The appointment is YFF's first significant step to advance a global campaign dedicated to re-envisioning, preserving, and expanding the Observatory. [67], The editorial offices for The Astrophysical Journal were located at Yerkes Observatory until the 1960s. 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. One of tens of thousands of glass photograph plates captured by the 40-inch refracting telescope at the Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay is held by Dianna Colman, chairwoman of the Yerkes Future Foundation. "I believe the dynamic YFF board and devoted community of supporters around Geneva Lake can secure Yerkes' position as a platform for ongoing scientific researcheven as we find new ways of growing public understanding of astronomy and build scientific literacy. [9] Later surpassed by the U.S. [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. He received his JD from Loyola University. 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. A graduate of Northern Michigan University, Jana has a degree in Secondary Education English. 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. [45], In 1906, a star catalog of over 13,600 stars was published. Peter received his BA from Harvard University. About Yerkes ObservatoryYerkes Observatory is known globally as the birthplace of modern astrophysics and remains the home to the world's largest refracting telescope. Mr. Kois and his fiance, Kelly Gauthier, a project management leader for the University of Wisconsin system, have five children between them ranging in age from 3 to 15 years. Please join Yerkes Observatory and the National Association for Olmsted Parks as we explore Olmsteds living legacy on site for the next hundred years. Kate is president and majority shareholder of BioLife4D, a biotechnology firm. My favorite astronomer ever to study at Yerkes is Edwin Hubble. About Yerkes ObservatoryYerkes Observatory is known globally as the birthplace of modern astrophysics and remains the home to the world's largest refracting telescope. This tour highlights the elaborate confection of ornament and order mixed with the ugly, dusty, and unchanged workspaces of 125 years of astronomers. It is so exciting to becreating something that doesnt yet exist anywhere in the world: a center for science and big ideas bringing researchers, artists, writers, poets, photographers, astronomers, and composers together to help us understand the universe and our own place init. [48], In March 2005, the University of Chicago announced plans to sell the observatory and its land on the shore of Geneva Lake. Follow in the footsteps of astronomical greats like George Ellery Hale, Edwin Hubble, Nancy Grace Roman, and Carl Sagan as you enter the Hagenah Rotunda. The importance of finely crafted mounts matched to a large aperture, harnessing the power of the basic equations of the telescopes design to bring the heavens into closer, brighter examination increased humankind's understanding of space and Earth's place in the Galaxy. The fact that Yerkes is also an epicenter of the worldwide astronomy community is an unexpected bonus.. Mr. Kois and his fiance, Kelly Gauthier, a project management leader for the University of Wisconsin system, have five children between them ranging in age from 3 to 15 years. We're looking for guests of all ages, backgrounds, and brains to be profoundly inspired by our tours. Bill received his MBA from DePaul University. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL, The largest of three domes at the Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wis. shades visitors to the grounds of the research facility Wednesday, June 10, 2020. Among the accomplishments, Kuiper discovered that Saturn's Moon Titan has an atmosphere.[83]. The Foundation successfully negotiated with the University of Chicago for the transfer of the Observatory. He previously led science museums, contemporary art centers, and sculpture parks around the United States. [42] This two-dimensional (temperature and luminosity) classification scheme is based on spectral lines sensitive to stellar temperature and surface gravity, which are related to luminosity (the Harvard classification is based on surface temperature). The Snow Solar Telescope was first established at Yerkes Observatory, and then later moved in 1904 out to California. Yerkes Future Foundation Executive Director Dennis Kois appeared before the Williams Bay Village Board Oct. 17 to provide an update on news at the reopened and refurbished Yerkes Observatory,373 W. Geneva St. After several years of laying the ambitious foundational groundwork for its revitalization, longtime Williams Bay anchor Yerkes Observatory reopened to an eager public earlier this year. in the entire cosmos. 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. He received his JD from Southern Methodist University. Romantics pledge their love underneath them. [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. 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. [15] The telescope was painted, the manual controls were removed, and electric operations were added at this time. [45] In 1898 and 1899, Neptune was at opposition. 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. A gift shop will be opened at Yerkes with the new year. The DPS is a Division of the American Astronomical Society. He started his career leading exhibit design at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian. 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. Built in the 1890s, the world's largest refracting telescope is maneuvered by hand by Ed Struble, who has served for nearly 30 years as director of building and grounds at the Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yerkes-observatory-appoints-new-executive-director-301222569.html, Plus500. Amanda aims to engage diverse communities with inclusive stories of technology and space plus inspire moments of discovery in our everyday lives. At Koya, we partner with clients to identify and recruit mission-driven senior leaders. [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. She got her own telescope as a child and has been fascinated by astronomy ever since. [32] A major difficulty of these telescopes was dealing with heat from the Sun, and it was built horizontally, but led to a vertical solar tower design afterwards. includes work on the interstellar medium, globular cluster formation, infrared astronomy, and near-Earth objects. 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. Marc and his family live in the Bay where he coaches high school football. In addition to his daily commitment to hands-on work, he oversees the work of several crews of contractors. Yerkes website (undergoing a redesign to launch 3/202) Application Deadline: Wednesday, December 15, 2021 Selection Deadline: Tuesday, February 1, 2022 Current Status of Position: Accepting Applicants Apply to Job Attention To: Dennis Kois Title: Executive Director Institution/Company: Yerkes Future Foundation Email: [email protected] Jobs Hold your rehearsal dinner in our historic library. Notable astronomers who conducted research at Yerkes include Albert Michelson,[47] Edwin Hubble (who did his graduate work at Yerkes and for whom the Hubble Space Telescope was named), Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar (for whom the Chandra Space Telescope was named), Ukrainian-American astronomer Otto Struve,[3] Dutch-American astronomer Gerard Kuiper (noted for theorizing the Kuiper belt, home to dwarf planet Pluto), [15] This was replaced with an IBM 1130 computer in the 1960s. He is on the boards of Lake Geneva Yacht Club and Supply Chain Equity Partners. (2021-02-04) Yerkes Observatory Appoints New Executive Director (2021-02-04) Yerkes Observatory Appoints New Executive Director. There are several smaller telescopes some permanently mounted that are primarily used for educational purposes. The beautiful acreage has always fascinated me. The observatory's main dome houses a 40in-diameter (102cm) doublet lens refracting telescope, the largest refractor ever successfully used for astronomy. Dennis is responsible for the leadership and fundraising for Yerkes Future Foundation and the restoration and relaunch of Yerkes Observatory. If we want new generations of diverse scientists ready to address the big challenges of the future, enchanting beacons like Yerkes must thrive to attract and inspire them.". Kois, who currently is executive. Yerkes is strongly tied to the quaint community in which it resides. The grinding of the lens was completed later. He is also responsible for the care of the fifty-acre arboretum. Executive Director Yerkes Observatory Mar 2021 - Present2 years 2 months Wisconsin, United States Executive Director Burchfield Penney Art Center Apr 2019 - Mar 20212 years Buffalo, New. [23] The glass blanks were cast in France by Saint Gobain Glass Works, and then were figured (polished into telescopic shape) at the Yerkes Observatory. Barnard is shown standing outside Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay in 1920, just a few years before his death. She and Max spend their time planning their Yerkes wedding and hanging out with their cats, Harvey and Otto. 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. from 8 AM - 9 PM ET. We work to create a setting where astronomers and artists examine then express the profundity of the miracle of existence. The observatory was operated by the University of Chicago Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics [2] [3] from its founding in 1897 to 2018. [64][61] There are also sculptures to represent various people that oversaw or supported construction of the telescope and the facility. Jeff is the CFO at Precision Plus. Want to discuss an estate or legacy gift? The observatory was a center for serious astronomical research for more than 100 years. [61] In addition, the landscaping is also famed for its design work by Olmstead. George Ellery Hale, a 14-year-old boy with an insatiable curiosity about science, installed his first telescope there. Kois noted Yerkes yerkesobservatory.org website was relaunched in the summer, with the website on track to host 120,000 unique visitors in its first year. It was the largest refracting telescope used for astronomical research. A typical observatory tour would involve mostly astronomy, but Yerkes tours aren't typical. [68] The tree plan design was developed in the 1910s under design from the Olmstead firm and with support of the observatory Director; the grounds included the following types of trees at that time: white fir, yellowwood tree, golden rain tree, European beech, fernleaf beech, Japanese pagoda tree, littleleaf linden, Kentucky coffeetree, ginkgo, cut-leaf beeches, and chestnut trees. In addition to the large refractor, Yerkes also conducted a great amount of Solar observations. In 2020, the Yerkes Future Foundation assumed long-term stewardship for preserving and expanding the Observatory. In the 1860s Chicago became home of the largest telescope in America, the Dearborn .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}18+12in (47cm) refractor. 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. [14] The peculiar corners and rooms in the attic and basement of the 65,000 sq. In her newly created role at Yerkes, Bauer serves as both the overall deputy director of the Yerkes Future Foundation and lead the science, research, telescope operations, and education programs of the observatory. "I believe the dynamic YFF board and devoted community of supporters around Geneva Lake can secure Yerkes' position as a platform for ongoing scientific researcheven as we find new ways of growing public understanding of astronomy and build scientific literacy. E.E. It stirs the imagination!. Amanda received her PhD in Astrophysics from the University of Texas at Austin studying variations in how galaxies form, how they live their lives, and how they evolve into the diverse array of galaxy species we see today. An unidentified woman feeds ducks and chickens with Yerkes Observatory looming large in the background. Size up the Great Refractor telescopeall 63 feet and 20 tons of itso delicately balanced that it can be moved by hand. Yerkes is such a magnet! Check out our Google reviews to read thousands of raves about our fresh approach to tours. Yerkes Observatory also seeks to establish itself as a year-round, world-renowned destination by offering unique ways to engage with the historically significant buildings and grounds, history and STEM learning. Ultimately, Williams Bay's refusal to change the zoning from education to residential caused Mirbeau to abandon its development plans. Yerkes Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sites were also relaunched recently. I get goosebumps every day at work. The asteroid was discovered on 2 December 1923 by BelgianAmerican astronomer George Van Biesbroeck at Yerkes Observatory, and it was named for astronomer George Ellery Hale of Yerkes Observatory fame. Coolest. Kate is also a community volunteer and serves on various boards. The Yerkes grounds have landscaping designed by Olmstead, for example. WILLIAMS BAY, Wis., Feb.4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Yerkes Observatory, the birthplace of modern astrophysics and home of the world's largest refracting telescope, today announced the appointment of its new executive director. Plan a visit and prepare to be amazed, just like the astronomers and visitors of the past 125 years. 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. [33] The images were taken on glass plates about a foot on each side. 30 April 2023 - 5:00 pm - 30 April 2023 - 10:00 pm. The observatory, often called "the birthplace of modern astrophysics," was founded in 1892 by astronomer George Ellery Hale and financed by businessman Charles T. Some research activities continued at the Observatory, including access and use of the extensive historical glass plate archives at the site. [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. [60], The Observatory grounds and buildings are renowned for more than the Great Refractor, but also sculptures and architecture. As a child going up on the shores of Geneva Lake, I have fond memories of visiting Yerkes Observatory every summer. Black Point to start 2023 season with cruises, mind games & more, Summer Movie Guide: What to watch from May through Labor Day, Does cracking your knuckles cause arthritis? International Jazz Day 2023, Palestine: Open Studio Jazz Jamming & Concert in Ramallah. Hamilton Telescopes: CrossleyTelescope", "New York Times "NEW HARVARD TELESCOPE. A decade later Hale and his father constructed a proper observatory with a 12-inch telescope next to their home. He previously led science museums, contemporary art centers, and sculpture parks around the United States. 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. Members of the Yerkes Future Foundation find shade under a large maple tree on a portion of the 48-acre John Olmsted-designed grounds of the Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay. From the tops of the three domes to the elevator floor to the subterranean dungeon, every detail tells a story. Family reunions, birthday parties, baby and wedding showers are also welcome in our stately spaces. [33] The telescope had two objective lens for photography, one doublet of 10 inches aperture and another of 6.5 inches; in addition there is a 5-inch guide scope for visual viewing. These grounds had been designed more than 100 years previously by John Charles Olmsted, the nephew and adopted son of famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. He is retired and serves on various community boards. Experience in facilities management will be helpful but is not required. This includes the hiring of staff, the development of ambitious research and educational programs, and fundraising to support these initiatives. [28] This telescope was installed in one of the smaller Yerkes domes, and it is known to have been used for visitor programs. Next summer, Kois said Yerkes will be adding landscape and ecology tours of the observatorys Frederick Law Olmsted-designed grounds, which are being restored. Located on Geneva Lake in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, the Observatory houses multiple telescopes still actively used for research in addition to the "Great Refractor," a glass-plate library, and several laboratories surrounded by 50 acres of grounds designed by the legendary firm Olmsted and Olmsted. Our behind-the-scenes Director's Hidden Spaces tour takes you where the public has never been allowed to visit. In May of 2020, YFF took ownership of the fifty acres and all buildings on site. This process (silver on glass) eventually lead to some bigger glass reflectors. I could sit all night long in the Yerkes dome with the 24-inch telescope and gaze at galaxies, nebulae, and clusters. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL. I really enjoy being on the Yerkes team and getting to usemy problem-solving abilities in this new way. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL. [30], A 7-inch (18cm) diameter aperture Schmidt camera was also at Yerkes Observatory.[31]. It contains the largest refracting telescope (40 inches [1 metre]) in the world. Our team at Koya Leadership Partners is leading the search for the first Executive Director of Yerkes Future Foundation. Although there were some very large reflectors, the speculum mirrors they relied on reflected about 2/3 of the light and had high upkeep. Research conducted at Yerkes in the last decade[when?] Earning her degree from Illinois State University, she has valuable experience in the medical and education fields. He also helps in the operations of the Observatorys interior. 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. With drone and handheld cameras, Will is enjoying documenting the restoration metamorphosis of the Yerkes campus. [59], In 2023, Dr. Amanda Bauer is interviewed and demonstrates use, in included video, of the telescope, partly restored. [62], Great advancements such as astrophotography and the discovery of nebulas and different types of stars provided a major advance in this period. Currently vice president of finance at Chubb Insurance, Bill previously held finance leadership positions with Allstate and Aviva Insurance. 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. Robin received a BA in Art from Carthage College. It is responsible for some incredible discoveries like the discovery of the. The Yerkes was perhaps the greatest of the great refractors, the largest astronomical instrument in the traditional style of the 19th century refractor-based observatories. The observatory also holds a collection of over 170,000 photographic plates.[7]. 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. Joe serves as a community volunteer. 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. Established in 1959, the Vetlesen Prize is one of the highest honors in the earth sciences. Yerkes can continue to impact the next generation of leaders in astronomy, science, and the arts inspiring all of us to Think Big.. For science and education inquiries, she can be reached at abauer@yerkesobservatory.org. I. It has certainly stayed with me.. Inspired by the Boards steadfastness and guidance, our staff members work every day to make Yerkes Observatory an epicenter of science, arts, and culture. Director of Programs & External Affairs Yerkes Observatory Nov 2021 - Present1 year 6 months Williams Bay, Wisconsin, United States The birthplace of modern astrophysics in the architectural. He was Principal with William Blair & Company and an Instructor of Practice at Marquette University. The mounting and tube for the 40-inch telescope was exhibited at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago before being installed in the observatory. Joe is partner at Barnes & Thornburg. [58], In 2022, the site was re-opened to visitors. They will be responsible for advancing science and research at Yerkes by taking creative. Stroll the lush grounds, originally designed by the Olmsted firm which created New Yorks Central Park. 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. Nancy Grace Roman, NASA's first Chief of Astronomy (who did her graduate work at Yerkes), and the twentieth-century popularizer of astronomy Carl Sagan. 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. 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. How will we know if the US economy is in a recession? He earned a master's degree in museum studies from New York University and attended the prestigious Getty Leadership Institute for non-profit leaders, as well as executive education programs in data analytics at Harvard University. 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. [21] The 41-inch helped pioneer the field of adaptive optics. 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. If we want new generations of diverse scientists ready to address the big challenges of the future, enchanting beacons like Yerkes must thrive to attract and inspire them.". Located on Geneva Lake in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, the Observatory houses multiple telescopes still actively used for research in addition to the "Great Refractor," a glass-plate library, and several laboratories surrounded by 50 acres of grounds designed by the legendary firm Olmsted and Olmsted. There was a problem saving your notification. The nonprofit operator of Yerkes Observatory has named Dennis Kois, the former leader of the Milwaukee Public Museum, as its next executive director. [15], In the late 1960s a 40-inch reflecting telescope was added. [11], However, this was not much of a success and was dismantled, and it did not become part of an active University observatory. Dana is a community volunteer and supporter, along with her family, of a variety of regional organizations. The Yerkes was not only the largest refractor, but was tied for being the largest telescope in the world with Paris Observatory reflector (48 inch, 122cm) when it became operational in 1896. Yerkes Observatory, astronomical observatory located at Williams Bay on Lake Geneva in southeastern Wisconsin, U.S. Will manages our fifty-acre arboretum and the implementation of modern ecological practices on the Olmsted Grounds. By continuing to use our service, you agree to our use of cookies. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL. Stockhouse.com uses cookies on this site. She coordinates fundraising, strategic planning, volunteers, and development operations. [71] The Yerkes, although just 4 inches in aperture larger, meant an increase of 23% in light-gathering ability. [40] Marc comes to Yerkes after working as a law enforcement officer in Williams Bay. Proven fundraising experience is highly desired. She is current or past trustee of the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation, Wilmette History Museum, and other organizations. [32] This was first operated at Yerkes and then moved to California.[32]. [32] Solar tower telescopes would be a popular style for solar observatories in the 20th century, and are still used in the 21st century to observe the Sun. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. For example, the Leviathan of Parsonstown was a 1.8 meter telescope with a speculum metal mirror, but getting good astronomical results from this technology could be difficult, and another large telescope of this period was the Great Melbourne Telescope in Australia, also a metal mirror telescope. The story of Yerkes Observatory began on a household rooftop in the Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago in 1882. Please note: If you are interested in connecting for a conversation, but now is not a good time, please feel free to respond with follow up later, and we will follow up in a few weeks. Now, Im honored to be on the Yerkes team bringing it back to life in a new way. Electrical components added in the 1960's are visible on the lower end of the 60-foot-long viewing tube. One of the most iconic places Ive experienced, Yerkes is undeniably rooted in discovery and its only going to get better. I enjoy watching others experience this setting for the first time. He was previously deputy chief for environmental enforcement for the Illinois Attorney Generals office and is a former criminal prosecutor. Additionally, the ED will be responsible for interpreting the 48 acres of Olmsted designed grounds for programming, events and public use. During this time, there were many questions about the merits of the various materials used to construct and design telescopes.
