MINUTES of the Douglas County Historical Society Board of Directors
February 27, 2007
The meeting was called to order by President Sibley at 4 PM, at the Museum.
Members present were: W. Winkler (recording), W. Myers, J. Martin, L. Hyler, P. Von Achen, P. Humphrey, B. Springer, James Dunn, G. Smith, Matt Richards, Leslie Miller, Randy Van Schmus, Phyllis Tiffany, and B. Waggoner.. Museum Staff present: Rebecca Phipps, Director, Helen Krische, Archivist, and Kerry Lippencott, Curator. Also present: Mike Hoeflich.
The previous Minutes with corrections were moved approved by P. Humphrey, seconded by P. Von Achen, so voted.
Treasurer's Report
W. Myers gave an oral and written report. P. Humphrey moved approval, seconded
by J. Martin, so voted.
Old Business
The archivist and curator submitted written reports. The current status of
Board member terms was discussed. A replacement for Ralph King is needed,
and possible candidates were considered. Director Phipps reported on activities
and visitor numbers and additions to the gift shop.
The gift shop and media policies, and the Curator position description need approval next meeting.
New Business
Volunteer consultant M. Hoeflich reported orally on improving the status of
the Museum. He Noted that we are deficient in young, middle-aged adult members.
Nostalgia is less of a draw because of area demographics. We need to offer
some things that people will pay to see, an example being Topeka's Brown v.
Board of Education site. Our strongest points are a significant building,
good location, and good will from noted people. Some approaches to coordinate
with the Director:
" Bring in younger people by providing entertaining venues such as a
dinner/dance, possibly in the adjoining park. Have publicized award ceremonies.
" Offer lunch and or breakfast seminars focused on historical or current
events. Free but sell food.
" Good supplies of a color brochure to hand out at events.
" Make more funds renting Museum facilities. Use caterers. The State
Historical Society made sixty thousand from this last year. Develop kitchen
facilities.
" Hoeflich plans to talk to service clubs about the Society. Emphasize
its contribution to downtown and its contribution to lack of Community public
space. He will return at the next meeting with plans needing staff.
County Commissioner Charles Jones spoke about the upcoming development of the Freedom Frontier Heritage Area and the 150th anniversary of the Civil War-potential roles for the Historical Society. There was a retreat on this subject at City Hall on January 20. He urged a blue ribbon panel composed of representatives from the Society, Convention and Visitors' Bureau, and the short term Heritage area organization. R. Van Schmus nominated J. Martin to sit on this panel, and P. Von Achen seconded. It was so voted and Martin accepted.
We are reminded of the Retreat, moved from January 20 to Saturday April 21. The possibility of raising funds from a fun run was considered. Hyler, Krische, and Miller will meet and work on this project.
Myers noted the need for committee work on fund raising, membership, and Heritage Area. Tiffany will help with development of recruitment, retention, and benefits provided members; Von Achen will work on future Heritage Area plans.
With Mike Hoeflich consulting, the new Society/Museum brochure should be complete soon.
Meeting adjourned at 6 PM.
NOTE: Next meeting of the DCHS Board is Tuesday, April 24, at 4:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
William Winkler, Secretary