Minutes of the Board Meeting, Douglas County Historical Society,
December 20, 2005

The meeting convened at 5 PM in the museum. Present were: Dennis Dailey, Bennett Griffin, Carolie Hougland, Linda Hyler, Jim Martin, William Myers, Bob Piller, Carmela Sibley, John Simmons, presiding, Glee Smith, Byron Springer, Bill Tuttle, Pennie Von Achen, William Winkler, and Lynn Zollner. Phil Humphrey, Ralph King, and Barbara Waggoner were absent.

November minutes were approved as read. Treasurer's report was passed out. Piller reported the year-end projections were on target except (mainly corporate) donations were only $5200 at this time. Our operating loss will be more than $16,540 because of lack of income from the corporate side.

As for fund raising, Steve Sublett is canvassing companies, but many are giving less this year. Griffen remarked that we need an executive director of fund raising. Phipps brings in grant money. Our latest application for a Community Foundation grant was denied. Dailey said that we need a fund raiser that reaches special interest audiences. Griffen: A fund raising person who can reach those near the top of corporations, and maintain contacts. Pillar noted that the City Commissioners are not interested in funding us, even though we enhance the city. History museums may have a harder time than other types. Pillar requested that a Douglas County banker explain our Mary Richards Fund requirements.

Phipps gave the Director's Report

The Walmart /NCS Pearson grant request is being prepared. We will use the Rice Foundation grant for UV filters. Working with Kennedy glass.

The monthly Civil War pamphlet for January 1856 is almost finished. New family programs for 2006. The new flags have arrived. The annual Civil War on the Western Front program will have some well-known speakers. Would hope to get external funding (patrons list?) to present Dr. Martin on the Underground Railroad (fees, lodging).

We are in urgent need of sign replacement (Winkler may be able to get with a person he knows at Star Signs). There will be an open meeting for members on Feb. 26 at 2:30 PM, with a re-enactor. USD 497 will be contacted about this. Hyler mentioned we should take advantage of our huge mailing list for this. We need more volunteer workers for Miss Lizzie's-Thelma is gone. Big savings coupons for January.

Election of New Officers for one year

The new Chairperson is Carmela Sibley, Vice-chair is Pennie Von Achen, Secretary is Carole Hoagland, and Treasurer is Bill Myers.

Sibley will now be chairperson of the Administration Committee, joined by Dailey and Martin. Roy Squires runs the web site, and Secretary gives the minutes to Sibley and Squires. Simmons is available for consultation.

We were reminded that a normal board term was three years and a member may have two full terms.

Discussion about when to have the board retreat in January,

Looks like Advantage in Leavenworth wins the printing bid for new brochures. No effective bids from Douglas County.

Simmons will assist staff and board arrive at a good set of new management policies.

More discussion about selling some art. Need much more understanding of the situation and possibilities.

Martha Harris talked to the Board about getting return of the Eudora Historical Society map we stored for them. We need to locate it in our archive and return it. Phil Godwin will be asked to send a letter detailing the storage agreement concerning this map.

Our relations with the Lecompton Society are improving.

New board terms begin after the Jan. 21 retreat. This meeting adjourned at 6:25 PM.

Recorded by acting secretary, William Winkler.