In “Chasing the Stars: How the Astronomers of Observatory Hill Transformed Our Understanding of the Universe” (published May 7 by Wisconsin Historical Society Press), authors James Lattis and Kelly Tyrrell recount the history of Washburn Observatory and the Wisconsin astronomers who put it on the map. The 256-page illustrated paperback includes more than 100 photographs alongside stories of brilliant women scientists, early Indigenous stargazers and inventions like the world’s first robotic telescope, which was built as a prototype for NASA in 1965. shop.wisconsinhistory.org/chasing-the-stars
Hear Ye, Hear Ye
The 45th anniversary season of American Players Theatre is in full swing, with some notable updates: Pleasant’s Place is a new resting spot and art installation along the path up the hill named in honor of philanthropist and American Girl founder Pleasant Rowland. You’ll also spot four new core actors, new maps in the picnic area and new merch in the refreshed Gateway Shop. One of the nine plays this season, “The Virgin Queen Entertains Her Fool” by Michael Hollinger, is actually — in what came as a surprise to the company — the world premiere. americanplayers.org
Shop For a Cause
The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness is hosting its third annual Well Black Woman Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 27 at the Black Women’s Health and Wellness Center at 6601 Grand Teton Plaza. If you miss it, you can also access participating entrepreneurs’ online shops year-round at this link: ffbww.org/wbwmarket.
Bookish Podcast
Book Pop! is a new weekly podcast brought to you by Molly Fish and Jamie Anderson of Lake City Books. With a focus on all books but an insider lens on Midwest trends, the duo dishes on the literary landscape and interviews authors. If you’ve been wondering what to read and why, tune in to a new episode every Friday. IG: bookpop.podcast
What Floats Your Boat?
If it’s ice cream, you’re in luck. From 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 7 (and Sunday, Aug. 11 if you miss it or want more), you can head to Lake Wingra and paddle out to the ice cream barge for a scoop as part of this year’s Wingra Boats Ice Cream Boat Float. bit.ly/3yHnDHJ
Maggie Ginsberg is senior editor at Madison Magazine.
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Maggie Ginsberg is a senior editor at Madison Magazine and author of the novel "Still True," winner of the WLA Literary Award for Fiction.
