Yerkes Survives Doubts About its Future

Mar. 19, 2023 1:10p

(WGTD)---Five years ago, the future of the Yerkes was in doubt. The famous observatory in Williams Bay was no longer aligned with the mission of its owner, the University of Chicago, which was finding it increasingly difficult to cover the cost of upkeep.

True to its promise, the university found a buyer to keep the Yerkes’ mission alive.

The Yerkes Future Foundation—a non-profit of concerned citizens—acquired the property three years ago, and has already raised over half of its $30 million goal. Some infrastructure improvements have already been made, and a small staff was hired.

While the focus of modern-day astrophysics has shifted to larger and different types of telescopes in newer facilities, the 125-year-old Yerkes still appears to have much to offer beyond its obvious historical significance. 

Speaking on a recent edition of WGTD’s Education Matters program, Amanda Bauer, Deputy Director for Yerkes, said she and the foundation have big plans for the place. "There are so many ways we can continue to contribute to astronomy and how astronomy is done," said Bauer, adding that her goal is to create a destination place. "A place where people can come and have an experience that combines science, the environment, culture, the arts and curiosity in a way that is unlike any other place that I've visited in the world," she said. 

Bauer expounds: "The uniqueness of the place is not just the telescope--not just that one observatory. It was the entire building which was extravagantly built from an architectural perspective on beautiful grounds. It had laboratories. It had classrooms. It had instrumentation. Astronomers came out here and lived and worked with engineers and students. So it really was able to contribute to world-leading astronomy and instrumentation development for almost 100 years." 

Yerkes recently announced plans to add more staff: Two full-time and three part-time positions have been posted.

Tours and other activities are being ramped up for the warm weather months.

 

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