DOUGLAS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

April 20, 2004-Minutes

The minutes of the March 30 Board meeting were approved as written.

A letter of resignation from Board Member George Catt was read. He resigned due to time constraints and with the knowledge that the museum was progressing well. He will contribute $50.00 for each month of his uncompleted term. The Administrative Committee recommended to the Board that the two vacancies on the Board be left vacant. Dailey moved to accept this recommendation. Martin seconded the motion. Motion was approved by voice vote.

Piller distributed a report comparing the Jan-March 2004 figures with the Jan-March 2003 figures and the budget year to date. It was noted that income for membership and corporate is still lagging. The unrestricted income for Jan-March 2004 total, which is mostly from Douglas County, included one-half of the Development officer’s salary.

Phipps reported that Alison Miller, curator is working on the Kansas Humanities Council grant for 19^th century clothing. There are three new volunteers. There were two children at the last children’s activity for ages 3-5. This Saturday is a Lewis and Clark children’s activity for ages 9-11. Alison is working with Helen on the 150 years of office equipment and supplies exhibit. There was a question about advertising the children’s events, which currently can’t be done through the Lawrence school systems. Alison is encouraged to try and develop other connections such as pre-schools etc.

Phipps reported that Helen Krische-Dee, archivist has had fifty-five on-site researchers. The archives has received from the Genealogy Society 93 boxes of Douglas County abstracts that will need to be catalogued. The volumes of three ring notebooks have been returned nicely bounded. Helen is working with Alison on the 150 years of office equipment exhibit to open on April 29. She is also preparing for the early settlement exhibit to be opened September 17.

Phipps reported on first quarter statistics for the museum (see attached). She announced that during the Chautauqua Days there would be a re-enactment of an 1856 temperance movement at the Free State Brewery. There will also be lunch pail lectures at 12:00 noon at Watkins on those days. The Civil War Days on the Western Frontier for 2004 will be on August 14-21. An advising committee is being formed for the 2005 Civil War Days, which will be coordinated by Watkins Museum. The National Heritage Area designation bill is on hold in the House of Representatives. Upcoming events include a lecture on pre-territorial days Kansas by Randy Thies this Sunday, April 25.

The Lawrence Fire Marshall inspected the Watkins building and cited several items, such as use of extension cords is prohibited, a clock wiring exposed, and wiring in the attic exposed. New signage has been placed at the front door.

Simmons reported for the committee, which met on April 7, that the committee had reviewed the categories for membership and amount of membership. They suggest adding a membership category for children. Current membership benefits are the newsletter and a 10% discount in the gift shop. One of the membership weaknesses noticed by the committee is the failure to nurture current members. There is no reason for current members to continue or increase their membership. Several suggestions are to sponsor members only programs; priority enrollment for programs; sponsor an annual member’s night tour of the museum; and sponsor members only bus tours of area historical sites. The membership roll is currently being transferred to Past Perfect software thus it will be easier to keep track of when dues have expired. The target dollar goal for the Committee is $30,000. The Committee would also like to see a change in focus from what a person gets from the Museum to what the Museum is doing for the community/county. They also suggest a new brochure with a membership area. Simmons noted that membership drives are best done in September and October of a year. Phipps suggested that one of three ads available from the Journal-World be used for the membership drive.

The Governance and Policies report was distributed at the March 30 meeting. Since Hills was not present, any discussion was held until she is present.

Phillips reported that the committee had added Dick Wagstaff as a committee member. They will also each recruit 3-4 others to assist in calling on corporations for donations. They are to meet again on Wed, April 21. One of the questions they had, was the timetable for action, should they start the drive for donations now or later with a "big splash"? Some discussion was held regarding this, the timing of the campaign for corporate donations.

Phipps distributed and reviewed some general responsibilities for Board members. A discussion was held regarding conflict of interest.

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.

Patty Johnston

Secretary