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Yerkes Observatory

YERKES OBSERVATORY + THE YERKES FUTURE FOUNDATION

Williams Bay, WI 
Website | Phone: (262) 245-5555

 

               Mission

Yerkes Observatory seeks to create a world-class gathering place for experiences that connect science, the arts, and landscape. More than a century ago a determined founder, masterful architect, skilled trades workers, diligent engineers, and inventive entrepreneurs built Yerkes. Visionary scientists and astrophotographers put it on the galaxy’s map. The mission of The Yerkes Future Foundation is to preserve, restore, and enhance the architectural treasure known as Yerkes Observatory for future generations of explorers and thinkers. We seek to keep it open to the public, foster its reputation as a symbol of scientific excellence, and continue programs of outreach & education in the areas of science & astronomy with particular emphasis on the youth. 

               Community Resources

Last year, 800 students visited Yerkes Observatory on school trips. These visits included a tour and hands-on educational activities, from an activity that explores the cause of solar eclipses to one that explores how the universe is expanding. Additionally, the observatory offered educator professional development for the first time in 2024. These workshops were designed for K-12 teachers and included a Wisconsin science standards learning session and a review of an off-the-shelf classroom activity that can be added to curriculums. 50 local educators participated in this program. Inspiring scientific curiosity in young people, whether through school visits or by providing additional teacher resources, benefits the Lake Geneva area and our entire community.

              Most Urgent Need

There are countless ongoing projects at Yerkes Observatory, from building and telescope restoration to the development of new visitor experiences. However, expanding access to our education program remains a top priority. This donation would enable us to provide an additional ten free school visits as part of our fee waiver program, eliminating a financial barrier to science education.

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