It reminded me of the trips I made with my wife to this American astronomical institution many years ago, and how incredible it was to walk into that gigantic dome, and feel the splendid weight of that crowning achievement of Alvin Clark and Sons looming above us! The site is close to University of Wisconsin in Madison and grad students could use them..... I’ve been going to Yerkes for 50 years. He referred to himself as: Since 1897, Yerkes Observatory has welcomed astronomers, astronauts, Nobel prize winners, scientists, educators and others to its beautiful location in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. All that remains today is a graffiti-covered pier enshrouded by tall bushes. As the project developed, Hale took the lead in planning the building. Yerkes Observatory Executive Director Position Description. Known as the “mother of the Hubble,” Dr. Roman was the first chief of astronomy at NASA and the first woman to hold an executive position there. Sky & Telescope is part of AAS Sky Publishing, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Astronomical Society. … In the past several developers have proposed plans to build hotels or resorts on the property, as well as re-purpose the surrounding green spaces. Bill Duncan certainly hopes that soon the Observatory will be reopened and used once again. Agreement provides for preservation of historic Yerkes Observatory Proceeds from sale of 45 adjoining acres to support research, Yerkes outreach program : Yerkes Observatory. But Yerkes is not closing, mind you, just reorganizing. Contact. November 14, 2019 The buildings and domes are architecturally rich, and the mecha... Read all 327 reviews. Sky & Telescope maintains a strict policy of editorial independence from the AAS and its research publications in reporting developments in astronomy to readers. Eastman, Jack #4608 . Please check this site frequently for updates and information. Maybe, this has already happened. “If all it is is a dusty, stodgy place, that’s not for us.”  She wants visitors to the state to say, “We’re in Wisconsin. Fifthian said some lakefront acreage has been sold and more will be sold for residential development. Gravitational Waves Shed Light on Neutron Star Interiors, Mission to Asteroid Psyche to Launch Earlier Than Anticipated. 77 Restaurants within 5 miles. Apart from the main observatory building and the refracting telescope itself, the land and other structures of the Yerkes campus are the property of the University by virtue of other gifts or direct investments of University resources, and are not subject to the terms of the gift from Charles T. Yerkes. Save Yerkes, a student group that has been advocating for the University to take action in saving the observatory, wrote in a statement to The Maroon over Facebook that they appreciate the news and the progress about the announcement. I have a spectroscope designed by a man who worked there in the early 1900’s. The Executive Director of Yerkes Observatory provides vision, leadership and management to ensure the organization fulfills its mission and achieves its goals for excellence, education and public engagement. The observatory, based in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, hosted the largest refracting telescope in the world after its construction in 1897, and served as a hub for astronomical research throughout the 20th century. Dianna, Joe and Mary. Key responsibilities include: Leadership of organization. More information can be found here. “I’ve been there for weddings and other special events,” Colman said, “and every time I walk in there, I feel smarter.”  Now she wants to return Yerkes to the magical place she remembers. Our Partners. The 60,000-square-foot facility, home to three domes each with its own telescope, was constructed between 1894 and 1897. Over the next several months, both organizations will be working closely on all aspects of the proposed transfer. The scopes there can be dedicated to public education, supernovae patrols, exoplanet searches - amateurs lately are active in these fields. On October 21, 1897, Charles Tyson Yerkes presented the dedication speech of The Yerkes Observatory to 700 astronomers and those interested in the discovery of the heavens. Specifically Colman pointed to the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, whose staff has mentored the group, as the standard for success. Yerkes Observatory---Good News! Despite the positive steps indicated in this announcement, it is still an “agreement in principle.”  Many more details are still to be worked out, including determining what role, if any, the University of Chicago will play. Yerkes Observatory - News and Events September 12, 2014. News. The mission of the Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF) is to preserve and protect the Yerkes Observatory and enhance and expand the experience visitors have on the site. File photo, Regional News Yerkes restoration begins - 5 After Leslie's passing in May of 1980, I tried to convince the people of Delphos, Ohio, to acquire and maintain this amazing observatory as a memorial to Leslie and an observatory for the public, but to no avail. Astronomers, historians, and telescope enthusiasts around the world feared the worst: that Yerkes would never open again. As hope remains for Yerkes, let's get busy. No buyer came forward, so they shut the doors to the public on October 1, 2018. The Yerkes Observatory is a fascinating place. Yerkes Observatory, shown above in this aerial image high above Williams Bay, has been closed to the public for one year, after more than a century of scientific research and education. “A lemon in a garden of love”. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL Dianna, Joe and Mary. Yerkes Observatory is an astronomical observatory located in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, U.S.A. Robert Wallace. During the summer of ~1970 I taught a summer science class for high school students in the Hyde Park area of Chicago. It was previously owned by the University of Chicago’s Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics. Yerkes Observatory is barely visible behind scaffolding erected on the west side of the former scientific research center, as construction crews get started on restoration of the building. In the News “Luxury resort in stars for U. of C. observatory” June 8, 2006. Tour guide Richard Dreiser closes the front door of Yerkes Observatory on Sept. 29, 2018, as the University of Chicago officially closed the Williams Bay landmark to the public. Yerkes Observatory, shown above in this aerial image high above Williams Bay, has been closed to the public for one year, after more than a century of scientific research and education. Here are some recently taken pictures from Yerkes Observatory by Karol Kimura and Vivian Hoette from Illinois Yerkes Observatory in the News Check out the following links to hear about Yerkes Observatory in the news! 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. “The community vigorously opposed this development,” Duncan said, “and through fits and starts, the same hard work has gone into a breakthrough with the University of Chicago.”, On November 5, 2019, a hint at this breakthrough came via a press release, which stated, “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. Dr George van Biesbroeck made use of the Yerkes refractor for many years for these measures and a resumption would please his shade! Yerkes Observatory, a historic, castle-like building built to house a gigantic telescope, may soon reopen if all goes according to plan. The university opened the observatory in 1897 and closed it … Email. I am grateful for the experiences shared at such a spectacular array of science and natural beauty. When the building and a bulk of the surrounding property was donated earlier this year to the nonprofit Yerkes Future Foundation, the foundation began restoring and improving the old observatory. Thank you Kyle Cudworth and Rich Kron for such great direction on things that should be saved and things that could be safely removed. (You can unsubscribe anytime). Ownership was transferred to the non-profit Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF) in May, 2020. Apply. Yerkes Observatory, shown above in this aerial image high above Williams Bay, has been closed to the public for one year, after more than a century of scientific research and education. My heart sank when I read on these pages a while back of the closing of Yerkes. By: Dean Regas Saved from astro.uchicago.edu. The University of Chicago Library News. In its day the largest telescope in the world, it still inspires the wonder of discovery. The future of Yerkes Observatory remains uncertain after its recent closure by the University, which has activated stipulations put in place by the observatory’s primary funder that could revert ownership of the observatory and its telescope to his descendants. I was married there on a beautiful August day to a beautiful lady. By: Kelly Beatty May 1st, 2020 - The Yerkes Future Foundation would like to thank everyone for their support and encouragement over the past two years. The Yerkes Future Foundation still hopes to keep the astronomy center that has operated for more than 100 years, functioning through an endowment fund. 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. WILLIAMS BAY — Yerkes Observatory and most of the surrounding lakefront land will officially become property of the nonprofit Yerkes Future Foundation on May 1, securing the iconic site with new local ownership heading into the future. Stuart. I did my best for Leslie, I just wish I had known more back then. The building and grounds are designed with such magical detail that the setting looks like something out of a fairy tale. What do you do with a 19th-century observatory? My wife and I and a judge named Yerkes. Members of the Yerkes Future Foundation explore the John Olmsted-designed grounds of the Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wis. Wednesday, June 10, 2020. Location. Bill Duncan, Williams Bay Village President, described Yerkes as, “the iconic image for the village.” When the University of Chicago announced the closure of the Observatory, he said, “village residents took it very badly.” Duncan explained that the residents have embraced the observatory over the years. A small cloud may have drifted over the future of the historic Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay. Website +1 262-245-5555 . View of the Rumford spectroheliograph attached to the 40-inch telescope at Yerkes Observatory OwlEye, thank you for your efforts to save the observatory of Leslie C. Peltier (August 1971). If not, maybe the new owner of S&T will consider doing such in the near future. ... People realize it’s value and it is open to visitors with an appointment through friends of the yerkes observatory. Copyright ©2020 AAS Sky Publishing LLC. What else do you think it will take? The 40-inch refractor telescope towers over people during a tour of Yerkes Observatory on June 30, 2018, in Williams Bay, Wis. In the meantime, I continue to praise you and the staff of the Cincinnati Observatory for a wonderful historic location. With just the staff as witnesses. March 17, 2014, By: Elizabeth Howell Renovation has begun at the Yerkes Observatory after the University of Chicago successfully transferred ownership to the Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF) on May 1. Sky & Telescope, Night Sky, and skyandtelescope.org are registered trademarks of AAS Sky Publishing LLC. No buyer came forward, so … To people in the astronomy and education communities, Yerkes Observatory has an almost mythical quality. News / Yerkes Observatory is closing its doors; Yerkes Observatory is closing its doors . Additional information will be made available as appropriate.”. It was operated by the University of Chicago Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics from its founding in 1897 to 2020. It was a large part of my life. “Our first step is to get inside and make sure it is safe and the equipment is usable,” Colman said. I’d donate his spectroscope if you find a way to keep Yerkes Observatory alive. 373 W Geneva St, Williams Bay, WI 53191-9603. March 21, 2013, By: Janine Myszka Job Openings. YERKES OBSERVATORY. May 9, 2018, By: Camille M. Carlisle “But I want to get it open to the public and reestablish the tours again.”  Colman also expressed the desire to continue using the telescopes for research and to add more modern equipment that might appeal to the modern astronomer. Part of the proceeds from land sales will go back to the Yerkes Future Foundation to assist … Over the past year, Colman along with other members of the YFF consulted with experts in the field of informal science education to develop a sustaining model for the future of Yerkes. Also in 1893, Harper hired George Ellery Hale as an associate professor of astrophysics. “I am very pleased for the village by this positive step toward not only preserving the Yerkes Observatory but bringing it back to its former glory.”, For Colman, she wants the Observatory to be a regional tourist attraction. For Dianna Colman, chairman of the Yerkes Future Foundation, the observatory has long been part of her life as a Williams Bay resident. Nancy Grace Roman: The Life and Legacy of a NASA Star. Dean, thanks for your article on the re-opening of the Yerkes Observatory. The observatory sits on about 70 acres of prime lakefront real estate. Its status within the world of astronomy is extraordinary. As young people we picnicked on the lawn and did water color paintings of the various palatial scenes of architecture and fauna. toggle quoted message Show quoted text. We are excited to begin the next phase of restoration, preservation, programming and research at this historic observatory. Once state of the art, this Gilded Age observatory has been left behind by progress. We are also currently seeking candidates for the Yerkes Observatory Executive Director position. The age of giant refractors is gone. Donate. I‘ve viewed Haley’s comet from that magnificent scope. It was during this year that Harper and Hale conceived what would become known as Yerkes Observatory. News Break; yerkes observatory. Thank you for your kind words. All rights reserved. Unless a buyer came forward, they would close the observatory. File photo, Regional News February 13, 2015, By: Camille M. Carlisle About > News > Yerkes Observatory Photographs Now Online Browse by Category . Best nearby. The Yerkes Future Foundation would like to thank everyone for their support and encouragement over the past two years. Agreement Reached on Yerkes Sale Sky and Telescope June 7, 2006. The Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, will significantly scale back its astronomical programming this summer and cease operations on October 1, 2018. You two are the best! We are excited to begin the next phase of restoration, preservation, programming and research at this historic observatory. The Yerkes Observatory, dedicated in 1897, is home to the largest refracting telescope in the world, along with several other working telescopes. It was a long busy afternoon but very productive. Full view. One evening we drove up to Yerkes and spent about 4 hours (after formal observations were done for the night) using the 40" Clark refractor, often slewing by hand, viewing the most magnificent views of a dozen well known objects. The Yerkes Future Foundation took over ownership of the observatory and roughly 50 acres of surrounding land on Friday, May 1. Unless a buyer came forward, they would close the observatory. THANK YOU Dean, for this word of hope about Yerkes. Hopefully several of those students still love astronomy! After closing Yerkes Observatory more than a year ago, officials shared Tuesday how they plan to reopen the facility, which documents show could offer public tours as early as late We need to see the Yerkes Observatory.”. What do you do with a 19th century observatory in the 21st century? In 2018, the University of Chicago made the decision to close the Observatory. Hi, all... Got this a minute ago, I take it as very good news! May 29, 2017, By: Kelly Beatty 7, Yes, I would like to receive emails from Sky & Telescope. The University of Chicago, which … In 1892, financier Charles Yerkes agreed to endow an observatorythat planned to host the world’s largest refracting telescope. Yerkes is strongly tied to the quaint community in which it resides. “The Observatory brought in so many astronomers that enriched the community, and their presence encouraged volunteerism among the residents toward space science and education.”, Located near the shores of Lake Geneva, the Yerkes site is considered prime real estate. In 2018, we lost a proud AAUW member and true American hero — Nancy Grace Roman. If you are in the area it is certainly worth a visit. Now there is new hope that the Yerkes may soon reopen under new management and with a new mission for the 21st century. Members of the Yerkes Future Foundation find shade under a large maple tree on a portion of the 48-acre John Olmsted-designed grounds of the Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay. Recently, the University of Chicago transferred ownership of the 123-year-old facility to the foundation, a preservation group that plans to restore, refurbish and reopen the research center. I recall how that experience reminded me of the first time I ever had such a feeling, when I stepped into the larger observatory (housing a 12-inch Clark refractor) of Leslie C. Peltier in late August of 1971. gazing in awe up at this beautiful, long white refractor pointed skyward above me, and the wonderful views it gave of Vega, the first-quarter moon, and the Ring Nebula. Despite the turn of events for Leslie's observatory, I think a photo posted somewhere in Delphos or on the pages of Sky & Telescope would serve much good to his followers. "However, we're also eager to see more concrete movement, beyond merely an agreement in principle." Like you and many other amateur astronomers, I am sorry about the fate of Leslie's observatory. Yerkes Observatory has sat largely empty and closed to the public since it was closed by its former owner, the University of Chicago. The 30" Brashear refractor at Allegheny Observatory, refigured by Jean Texereau, and the Clark 26" refractor at the US Naval Observatory (Washington, D.C.), have been in active use in recent years, the 30" for astrometry and t he 26" for double star measures - a vital aspect of astronomy. We have a tree there in our honor. When will Yerkes reopen, and what exactly will it look like, are questions still to be answered. 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. aauw.org | 17d. Editorial independence from the AAS and its research publications in reporting developments in astronomy readers... Patrols, exoplanet searches - amateurs lately are active in these fields trademarks of AAS Sky Publishing.. 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