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. 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. The University’s call for Expressions of Interest requests that interested parties submit proposals before June 15. 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. It was a long busy afternoon but very productive. Please check this site frequently for updates and information. “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. It's one of the largest telescopes in the world open to the public. We will continue to work with interested parties to facilitate the attainment of these goals. NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, or SOFIA, will become a flying classroom for our Stars at Yerkes outreach educators Lynne Zielinski, Kathy Gustavson, and Marcella Linahan (pictured here L-R in the Yerkes Observatory Morgan Room). Additional information will be made available as appropriate. “We are a small, community-focused foundation,” said YFF Chairwoman Dianna Colman, “but our ambitions for Yerkes are not only local and regional, but national and international. Talks are continuing with the Yerkes Future Foundation, a non-profit organization located in Williams Bay. Plan for closing Yerkes Observatory to public nears completion, as UChicago continues to seek new long-term steward. “We are grateful to the people of Williams Bay for welcoming us to their community for this meeting,” Douglas said. 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. Chicago, IL 60637 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. YFF will receive a share from the proceeds of the sale of the rezoned lakefront lots per the Yerkes Observatory donation agreement. We are excited to begin the next phase of restoration, preservation, programming and research at this historic observatory. 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. The Observatory … Educational outreach programs previously offered through the University of Chicago’s Yerkes Observatory will move from the observatory after September 30, 2018 to a new location in Williams Bay, WI. Wisconsin forums . In addition to YFF’s global outreach, YFF will also welcome members of the UChicago community to continue their distinct connection with Yerkes. 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. Please check this site frequently for updates and information. According to RENEW Wisconsin’s grant announcement, the 75 panels awarded to Yerkes Observatory are expected to generate 60 kilowatts of electricity. Announcement: The Yerkes Future Foundation would like to thank everyone for their support and encouragement over the past two years. Comments, please contact Yerkes @ uchicago.edu or comments regarding the Yerkes Future Foundation ( YFF ) may... 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