Yerkes Observatory advances humankind’s understanding of the universe and our place within it, igniting curiosity, facilitating exploration, and nurturing a deep sense of connection with our planet and each other.

Our vision for Yerkes Observatory is to bring together science, the arts and landscape.

Thus we are concerned that the decades-long legacy of public support for American science, arts, culture and education—support which has, for generations, helped establish and sustain the United States as a global leader—is in peril.

Yerkes is a non-profit, non-partisan organization and does not currently receive any direct public funding. But our mission and future impact is directly tied to the willingness of our public officials to invest in these areas for the benefit all Americans, and to advance American ideals and leadership.

The responsibility to set the annual budget belongs to the U.S. Congress. If you believe that robust public support of science, arts, culture and education is critical to the future success and prosperity of all Americans, we suggest you share your views with your elected representatives—both now, and in the future.

You can find contact information for your elected leaders at: www.congressweb.com/aam/legislators/