OCONOMOWOC HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Board Minutes December 10, 2007

Wilkinson Sports Center

 

Board Members Present: Sue Bickler, Mac Dorn, Fran Durkin, Barbara Elwood-Goetsch, Betty Hancock, Chuck Herro, Barb Hirsch, Duane Hoffmann, Melissa Krahn, Margie Krauski, Terry Ladwig, Nancy Lins, Hilton Neal, Don Wiemer, Ann Zimmerman

Absent Excused: Ed Johnson, Bill Marris

Absent: Donald Christiansen, Shirley Hinds, Diane Johnson, Bob Ludwig, Ray Mauer, Kevin Passon, Craig Pruscha, Duane Thorsen

Other Attendees: Ruth Behling, Marjorie Day

 

President Don Wiemer called the meeting to order at 4:03 pm.

 

Secretary’s Report:

Chuck Herro moved and Terry Largent seconded to accept the minutes of the November 12, 2007 board meeting. Hilton Neal noted the incorrect dates for the donated Pine Lake Centennial Book (since dates are uncertain, they should be deleted in the minutes).  Motion carried with correction noted.

 

Treasurer’s Report:

Hilton Neal reported that he and co-treasurer Ed Johnson are trying to improve the function and readability of all financial documents but that new software has caused problems in generating accurate November 2007 reports. Newly formatted reports will identify income and expenses by categories/committees rather than being listed strictly alphabetically. Restricted funds will be segregated differently than in the past; CD accrued interest will be included with checking and savings account interest. Fran Durkin moved and Sue Bickler seconded to approve the payment of $4,343.98 for November expenses. Motion carried. Discussion ensued whether motions are necessary to approve expenditures that have already been paid. It was advised that bills should be paid upon receipt that have been budgeted for or otherwise pre-approved by the board.  All others will need board approval prior to payment. Wiemer assured the board that the monthly financial statements will be in better form starting next month.

 

Administrator’s Report/Museum Operations:

  • Visitors: 45 people visited the museum in November.  Others reached through off-site visits were: AngelsGrace Hospice (27), Meadowview fourth graders (75), and the Impact School (13).
  • Docents were available for the first two weeks of December with none scheduled for the rest of the month. The museum is now closed for the winter but will open for specific requests.
  • Don Wiemer was the speaker for the AngelsGrace program noted above.
  • The Education committee presented a program at the Senior Center on Nov. 28 and used the newly purchased laptop/projector.
  • The museum is becoming known as a source for educational programs.
  • The museum has been decorated for Christmas.
  • A timer was installed for lights in the front of the building (operating from 4-10pm).  Also, a lamp with timer has been placed in the front foyer (also from 4-10pm).
  • More than 670 additions have been made to the archival data base for 2007.  In the year ahead a concerted effort will be made to add museum items to the data base.  A master list of artifacts will be posted on the website in the future for reference by researchers and interested parties.
  • Marci and Pat have been working on identifying photos and categorizing newspaper articles.
  • The Christmas parade event was cancelled due to lack of participants.

 

Membership:

Barbara Elwood-Goetsch reported 144 single memberships, 113/226 couples and one student membership for total individual memberships of 371. Organizations number 14 and free memberships are at 39. There were no new members in November.

 

Artifacts:

Marjorie Day reported that so far in 2007 there were donations to 74 groups (the total number of items being much greater).  Some particularly unique items included an antique doll from 1888, a cast iron four slice toaster, and a Carnation Milk can and shaker.

 

Local History Committee: No report

 

Education Committee:

Barb Hirsch reported that two off-site presentations were made using the newly purchased computer and projector. They were to Meadowview School Girl Scouts and to Waukesha County Seniors.  Both were informed about Pine Terrace and Danforth Lodge. Those presentations will be tweaked as will another presentation that has been developed on the Elk. A January 23 presentation at Martin Luther Church is scheduled. A trunk show is being developed for fourth grade school groups.  A history of the museum is being worked on that will include armory information. Signage near museum displays will be completed in the months ahead. An audio walking tour for museum displays is also in the works.

 

Exhibit Committee:

Nancy Lins reported that the committee is continuing to meet and is working on wartime memorabilia and the Victorian era display.

 

Property Committee:

Neal reported that the committee needs additional volunteers. 

 

Executive Committee:

  • Don Wiemer reported that a new sign will be installed by the time the museum reopens. 
  • All board members should let Terry Ladwig know if there are any corrections needed to their personal data on the current “Board Members Fact Sheet” that was distributed.
  • The branding process is continuing and a committee will finalize its recommendation in first quarter 2008.  Members of the committee are: Terry Ladwig (Chair), Margie Krauski, Melissa Krahn and Duane Hoffman.
  • All museum artifacts should be identified cataloged.  Volunteers will be needed to do this due to the vast number of items.  Krahn suggested we contact the archival department at UWM for assistance since their students need to accumulate hours of volunteer work.  Lins will pursue. 

 

2008 Capital Campaign:

Neal reported that 487 fundraising letters were mailed to members, past donors and businesses.  To date $10,800 has been received including a $5,000 donation from Dick Bertrand.  Mac Dorn volunteered to contact Bertrand to clarify how the gift should be designated for museum use. Lins will handle capital campaign donation acknowledgments and drop off incentives at the downtown Fist Bank Financial Centre for donor pick-up.

 

Elk Plaque Status: Duane Hoffman reported that new solar LED lighting will be added as will a new “keep out” sign that will be designed to match the current donor plaque. Donations have already been received to cover these expenses.

 

2008 Speakers: Wiemer will present at the January 2008 quarterly meeting.  The other dates remain unfilled.  It was suggested that the Education Committee might present the programs they have already developed.

 

Old Business:

The Schomer-Lichtner plaque is done.  It was decided to hang it beneath the murals.

 

New Business:

  • Melissa Krahn moved and Nancy Lins seconded to form an audit committee.  Ladwig will chair it.  Other committee members will include Ian Lambert (as an outside member) and Sue Bickler. Motion carried.
  • The State Historical Society has developed a document entitled, “Creating a Collection Development Policy for Historical Records.” Wiemer and Lins will use this document in preparing a comparable document/policy for our organization.
  • The deadline for newsletter information is December 28. Get information to Ruth Behling. She handed out a listing of information that is needed for the newsletter.
  • Craig Pruscha’s status as a new board member was questioned.  His status is unknown at this time.

 

Sue Bickler moved and Betty Hancock seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 5:03 pm.

 

Next meeting will be Monday, January 14 at the Wilkinson Sports Center. A possible speaker from Old World Wisconsin may be present.  

 

Respectfully submitted,

Margie Krauski/Secretary