yerkes observatory executive directoryerkes observatory executive director

Yerkes Observatory was founded by American astronomer George Ellery Hale in 1897 and represents his revolutionary concept for an observatory that would also be a physical laboratory. [15], The launch instruments for the 41 inch reflector included:[20], The 40-inch reflector is of the Ritchey-Chretien optical design. The beautiful acreage has always fascinated me. Mr. Kois, a Wisconsin native, is an honors graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) with a bachelor's degree in museum design. [5] It represented a shift in the thinking about observatories, from their being mere housing for telescopes and observers, to the early-20th-century concept of observation equipment integrated with laboratory space for physics and chemistry analysis. In 2020, the University of Chicago transferred idled Yerkes Observatory to the nonprofit Yerkes Future Foundation, which reopened the storied landmark research facility to the public this summer. Family reunions, birthday parties, baby and wedding showers are also welcome in our stately spaces. [58], In 2022, the site was re-opened to visitors. An unidentified woman feeds ducks and chickens with Yerkes Observatory looming large in the background. We welcome recommendations of potential candidates via this email oryerkesfuturefoundation@koyapartners.com. Yerkes Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sites were also relaunched recently. [14], A two-foot aperture reflecting telescope was manufactured at the observatory itself. All of the light in Chicago interfered with a clear view of the sky while darkness prevailed at night in Williams Bay. Dennis' years of success in elevating cultural and scientific institutions onto the national stage, along with his local roots and profound respect for the history of the Observatory will benefit our community and build support statewide, nationally and internationally for Yerkes' future.". He has been in radio, television, tourism, and events for over twenty-five years and comes to Yerkes after sixteen years at Chicago Trolley & Double Decker where he began as a tour guide and became executive director. 2022 marked the 200th anniversary of Frederick Law Olmsted's birth. Researchers also use the Yerkes collection of over 170,000 archival photographic plates that date back to the 1890s. [38] Also, astronomical observations had started in the summer of 1897 before the dedication.[39]. His time as a graduate student here meaningfully contributed to his underlying motivation and determination to explore and believe leading to his remarkable footprint of accomplishments. Our ever-growing leadership staff is dedicated to the mission of reawakening, restoring, and reimagining our beloved observatory. [23] The 'Two foot telescope' used a roughly seven foot long skeleton truss made of aluminum. For 125 years and counting, Yerkes Observatory has helped shape our understanding of the universe. Later, in 1953, after some revisions of lists of standard stars and classification criteria, the scheme was named the MorganKeenan classification, or MK. The Yerkes Observatory of the University of Chicago was named for its benefactor, transportation magnate Charles T. Yerkes, and was opened in 1897. Carl Sagan wrote, Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known. Albert Einstein wrote, Intellectual growth should commence at birth and ease only at death.These thoughts speak to the inspiration I feel in helping to perpetuate Yerkes Observatorysscientific, architectural, horticultural, and artistic missions for future generations of curious minds.. Two other telescopes planned for the observatory in the 1890s were a 12-inch aperture refractor and a 24-inch reflecting telescope. There was a problem saving your notification. [46] Also, there was some important work on Solar research in the early years, which was of interest to Hale. [36], The landscape was designed by the same firm that did New York Central park, the firm of Frederick Law Olmsted, and the grounds were noted at one point for having multiple state record trees. International Jazz Day 2023, Palestine: Open Studio Jazz Jamming The refractor has been used for solar and stellar . Walt Chadick - Director of Programs & External Affairs - Yerkes Currently vice president of finance at Chubb Insurance, Bill previously held finance leadership positions with Allstate and Aviva Insurance. Out of this world; Wisconsin Tourism Secretary-designee Anne Sayers Job Posting - Yerkes Observatory Unlike anywhere else Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning), Machine Tools, Metalworking and Metallurgy, Aboriginal, First Nations & Native American, design and digital media leadership positions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in. She is retired and serves on various community boards. [18][19] While the telescope has a clear aperture of 40-inches, the mirror's physical diameter measures 41-inches leading to the telescope usually being called the "41 inch" to avoid confusion with the 40 inch refractor. [59], In 2023, Dr. Amanda Bauer is interviewed and demonstrates use, in included video, of the telescope, partly restored. It contains the largest refracting telescope (40 inches [1 metre]) in the world. Designed by architect Henry Ives Cobb and built on the shores of Lake Geneva in the 1890's, the research facility has been referred to as the birthplace of modern astrophysics. Check out our Google reviews to read thousands of raves about our fresh approach to tours. [71] The Yerkes, although just 4 inches in aperture larger, meant an increase of 23% in light-gathering ability. [41] The past few years have seen astronomical research largely replaced by educational outreach and astronomical tourism activities. Our team at Koya Leadership Partners is leading the search for the first Executive Director of Yerkes Future Foundation. 373 W. Geneva Street Their goal was for Yerkes to become a civic asset in perpetuity. I love our community, so getting to work at the centerpiece of it is really cool. Silvering has its own issues, in that coating must be reapplied usually every 2 years or so depending on conditions, and also it must be done very thinly so as to not affect the optical properties of the mirror. Yerkes. [51] The university's department of astronomy and astrophysics then formed a study group, including representatives from the faculty and observatory and a wide range of other involved parties, to plan for the operation of a regional center for science education at the observatory. [63] The building is noted for its blend of styles and rich ornamentation featuring a variety of animal and mythological designs. Whether inside, on the grounds, or on the decorative exterior of the observatory, its impossible not to find something new and unique every time I visit Yerkes. How will we know if the US economy is in a recession? includes work on the interstellar medium, globular cluster formation, infrared astronomy, and near-Earth objects. Report 1967-1968", "An Alignment Technique for Ritchey-Chrtien Telescopes", "Field tests of the Wavefront Control Experiment", "The Two-Foot Reflecting Telescope of the Yerkes Observatory", "24 Inch (.61 Meters) Telescope for University of Chicago, Yerkes Observatory - Boller and Chivens: A History "Where Precision is a Way of Life" - Boller and Chivens were makers of Telescopes and Precision Instruments", "24-Inch (.61 meter) Telescope Specifications - Boller and Chivens: A History "Where Precision is a Way of Life" - Boller and Chivens were makers of Telescopes and Precision Instruments", "Yerkes Observatory: Photographic Archive: The University of Chicago", "The Bruce photographic telescope of the Yerkes Observatory", "Yerkes Observatory: A century of stellar science", "Meetings of the AAS: 1897-1906 | Historical Astronomy Division", "The Yerkes Observatory Photographic Plates", "Agreement provides for preservation of historic Yerkes Observatory", "Yerkes Study Group formed to consider observatory's future", "Final Report of the Yerkes Study Group, November 30, 2007, Yerkes Science Center: Options for Management and Funding", Yerkes Observatory closing after 100 years on lakefront, "New Group Submits Proposal to Keep Yerkes Open", "Original bequest letter for Yerkes Observatory holds up its future", "Yerkes like a 'cemetery' one year after shutdown", "Yerkes Observatory: Restoring the World's Largest Refracting Telescope", "The Not-Quite Closing of Yerkes Observatory", "The scientific legacy of Yerkes Observatory", "Williams Bay Centennial: A century in story and pictures", "Yerkes Observatory Photographs Now Online - The University of Chicago Library News - The University of Chicago Library", "National Park Service: Astronomy and Astrophysics (Yerkes Observatory)", "Largest optical telescopes of the world", "Le tlescope de 1 mtre - Observatoire de Paris - PSL Centre de recherche en astronomie et astrophysique", "Mt. Hold your rehearsal dinner in our historic library. [45], In 1906, a star catalog of over 13,600 stars was published. During this time, there were many questions about the merits of the various materials used to construct and design telescopes. [14] There was a heliostat mirror and a meridian room for a transit instrument. It is responsible for some incredible discoveries like the discovery of the. In 2020, a dedicated group of locals saved Yerkes from almost certain demise. Ownership was transferred to the non-profit Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF) in May 2020, which began restoration and renovation of the historic building and grounds. In May of 2020, YFF took ownership of the fifty acres and all buildings on site. The story of Yerkes Observatory began on a household rooftop in the Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago in 1882. Experience in facilities management will be helpful but is not required. The lens, an achromatic doublet which has two sections to reduce chromatic aberration, weighed 225 kilograms, and was the last big lens made by Clark before he died in 1897. I could spend an entire day sitting under the oaks by the pollinator meadow: Yerkes in the background, bluebirds visiting their houses, and the meadow humming with butterflies and bees.. I am excited that the public (those who have been here and newcomers) will be able to see the Great Refractor at Yerkes in person. Our upbeat and engaging guides discuss astrophysics, Romanesque architecture, Geneva Lake District history, restoration, preservation, electricity, landscape design, photography, engineering, art, and the stories of the humans from around the world who made their mark on science in Yerkes' spaces. Barnard is shown standing outside Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay in 1920, just a few years before his death. In 2012 the engineers completed work on the High-resolution Airborne Wideband Camera (HAWC), part of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). Before joining the Yerkes staff, he had a 24-year career in law enforcement serving the Town of Linn. Thank you for allowing me the chance to provide you with an annual update on whats been going on, whats coming down the pike, Kois said, noting the Yerkes Future Foundation has raised $17 million to date toward its initial fundraising goals to fund the ongoing, multi-year restoration and renovation of the landmark observatory. Yerkes Future Foundation committee members Chuck Ebeling, left, Dianna Colman, center, and Frank Bonifacic gather in the ornate lobby of the 1890s-era Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wis. Wednesday, June 10, 2020. Kois, who currently is executive. Yerkes Observatory | observatory, Williams Bay, Wisconsin, United Yerkes Observatory, astronomical observatory located at Williams Bay on Lake Geneva in southeastern Wisconsin, U.S. Some of the instruments for the 40-inch refractor (circa 1890s):[14], The 40-inch refractor was modernized in the late 1960s with electronics of the period. [33] The telescope was mounted on custom designed equatorial, the result of collaboration between Yerkes and Warner & Swasey, especially designed to offer an uninterrupted tracking for long image exposures. A variety of enhancements to the grounds at Yerkes have been completed this year, including the installation of a beekeeping apiary and the planting of a new oak savanna. Kois said a full-gut renovation of the historic 3-bedroom 1895 Morgan House on the Yerkes campus is slated for a spring 2023 completion. Yerkes Future Foundation committee members Chuck Ebeling and Dianna Colman look over the library of the Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay. With drone and handheld cameras, Will is enjoying documenting the restoration metamorphosis of the Yerkes campus. The Executive Director provides full oversight of all aspects of the organization, including strategy, fundraising, finance, administration, marketing, community engagement, operations and property management, education programs, tours, rental activities, as well as the organizational structure and personnel to maintain the facility. Email Erin! One of the most iconic places Ive experienced, Yerkes is undeniably rooted in discovery and its only going to get better. Yerkes Future Foundation executive director Dennis Kois appeared before the Williams Bay Village Board on Oct. 17 to provide his annual update on news at the reopened and refurbished Yerkes, 373 W. Geneva St. Yerkes Observatory was operated by the University of Chicago Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics from 1897-2018. The Yerkes Observatory, dedicated in 1897, is home to the largest refracting telescope in the world, along with several other working telescopes. On June 7, 2006, the university announced it would sell the facility to Mirbeau for US$8 million with stipulations to preserve the observatory, the surrounding 30 acres (12ha), and the entire shoreline of the site.[50]. She is current or past trustee of the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation, Wilmette History Museum, and other organizations. Two purchasers had expressed an interest: Mirbeau, an East Coast developer that wanted to build luxury homes, and Aurora University, which has a campus straddling the Williams Bay property. Next summer, Kois said Yerkes will be adding landscape and ecology tours of the observatorys Frederick Law Olmsted-designed grounds, which are being restored. [46] He went on to the Snow Solar Telescope at Mount Wilson in California. Support local journalism with our BEST DEAL EVER! Event. Looking ahead, Kois reported to Williams Bay village trustees research is underway for the planned restoration of Yerkes historic Great Refractor, work slated for 2023 or 2024. Whether you are planning a corporate retreat or organizing a private party, Yerkes Observatory's botanical splendor, historic architectural spaces, and thoughtful staff provide a special atmosphere for any occasion. Take a tour through the Beaux Arts and Romanesque building, itself a treasure. Erin runs many of the behind-the-scenes systems of Yerkes. president and CEO of the Milwaukee Public Museum, executive director of the prestigious deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in, and most recently, executive director of the renowned Burchfield Penney Art Center in. Multiple train cars from aBNSF Railway train spilled into the Mississippi River when a train derailed Thursday south of De Soto, Wisconsin. She got her own telescope as a child and has been fascinated by astronomy ever since. Potential candidates are encouraged to express interest here. Mr. Kois' appointment marks a milestone in realizing the Observatory's ambitious expansion plan, which began when the Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF) secured ownership of the Observatory from the University of Chicago in 2020. Walking up the front steps to enter the massive structure always made me think of all who traveled over those steps and their accomplishments in exploring our universe. He also helps in the operations of the Observatorys interior. Size up the Great Refractor telescopeall 63 feet and 20 tons of itso delicately balanced that it can be moved by hand. Want to discuss an estate or legacy gift? Among the accomplishments, Kuiper discovered that Saturn's Moon Titan has an atmosphere.[83]. By continuing to use our service, you agree to our use of cookies. To the majority of astronomers at the time, an observatory was simply a place for a telescope and observer. [29] This was a design by Boller & Chivens with Cassegrain optical setup, with a 24-inch (61cm) clear aperture and is on an off-axis equatorial mount. In view of the public controversy surrounding the development proposals, the university suspended these plans in January 2007. A trial attorney, Frank serves on various community and educational institution boards in Illinois and Wisconsin. In June 1967, Yerkes Observatory hosted the to-date largest meeting of the American Astronomical Society, with talks on over 200 papers. She and Max spend their time planning their Yerkes wedding and hanging out with their cats, Harvey and Otto. The Snow Solar Telescope was first established at Yerkes Observatory, and then later moved in 1904 out to California. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL. ft. facility are just waiting to be explored! This process (silver on glass) eventually lead to some bigger glass reflectors. Prior to its installation, the telescope on its enormous German equatorial mount was shown at the World's Columbian Exhibition in Chicago during the time the observatory was under construction. I could sit all night long in the Yerkes dome with the 24-inch telescope and gaze at galaxies, nebulae, and clusters. It is important to note that first and foremost, YFF seeks to be a place of scientific research that re-captures the underlying academic foundations upon which the Observatory was originally conceived. My wife and I got married at Yerkes, had a son, and now I work here. [44], In 1899, observations of Neptune's moon Triton were published, with data recorded using the Warner & Swasey micrometer. [78] (this won an astrophotography award), The Warner and Swasey equatorial mount was shown in Chicago at the 1893 Colombia Exhibition, before it was moved to the Observatory. He is on the boards of Lake Geneva Yacht Club and Supply Chain Equity Partners. Yerkes Observatory in Walworth County opens again for tours - TMJ4 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. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). That is going to be used for residencies for scientists, science writers, composers, artists, he noted. Re-opening for public tours and programming began May 27, 2022.[4]. Pictures do not do justice to this magnificent piece of equipment. Yerkes Future Foundation announces new director Connor Carynski Feb 6, 2021 1 of 2 Yerkes Future Foundation committee members Chuck Ebeling, left, Dianna Colman, center, and Frank Bonifacic gather in the ornate lobby of the 1890's-era Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wis. Wednesday, June 10, 2020. About Yerkes Future Foundation & Yerkes Observatory. Dianna Colman, board president of YFF, said, "We are deeply committed to preserving the rich scientific history of Yerkes Observatory and unlocking its potential to contribute to research and education on a global scale. Scientists unravel new secrets about them. Before moving to Wisconsin, he held management positions at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources working on historic buildings and recreation areas on thousands of acres at Illini State Park. [12], The glass blanks for what would become Yerkes Great Refractor were made in Paris, France by Mantois and delivered to Alvan Clark & Sons in Massachusetts where they were completed. Vetlesen Prize Ceremony Honors Two Distinguished Researchers in Earth Were keeping our historic property running so visitors from around the world can have great experiences for years to come.. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. In a unanimous vote, the Yerkes Future Foundation Board of Directors appointed Mr. Kois to serve as the Observatory's new executive director following an extensive national search led by Koya Leadership Partners, a national leader in executive placement for non-profit institutions. Yerkes is again becoming a place of learning where those curious about the universe can share their aspirations and develop their contributions to science.. A decade later Hale and his father constructed a proper observatory with a 12-inch telescope next to their home. (Isaac Newton had solved this with the reflecting design, although the refractors are not without their merits. [45] In 1898 and 1899, Neptune was at opposition. Mr. Kois' appointment marks a milestone in realizing the Observatory's ambitious expansion plan, which began when the Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF) secured ownership of the Observatory from the University of Chicago in 2020. He started his career leading exhibit design at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian. Dennis Kois, an arts and sciences executive with more than two decades of experience transforming cultural organizations, will assume the position effective March 8, 2021. New stewards for Yerkes Observatory offer expanded vision Will manages our fifty-acre arboretum and the implementation of modern ecological practices on the Olmsted Grounds. Restorations, renovations and enhancements of Yerkes historic facility this year include new bathrooms, floor and marble wall restorations, new roofing, and the installation of 80 rooftop solar panels, as well as two parking lot electric vehicle charging stations. Every time I head down the driveway into the ellipse and enter the building, I always get a shiver. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL, Members of the Yerkes Future Foundation explore the John Olmsted-designed grounds of the Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wis. Wednesday, June 10, 2020. He is currently on the board of the Williams Bay Business Association, the Ernest Hemingway Foundation, and the advisory board for the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival where he is the former chairman. We are seeking a Director of Astronomy and Research (DAR) to join the team at Yerkes Observatory. In 2020, the Yerkes Future Foundation assumed long-term stewardship for preserving and expanding the Observatory. At this time we have six full-time and four part-time staff, Kois noted. Visitation, he said, continues to be robust into the fall, averaging around 200 paid tours a week. International Jazz Day 2023, Palestine: Open Studio Jazz Jamming & Concert in Ramallah. [67], The editorial offices for The Astrophysical Journal were located at Yerkes Observatory until the 1960s. [15], A Microphotometer was built by Gaertner Scientific Corporation, which was delivered in February 1968 to the observatory. He received his JD from Loyola University. Yerkes Observatory Appoints Deputy Director + Head of Science - Yahoo Having spent my career focused on so many different aspects of how astronomical discovery is generated and communicated, working with the talented team at Yerkes feels like the perfect culmination for inspiring creativity and scientific curiosity while engaging in modern exploration of the cosmos.. The Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay was home to the largest telescope in the world when it was finished in 1897. Yerkes Future Foundation Recruits Innovative Leader to Create New Research, Science, and Public Education ProgramsWILLIAMS BAY, Wis., May 17, 2022. Yerkes Observatory, 323 W. Geneva St. in Williams Bay, was operated by the University of Chicago Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics until 2018, when the observatory, feted as "the birthplace of modern astrophysics," went dark. Our team at Koya Leadership Partners is leading the search for the first Executive Director of Yerkes Future Foundation. [16][27] This was contracted in the early 1960s under direction of observatory director W. Albert Hiltner. [43], Research work of the Yerkes Observatory has been cited over 10,000 times. I enjoy watching others experience this setting for the first time. Send websitequestions, comments, updates toDPS.Webmaster@aas.org, Send graduate school and REU program updates to DPS.EdUpdate@aas.org, Professional Culture & Climate Subcommitee, Actionable Steps to Make our Community More Equitable, Fund to Support Underrepresented Minority Communities in Planetary Science, Statement of Support for the Black Community, Partnership Between the DPS and the National Society of Black Physicists, https://koyapartners.com/search/yff-executive-director/. Yerkes Observatory director outlines "soft opening" year, looks ahead Former Milwaukee Public Museum CEO named Yerkes Observatory executive We're looking for guests of all ages, backgrounds, and brains to be profoundly inspired by our tours. The 60,000-square-foot facility, home to three domes each with its own telescope, was constructed between 1894 and 1897. Thanks to those staff, the board and our donors we are well on our way to creating one of the premier scientific and tourism institutions in the region., Kois noted Beaux Arts-styled Yerkes Observatory opened to ticket tours in June for a soft launch, with some 5,000 people having toured the facility to date, the vast majority drawn from outside Walworth County, numbers he called remarkable..