MINUTES of the Douglas County Historical Society Board of Directors
March 27, 2007
The meeting was called to order by President Sibley at 4 PM, at the Museum.
Members present: W. Winkler, recording, Phyllis Tiffany, Linda Hyler, Matt Richards, Randy Van Schmus, William Myers, Leslie Miller, Jim Martin, Pennie Van Achen, and James Dunn. Absent were: P. Humphrey, B. Waggoner, B. Springer, and G. Smith.
Staff present: Rebecca Phipps, Helen Krische, and Kerry Lippencott.
As the meeting opened, Hyler said that her committee for the Quantrill race/walk fund raiser had met. She passed around a sign-up sheet. The event will be run "as is" this year but has a high quality to be maintained. Possibly it could become a half marathon in the future. It is hoped that veterans Marcia and Steve Riley would eventually run this event for us. The first run, last year, followed Quantrill's route. It needs much more publicity.
It was moved by Sibley and seconded by Tiffany that the February minutes be accepted with corrections. So voted.
Myers handed out and discussed the latest Treasurer's report. He said that it was not complete owing to problems with installing the new Microsoft Vista operating system.
Director's Report
Rebecca had not recently spoken to M. Hoeflich about his suggestions for plans. She noted in responding to questions about elevator expenses that it is safety certified every 3 months. A flyer was mailed announcing two new programs, the first a free public program for March 29. Phillip Thomas will talk "Nothing is the Matter with Kansas." The second is a Mother's Day Tea, $15. Concerning Museum roof repair, the insurance company has received the engineering report and is reviewing it. Separately, black exterior mold must be removed and the upper windows cleaned. There could late be a public unveiling. The Civil War on the Western Frontier brochure is at the printers. There will be some new programs. The territorial dance fundraiser is planned for August 11, location and details to be announced.
Old Business
Archivist and Curator reports were handed out. New Board member prospects are still needed. Because of the Kansas Relays and Earth Day, the Retreat date of April 21 was called into question. The latest Museum policy documents will be discussed at the April 24 meeting. The Curator's job description was examined and von Achen moved that it be accepted by the Board. Tiffany seconded it, and so voted.
New Busines
Pushing ahead with new ideas, Hyler suggested a project that could be hosted on the Museum's web site with students taking pictures around the county. The students would be writing history similar to the book, 24 hours in the United States (may not be exact title). A selection of these could go on the Society web site. Another idea would be to have a blog on our web site and perhaps podcast upcoming Museum events. Concerning communications with the public, there is a web site with an incorrect link to the Watkins Museum. Hyler was given permission to attempt to contact the website to get our museum site linked correctly.
Bulk mailings would require at least 200 copies, and note that many members do not list web sites.
On the membership committee, Tiffany noted that current membership outside Lawrence is very low. Barbara Ballard and Paul Davis are the only elected officials who are members. Several others are lapsed.
There is concern that the Museum will need to be closed during roof repairs. Consult with the chosen roofers about this. Orders are now being taken for attractive color historical Christmas cards.
Meeting adjourned at 5:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted, William Winkler
Thanks to Linda Hyler for helpful comments.
NOTE: NEXT BOARD MEETING, APRIL 24, 4 PM, AT THE MUSEUM