DOUGLAS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

ANNUAL MEETING

November 18, 2003-minutes

The annual meeting of the Douglas County Historical Society was held at the Eldridge Hotel on November 18, 2003. President Philip Godwin welcomed everyone. After the meal and history refresher, he introduced the volunteers, staff, director, members of the Board of Director and Officers, members of the Administrative Committee, and members of the search committee for a new director. He then introduced the evening speaker; Randy Thies sponsored by the Kansas Humanities Council. Mr. Thies is a cultural resource specialist and archeologist with the Kansas State Historical Society in Topeka. His talk was on "Graves to Die for with an emphasis on victims of Quantrill’s Raid".

After the presentation, President Godwin called the business meeting to order. He turned the meeting over to Martha Harris, chairperson of the nominating committee. Other members of the committee were Jerry Niebaum, Jan McCullough, Barbara Waggoner and Roy Squires. She presented the slate of nominees for the 2003-2006 board members. A motion was made that the nominations cease. Motion was seconded and approved. Ballots were distributed to members then collected. Harris and Niebaum withdrew to count the ballots.

Godwin introduced Kathy Heerwald, retiring president of the Friends of Watkins. Heerwald told of the Friends progress and gave special recognition to Irene Reynolds, coordinator of the "Know your Antiques" programs held monthly. Heerwald introduced Thelma Taylor, the new president of the Friends of Watkins.

Bob Piller, treasurer reported that currently the Society’s budget is in the black.

Godwin introduced Rebecca Phipps, the Director of the Watkins Museum since February. Phipps acknowledged the staff members, and told of their positions in the Museum. She distributed flyers of upcoming events for 2004, and reviewed what had been accomplished these past few months. She told of the five-year plans for the future and changes in policies. She introduced Alison Miller, collections’ curator. Miller told of the two grants that have been received.

Godwin then turned the meeting over to Harris again. Harris announced the Board of Directors’ election results. The six persons elected for the 2003-2006 terms were Dennis Dailey, Bob Piller, for their second term; Andrew P. Debicki, Clenece Hills, Pennie Von Achen, and John Simmons for their first terms. Barbara Waggoner was elected to complete the term 2002-2005 of Faye Watson who had resigned prior to the meeting.

Meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Patty Johnston, Secretary