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Grow Beyond Our Galaxy

What began as a historic site is now an active destination for learning, creativity, and connection. The Grow Beyond Our Galaxy campaign builds on this momentum, expanding what happens here in the years ahead.
Photo illustrating the Grow Beyond Campaign at Yerkes Observatory

Looking Forward

A New Chapter

More than a century ago, Yerkes was built through vision and belief in what science could become. It went on to shape the course of astronomy and expand our understanding of the universe.
In 2020, local supporters stepped in to protect it and begin restoration. Since reopening, more than 125,000 people have taken part in tours, programs, and events. Now, the focus turns to what comes next

What's Ahead

Expanding Possibility

Through new spaces, programs, and preservation efforts, Yerkes is expanding opportunities for discovery, creativity, and connection.
Questions? Contact Us
Volunteers at Yerkes Observatory

Science & Research

Support ongoing discovery and deepen how people engage with the night sky.
Upgrades to modern reflecting telescopes
Restoration and refurbishment of the Great Refractor
Expanded public stargazing spaces, including a dedicated viewing deck
Activation of the glass plate collection for research and outreach
Volunteers at Yerkes Observatory

Nature & Grounds

Continue shaping the landscape as a place for exploration, ecology, and connection to the environment.
Maintain an accessible, world-class outdoor experience
Model practices that preserve access to Dark Skies
Steward ecological conservation and sympathetic restoration
Volunteers at Yerkes Observatory

History & Heritage

Preserve and restore the observatory while preparing it for future use.
Continued building restoration and refurbishment
Preservation of historic materials, including the glass plate collection
Completion of the long-term facility and landscape comprehensive plan
Volunteers at Yerkes Observatory

Arts & Performance

Create space for artistic work that brings new energy into the setting.
Artist in Residence program and inaugural showcase
Performances, installations, and interdisciplinary programming
Spaces designed to support creative work and public engagement

From Vision to Reality

A phased plan guiding restoration, expansion, and new experiences from now through 2033. Each milestone builds on the last, shaping how Yerkes continues to grow.
Dianna Colman receiving the keys to Yerkes Observatory on May 1, 2020, with Ed Strube also pictured

2020-2022

Yerkes transfers to Yerkes Future Foundation
Restoration begins
Yerkes reopens for public tours and programs
$30 million raised to date
Event tent set up on the Yerkes Observatory grounds

2025

Grow Beyond Our Galaxy campaign launches
Programs tent expands visitor capacity
Restoration of the north parapet
Fundraising goal: $4.5 million
Dark evening scene at Yerkes Observatory

2026

Play/Space breaks ground
24″ and 41″ reflecting telescopes upgraded
Fundraising goal: $8 million
Interior of the Yerkes Great Refractor telescope dome

2027

Play/Space opens
Glass plate collection moved to new archival storage location
Fundraising goal: $9 million
'Time Will Tell' sculpture by Ashley Zelinskie at Yerkes Observatory

2028

Public stargazing deck opens in the park
Sculpture installations added across the grounds
Fundraising goal: $10 million
Interior of the Yerkes telescope dome

2029

Education and Visitor Center breaks ground
Artist in Residence program launches
Fundraising goal: $11 million
Yerkes telescope at night

2030

New exhibit galleries open in the main building
Great Refractor restored and refurbished
Fundraising goal: $9 million
Large tree on the Yerkes Observatory grounds

2031

First Artist in Residence showcase
Arboretum and botanic gardens completed
Fundraising goal: $8.5 million
Exterior view of the Yerkes Observatory building

2032

Building restoration completed
$10 million endowment goal achieved
Fundraising goal: $8 million
Yerkes telescope dome illuminated at night

2033

Master plan for landscape and facilities completed
Grow Beyond Our Galaxy campaign reaches $76 million
Fundraising goal: $8 million

Make a Gift Today

Your donation helps fund restoration efforts, expand programs, and create the experiences people come here to be part of. Thank you for being part of what makes it all possible.

Prefer to donate by mail? Please make your check payable to Yerkes Future Foundation and send it to 373 W. Geneva St, Williams Bay, WI 53191.

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