property, for which the University’s applications are currently pending with the Village. Since then, the University has issued a call for proposals for the future of Yerkes, and engaged in talks over the summer with parties interested in the property. Some of the educational programs previously offered at the observatory will move to UChicago’s campus in Chicago, and the University understands that a new local organization has plans to operate some programs at a new location in Williams Bay, not affiliated with UChicago. A slightly longer than normal (24 minute) Sky at Night, broadcast in March 1988, about the Yerkes Observatory. Yerkes Observatory, astronomical observatory located at Williams Bay on Lake Geneva in southeastern Wisconsin, U.S. University of Chicago Seeks Expressions of Interest in Yerkes Observatory  The University of Chicago this week will transfer ownership of Yerkes Observatory and related property located in Williams Bay, Wisconsin to the Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF). Dianna, Joe and Mary. The observatory is on the west side of the village of Williams Bay, Wisconsin, on the bank of Lake Geneva, 76 miles from Chicago. YFF’s objectives include restoration and refurbishing of the telescopes and building, reopening the space for visitors and establishing educational, research, seminars and various additional opportunities for students, astronomers, astrophysicists and others. More than 300 people came to the public meeting in Williams Bay, with questions and comments from about 30 individuals and 42 written comment cards. He said the University is looking for proposals that balance a number of priorities, including the need for a sustainable operational model, the interest in continued public programming, and suitable financial terms. Read our community guidelines. The University also said that the bequest letter only concerns “the main observatory building and refracting telescope.” At the time it did not reveal the names of the Yerkes descendants, “out of respect for the descendants’ wishes.” This is still the University’s most recent statement on its Yerkes Update page as of May 6. The University of Chicago announced in March that it would close the observatory to the public---but---maintain a minimal operation for educational and research programs. Thus, the marketing and sale of the lakefront property will create vital seed funding for YFF’s startup operations and sustained fiscal health, in addition to the University’s initial monetary donation. The Yerkes Observatory, arguably the birthplace of modern astrophysics, is an astronomical observatory of the University of Chicago in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. It was a long busy afternoon but very productive. As the University of Chicago proceeds with talks concerning the future of Yerkes Observatory, one point that has arisen is the potential interest among descendants of Charles T. Yerkes, the philanthropist whose gift first established the observatory in the 1890s. Following the observatory’s closure to the public on Oct. 1, the University has continued certain astronomical activities at the observatory, including the use of telescopes and curation of the observatory’s large collection of glass photographic plates. Low-density residential use is being explored as part of a long-term plan for some of the land. Douglas said there were a number of themes in the comments, including concern over who might purchase the property, the observatory’s valued role in education programs, and questions about how the University will evaluate proposals. Preview. Wisconsin forums . Yerkes Proposal Process - PDF. The meeting will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Williams Bay High School is located at 500 W. Geneva St., Williams Bay, Wis. UChicago representatives speak at village meeting in Williams Bay, Wis. The University of Chicago and the Yerkes Future Foundation have released the following joint statement: The University of Chicago and the Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF) are pleased to announce an agreement in principle for transfer of ownership of Yerkes Observatory and related property located in Williams Bay, Wisconsin to the Yerkes Future Foundation. Over the next several months, both organizations will be working closely on all aspects of the proposed transfer. October 1892 October 4, 1892, at Yerkes' office on 444 North Clark Street, Hale presents Yerkes with the opportunity to finance the building of the World’s Largest Telescope.Yerkes is informed of the recognition that James Lick received in founding the Lick Observatory and views the available disks as an opportunity to create a lasting legacy. The University welcomes your questions or comments regarding the Yerkes property. Sam Dunaiski, the group’s Solar for Good program manager, said a 60-kilowatt array is enough to power the electricity use of … Frequently Asked Questions Yerkes Observatory, located on the Williams Bay lakefront, has been part of the Lake Geneva region for more than 120 years, but has been closed to … On November 30, 1901, astronomer and telescope maker, George Willis Ritchey, observes the heavens through the double slide-plate holder attached to the Yerkes 40-inch Refractor Telescope. Please check this site frequently for updates and information. A small cloud may have drifted over the future of the historic Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay. Yerkes Observatory is the observing facility of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the University of Chicago and is devoted to research in astronomy and astrophysics, as well as graduate education. The Observatory … We are excited to begin the next phase of restoration, preservation, programming and research at this historic observatory. UChicago activities at Yerkes Observatory to end in 2018. The Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay opened in 1897. The three new residential lots will provide an expanded tax base for the Village of Williams Bay. Public meeting on May 18, 2018 UChicago holds public meeting on future of Yerkes Observatory property No buyer came forward, so they shut the doors to the public on October 1, 2018. Inquiries concerning these programs should be directed to GLAS Education (email: info@glaseducation.org, website: https://www.glaseducation.org). For more than 120 years astronomers and astrophysicists from around the world did just that on the shores of Geneva Lake in Williams Bay, Wisconsin at the Yerkes Observatory… Housed in a six ton, 60-foot … Both the University and YFF would like to express their appreciation for the support shown by the Yerkes family, the Village of Williams Bay and many educators and scientists. Yerkes and its staff require ample time in order to craft, uphold, and ultimately implement a successful, smooth, and productive transition. We are excited to begin the next phase of restoration, preservation, programming and research at this historic observatory. After that time, they will be operated by Geneva Lake Astrophysics and STEAM, Inc. and will no longer be supported by the University of Chicago. Get notified by e-mail when a reply is posted. Throughout this process the University has sought to balance a number of priorities, including the need for a sustainable operational model, the community’s interest in continued public programming, and sustainable financial terms. Watch this listing for more information as it becomes available. Additional information will be made available as appropriate. The Yerkes Future Foundation would like to thank everyone for their support and encouragement over the past two years. As introduced at the Plan Commission meeting in March, the University is seeking approval on the rezoning of the lakefront property to three residential lots. But access to the night sky at Yerkes Observatory on Geneva Lake is slated to end Oct. 1, for now. It was created in 1897 by George Ellery Hale and financed by Charles T. Yerkes. We will continue to work with interested parties to facilitate the attainment of these goals. Some of the educational programs previously offered at the observatory have moved to UChicago's campus in Chicago and a new local organization, Geneva Lake Astrophysics and STEAM,  has plans to operate some programs at a new location in Williams Bay, not affiliated with UChicago. Wisconsin forums . Out of respect for the descendants’ wishes, the University agreed not to disclose their names and connection at the time. The remainder of the proceeds from the sale will help support the future of astronomy and astrophysics at UChicago, including the University’s major investments in the Magellan and Giant Magellan telescopes in Chile. Speakers at that meeting expressed support for the observatory’s educational programs, along with concerns about the potential for high-density residential development on the site. Along with other visitors from around the world, YFF will welcome UChicago scientists, librarians, and students to continue projects and collaboration at Yerkes in the months and years ahead. Closed/Pending transfer in principle - Yerkes Observatory - The birthplace of modern astrophysics. You two are the best! We will post updates to this site as they become available. It was operated by the University of Chicago Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics from its founding in 1897 to 2020. “We are delighted that this process is concluding in a way that brings long-term benefits to the Williams Bay community and future visitors to Yerkes, while serving the future of astronomy and astrophysics research and education at the University of Chicago,” said Fithian. Stars at Yerkes teacher Kathleen Roper of Hoyleton Grade School practices a classroom exercise that demonstrates the properties of the light spectrum. Unless a buyer came forward, they would close the observatory. The University’s call for Expressions of Interest requests that interested parties submit proposals before June 15. Please check this site frequently for updates and information. YFF is dedicated to restoring the great, historic observatory as a monument to American achievements in astronomy and as an operating scientific and educational institution capable of carrying Yerkes’ contributions into the future. As we have indicated in public forums, the University understands that comprehensive plans for Yerkes may require approval by the Village of Williams Bay’s Board of Trustees. In April 2018 the University of Chicago, owners of the Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, announced that they had no practical use for such an observatory. “We are deeply grateful to the Village of Williams Bay and the connection this community has to Yerkes,” Dianna Colman said. The university is donating the observatory, several telescopes used to study outer space and 49 acres of surrounding grounds in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, near … Ask a question Recent Conversations. According to RENEW Wisconsin’s grant announcement, the 75 panels awarded to Yerkes Observatory are expected to generate 60 kilowatts of electricity. “We heard loud and clear that people do not want the University to approach this as an ordinary real estate transaction, and we agree,” Douglas said. All forums . Your message. It reflects the commitment of both groups to be responsive to the interests of the Village of Williams Bay community, and the importance of providing a sound foundation for YFF as it prepares to lead Yerkes into the future. The search for a new owner has been informed by discussions with many stakeholders, including a public meeting about the future of the property held on May 18, 2018. Buy yerkes observatory canvas prints designed by millions of independent artists from all over the world. Yerkes Observatory (Google Maps). “We are grateful to the people of Williams Bay for welcoming us to their community for this meeting,” Douglas said. It is no longer in operation. In addition to YFF’s global outreach, YFF will also welcome members of the UChicago community to continue their distinct connection with Yerkes. And so, for about $300,000, the world’s largest telescope was built and Yerkes Observatory was founded in 1897. University of Chicago to transfer of ownership of Yerkes Observatory to Yerkes Future Foundation. Proposals will be confidential at this stage, and the University will continue to share more information with the Village and others as the process unfolds, in coordination with parties who submit proposals. Jan 4, 2021 - The Yerkes Observatory is currently closed to the public and is expected to reopen in late 2019 or early 2020. Please use the field below to share your feedback with the University. In recent months the University has met and spoken with descendants of Charles T. Yerkes and provided them with the original gift document [available here – see text version here], which involves only the main observatory building and refracting telescope. The University will continue to operate the telescopes at Yerkes after the closure to ensure the Observatory can continue to be used for astronomical research and investigation, and the large collection of glass photographic plates will continue to be available to researchers by appointment. Thanks to the University of Chicago and its many Yerkes employees and scientists through the years, Yerkes has been well-maintained, and our goals include enhancing the magnificence of its structure, telescopes and grounds to continue its historic tourism appeal, and to maximize its educational and scientific potential as a forward-looking inspiration to generations of young scientific hopefuls.”. The University will share any plan for the future of the observatory with the Village of Williams Bay’s Board of Trustees. “The people who attended made important points for us to consider, and the tone of the discussion was extremely respectful and constructive. Chicago, IL 60637 YFF will receive a share from the proceeds of the sale of the rezoned lakefront lots per the Yerkes Observatory donation agreement. All tours and public events at the observatory have ceased. The University also will make a significant monetary donation of seed funding for YFF at the time of transfer. In line with community priorities, the University is not considering any high-density development. The University of Chicago ended public access in October 2018. The Yerkes Future Foundation would like to thank everyone for their support and encouragement over the past two years. The observatory, built in the 1890s, has in recent decades been used primarily for education and outreach. She uses equipment from the Active Astronomy Kit from NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) project. Representatives from the University of Chicago listened to a wide range of input from community members in a public meeting about the future of the Yerkes Observatory property in Williams Bay, Wis., on May 18. The University continues to evaluate and pursue options for the long-term operation of the Yerkes campus. The Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wis. is now closed to the public. Ownership was transferred to the non-profit Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF) in May, 2020. 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