David Fithian, who has led the transfer process for the University of Chicago, said having a successor organization that is dedicated to Yerkes and the community provides an appropriate new chapter for the observatory. “We are grateful to the people of Williams Bay for welcoming us to their community for this meeting,” Douglas said. Ditto for the chairman of the physics department at Northern Illinois University which is not far from Yerkes Observatory. Musings over Mars. “We are deeply grateful to the Village of Williams Bay and the connection this community has to Yerkes,” Dianna Colman said. The Yerkes Future Foundation was created by area civic and business leaders with the intention of gaining control of the observatory reopening it to the public. Ownership was transferred to the non-profit Yerkes Future Foundation … This message below from John Briggs of the Antique Telescope Society gives the latest information regarding the future of Yerkes Observatory. The company's filing status is listed as Incorporated/Qualified and its File Number is Y005047. "It's in great shape for being 123 years old," said Ed Struble, who has been the director of building and grounds at Yerkes for nearly 30 years and is continuing that role with the foundation. Two organizations have asked to remain anonymous at this time. 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. Yerkes Future Foundation Inc. is currently unrated by Charity Navigator. 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. Bruised by community rejection of a 2006 condo-and-hotel plan, the university is working with the Yerkes Future Foundation, a group of local residents seeking to preserve the building and picturesque grounds. Ownership was transferred to the non-profit Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF) in May, 2020. “It’s in great shape for being 123 years old,” said Ed Struble, who has been the director of building and grounds at Yerkes for nearly 30 years and is continuing that role with the foundation. 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. For technical questions or comments about WPR’s website, streaming or other digital media products, please use our Website Feedback form. University of Chicago to transfer of ownership of Yerkes Observatory to Yerkes Future Foundation. A small group of Geneva Lake residents formed the Yerkes Future Foundation in 2018, shortly after the university’s announcement that it would seek a new long-term steward for the observatory. The Yerkes Future Foundation took over ownership of the observatory and roughly 50 acres of surrounding land on Friday, May 1. 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. 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. May 4, 2020 - 8:55am. At a public meeting held by the Village of Williams Bay, representatives from the University of Chicago took questions from the Village Board of Directors and heard comments from the public about the Yerkes property. Yerkes Future Foundation, Inc. is a Wisconsin Nonstock Corporation filed on June 4, 2018. 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. UChicago activities at Yerkes Observatory to end in 2018. The Yerkes Future Foundation would like to thank everyone for their support and encouragement over the past two years. The University continues to evaluate and pursue options for the long-term operation of the Yerkes campus. The Yerkes Future Foundation took over ownership of the Yerkes observatory and some land on Friday, May 1. This round of Solar for Good grants features a diverse group of organizations from across Wisconsin. Yerkes Observatory (/ ˈ j ɜːr k iː z / YUR-keez) is an astronomical observatory located in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, U.S.A.It was operated by the University of Chicago Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics from its founding in 1897 to 2020. On March 7, 2018, the University of Chicago announced that it will end its activities at Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wis., by Oct. 1, 2018. This round of Solar for Good grants features a diverse group of organizations from across Wisconsin. Chicago, IL 60637 UChicago holds public meeting on future of Yerkes Observatory property Douglas said the views expressed at the meeting will be an important consideration as the University continues to evaluates proposals. The University will share any plan for the future of the observatory with the Village of Williams Bay’s Board of Trustees. News release by UChicago and the Yerkes Future Foundation issued jointly at 12:00 noon CST on November 5, 2019: 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. Talks are continuing with the Yerkes Future Foundation, a non-profit organization located in Williams Bay. About a year ago (March 2018), they announced an October 1st closure of Yerkes to the public and continued to look for a way to dispose of the property. Yerkes Future Foundation, education and historic preservation, Williams Bay. 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. “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. GLAS, Geneva Lake Astrophysics and STEAM (STEM + art), ensures that former Yerkes Observatory Education Outreach programs, activities, and research, continue. All tours and public events at the observatory have ceased. Under an agreement between a local foundation and the University of Chicago, the university will transfer ownership of Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay to the Yerkes Future Foundation on Friday. It helps that the organization can now be forthright about engaging in talks with UChicago. The university donated the observatory, several telescopes and 49 acres near Geneva Lake to the Yerkes Future Foundation – created in 2018 by a group of local residents. News release by UChicago and the Yerkes Future Foundation issued jointly at 12:00 noon CST on November 5, 2019: 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. WILLIAMS BAY — A private foundation dedicated to resurrecting Yerkes Observatory says the group could reopen Yerkes to the general public as soon as this summer. The Yerkes Future Foundation Steps In. The University also will make a significant monetary donation of seed funding for YFF at the time of transfer. A small group of Geneva Lake residents formed the Yerkes Future Foundation in 2018, shortly after the University’s announcement that it would seek a new long-term steward for the observatory. The new organization needs volunteers with time and expertise to move forward the group’s goal of sustaining Yerkes Observatory and turning it into a public museum and education center, said Dianna Colman, chairwoman of the foundation’s seven member core committee. For questions and comments, please contact yerkes@uchicago.edu. Under an agreement between a local foundation and the University of Chicago, the university will transfer ownership of Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay to the Yerkes Future Foundation on Friday. I've been in contact with the head of the local community's Yerkes Future Foundation. The University of Chicago and the Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF) are pleased to announce an agreement … "It's in great shape for being 123 years old," said Ed Struble, who has been the director of building and grounds at Yerkes for nearly 30 years and is continuing that role with the foundation. Dianna Colman, Yerkes Future Foundation. 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. Surprising Stuff The Yerkes Observatory is in trouble again. The Yerkes Future Foundation. 5640 S. Ellis Avenue In 2018 the Yerkes Future Foundation was formed by a group of concerned citizens to save this iconic structure from certain demise by developers. Yerkes Observatory new owners have restoration plan. 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. The foundation is working with the University of Chicago on … For questions or comments about our programming, contact WPR’s Audience Services at 1-800-747-7444, email to listener@wpr.org or use our Listener Feedback form. “We remain hopeful that a new long-term steward can continue to support the observatory and its legacy, in keeping with the community’s high regard for that history and the potential for education,” said Derek Douglas, Vice President for Civic Engagement and External Affairs at UChicago. Bruised by community rejection of a 2006 condo-and-hotel plan, the university is working with the Yerkes Future Foundation, a group of local residents seeking to preserve the building and picturesque grounds. The UChicago representatives were Derek Douglas, Vice President for Civic Engagement and External Affairs, and Edward W. Kolb, Dean of the Division of Physical Sciences. The university also donated an undisclosed amount of seed money to help the Yerkes Future Foundation begin the preservation and care duties of the property. Additional information will be made available as appropriate. The Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wis. is now closed to the public. Sign up now! The University of Chicago said Nov. 5 it had reached “an agreement in principle” with the Yerkes Future Foundation to take over ownership and maintenance of the observatory. 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. 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. 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. In addition to YFF’s global outreach, YFF will also welcome members of the UChicago community to continue their distinct connection with Yerkes. Ownership was transferred to the non-profit Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF) in May, 2020. 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. The university donated the observatory, several telescopes and 49 acres near Geneva Lake to the Yerkes Future Foundation – created in 2018 by a group of local residents. Two organizations have asked to remain anonymous at this time. The University welcomes your questions or comments regarding the Yerkes property. The University has been seeking proposals for the future of Yerkes since late April, according to the Division of the Physical Sciences website. Public meeting on May 18, 2018 Yerkes Observatory ( YUR-keez) is an astronomical observatory located in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, U.S.A. Educational Outreach Programs The University has been seeking proposals for the future of Yerkes since late April, according to the Division of the Physical Sciences website. The locally founded Yerkes Future Foundation received the observatory building and its grounds in early May as a gift from the University of Chicago. The University of Chicago has not announced its plans for the future of the 77-acre Yerkes campus in Williams Bay, although it has indicated that talks are underway with the Yerkes Future Foundation. The transfer to YFF will mark the conclusion of the University’s historic affiliation with Yerkes, allowing the University to make further investments in the future of the field, including projects such as the Giant Magellan Telescope. They are now in contact with each other. Dianna Colman of the Yerkes Future Foundation says the group is launching a big fundraising campaign to … Two organizations have asked to remain anonymous at this time. 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.”. Yerkes Future Foundation Inc. is currently unrated by Charity Navigator. The University of Chicago has not announced its plans for the future of the 77-acre Yerkes campus in Williams Bay, although it has indicated that talks are underway with the Yerkes Future Foundation. A small cloud may have drifted over the future of the historic Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay. Over the next several months, both organizations will be working closely on all aspects of the proposed transfer. A group of residents of the Lake Geneva area of Wisconsin, which is home to UChicago’s moribund Yerkes Observatory, has stepped forward with a proposal to save Yerkes that they say the University has expressed interest in.. When the Yerkes people came to town,... Read More. In line with community priorities, the University is not considering any high-density development. Frequently Asked Questions Leaders from the University and YFF discussed terms of the agreement in March at a meeting of the Village of Williams Bay Plan Commission. Over the next several months, both organizations will be working closely on all aspects … It was previously owned by the University of Chicago’s Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics. Yerkes Future Foundation Inc. is located in WILLIAMS BAY, WI and has an annual revenue of $0. Yerkes Future Foundation, education and historic preservation, Williams Bay. 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. For Dianna Colman, chairman of the Yerkes Future Foundation, the observatory has long been part of her life as a Williams Bay resident. 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. Students and faculty in the University of Chicago’s Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics have continued to do educational and research work at Yerkes Observatory in the past year. We recognize that Yerkes means a great deal for many people, and this meeting reflected that.” About a year ago (March 2018), they announced an October 1st closure of Yerkes to the public and continued to look for a way to dispose of the property. 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. Yerkes Future Foundation, education and historic preservation, Williams Bay. Not long after the closure decision was announced, a group of local residents called the Yerkes Future Foundation stepped up to the plate. Preparations for the transition have been underway since the announcement in March that the University was searching for a new long-term steward for the observatory. “The people who attended made important points for us to consider, and the tone of the discussion was extremely respectful and constructive. 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. 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. In order to save the observatory, a group of approximately 45 concerned individuals formed the Yerkes Future Foundation. University of Chicago Seeks Expressions of Interest in Yerkes Observatory  “It’s in great shape for being 123 years old,” said Ed Struble, who has been the director of building and grounds at Yerkes for nearly 30 years and is continuing that role with the foundation. We will continue to work with interested parties to facilitate the attainment of these goals. It was previously owned by the University of Chicago’s Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics. “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. 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. Yerkes Observatory (/ ˈ j ɜːr k iː z / YUR-keez) is an astronomical observatory located in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, U.S.A.It was operated by the University of Chicago Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics from its founding in 1897 to 2020. “Our hope is to maintain and develop this beautiful and important observatory as a jewel in the crown of this community for generations to come.”. John W Briggs 5 Nov at 16:42 Here (below) is the announcement relayed by Dianna Colman of Yerkes Future Foundation. The Yerkes Future Foundation is the new owner of the observatory, and it is made up of local people who take great pride in the observatory, spokesman Dianna Colman said. As part of the process to engage the community about the future of the Yerkes property, the University of Chicago will hold a public meeting at Williams Bay High School on Friday, May 18, 2018. Yerkes’s new owners have new plan July 4, 2020, 12:59 PM Dianna Colman of the Yerkes Future Foundation says the group is launching a big fundraising campaign to reopen the observatory, which closed to the public in 2018. 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. In late April the University posted a call for expressions of interest from those wishing to articulate a vision for the observatory’s future, including potential owners. 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. Yerkes Proposal Process - PDF. WILLIAMS BAY — Yerkes Future Foundation wants to grow its membership. The Yerkes Future Foundation Steps In. Nov 15 2020 12:22 PM by TimVerst Braved the first frosty forecast of the season Tuesday evening GMT for a couple of hours at the eyepiece under clear South London skies to have a go at sketching the Red Planet before the distance becomes too great. Yerkes Future Foundation Inc. is a Educational Institutions and Related Activities organization that provides assistance in the form of Charitable Organization. The Yerkes Future Foundation would like to thank everyone for their support and encouragement over the past two years. A small group of Geneva Lake residents formed the Yerkes Future Foundation in 2018, shortly after the University’s announcement that it would seek a new long-term steward for the observatory. Please check this site frequently for updates and information. The Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF)—a group formed by Williams Bay Village residents in May that responded to the University’s call for proposals—remains positive about the future of the observatory, as well as the University’s actions.