HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-20-2009
White River Valley Historical Society
Board Meeting
May 20, 2009, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Muckleshoot Room, White River Valley Museum
Board Members Present: Richard Artura, Tom Campbell, Ronnie Beyersdorf, Gator Chamberlain,
Jan Cavanaugh, Mike Gerber, Doug Hedger, Julie Herren, Warren Kinggeorge, Michelle
Marshman, Judi Roland, Clarissa Ruston, Lisa Scarff, , Mae Yamada
Board Members Excused: Pat Bailey, Jennifer Taufler
Staff Present: Patricia Cosgrove, Kristen Bruhahn, Janet Wells
Guests: Millie Bushnell, Linda Kelly, Dave Payne
1. Call To Order, Introductions, Approval of Minutes President Ronnie Beyersdorf
Minutes Approved with the following correction: Richard Artura was erroneously listed as
unexcused.
II. Board President Report President Beyersdorf
A. Free Wednesdays
6 Free Wednesday's have been funded. Reminder to board members: Request
Free Wednesday sponsorship from your assigned sponsors.
B. Museum Calendar
Monday May 11 - Halloween Committee meeting 2:15 in the Muckleshoot room
Friday May 8 - Patricia's Birthday
Of note: Every Thursday from 3:30 to 5:00 the Muckleshoot room is used for a job
workshop for our community. This workshop is sponsored by the City of Auburn
C. Museology 101 Janet Wells
Janet Wells, and docents Millie Bushner, Linda Kelly, and collections caretaker
Dave Payn gave presentations on the duties of the museum volunteers.
Janet: The word "docent" is from the Latin "docere" meaning "to teach." A docent
is the host, tour guide and greeter to museum visitors. They are the museum's
"front line" - the first impression visitors will have. Docents provide exhibit
information, talk with visitors and help explain services
Millie: Volunteers assist in preserving the collection and preserving the history of
Auburn. They help with storing items such as clothing by wrapping items in tissue
paper and storing in acid free boxes. Items are described in minute detail and
entered into the computer along with a picture. In this way the collection is
cataloged.
Linda: Docents also participate in museum and farm tours for local elementary
students. First and sixth graders tour the farm and learn about the salmon run,
native plants and fish trap making. Kindergarten and third graders tour the
museum and discover the cabin, interact with groups, and learn about "seeing and
discovering" the museum around them.
Dave: Dave discussed his work developing a database for housing the museum's
photograph collection. Eight years ago Dave began scanning photographs into the
system and making the photographs available on-line. He uses a software
package that enables access to the photograph database. Dave is currently
enhancing the system capability to make the items more available for research by
adding the ability to search by business, historical period, etc.
The museum is-fortunate to have our volunteers. They make a huge commitment
to the museum. In addition to their duties, they also attend training through out the
year.
i
III. Committees (Items for Vote*)
A. Finance Committee" Treasurer Doug Hedger
We are on target from last year. Recently received - $1500 from US Bank for Free
Wednesdays. Please see the treasurer's report for detailed information regarding
Operating Accounts and Current and YTD revenues and expenses.
Admission and Free Wednesday revenue is down which sends the other earnings
down. Regarding the budget goal for 2009: We are ahead on operating grants. If
admission doesn't improve and/or the Halloween Ball is down we might have
issues at year end.
B. Mary Olson Farm Committee Judi Roland
The committee is meeting once per month. They continue to look at bids and
costs to complete the project. Bids are out for trenching work needed to bring in
water and electricity. Permits have been requested. The committee is also looking
to businesses to help. The farm cannot be open to the public until these projects
are completed (plan summer 2010).
C. Halloween Costume Ball Committee Julie Herren
Ronnie and Warren are working on contacting the Muckleshoot Tribe to acquire a
Naming sponsorship. Protocol is extremely important. The board discussed
developing a new "Program" Sponsorship that would be offered at a lower cost.
This may be attractive to those "would be" sponsors who cannot attend.
Board Support of Decoration Sponsorship - The board discussed the possibility
of members jointly funding the Decoration Sponsorship. No agreement was
made.
■ Sponsorship/Ticket Flyer - Sponsorship flyers were provided to all board
members. Members should be contacting people for sponsorships and to sell
tables and tickets. Thanks to Ronnie for his work selling tickets. Next meeting
June 1, 2009
D. Community Connections Committee Clarissa Ruston
Save the date: Thursday, August 29, 2009 the Auburn Chamber of Commerce will
hold a mixer at the museum. Board members will be needed on hand to meet and
greet and help with museum tours. The next committee meeting will be held on
Wednesday June 17 after the Museum Board meeting.
IV. Staff Report
A. Constant Contact & Facebook Patricia Cosgrove
Patricia suggested the use of the company "Constant Contact". They manage
email lists and usage. Individuals can unsubscribe. The museum could use this
service for making announcements to those on the list. The company offers a 60
day free trial followed by a payment of $20.00 per month. Concern was raised
regarding privacy. The privacy policy will need to be reviewed. Also considered:
setting up a museum Facebook.
B. Field Trip Update
Museum field trips -The Auburn School District's budget reductions may result in
the elimination of museum field trips for the 2009/2010 school year. The decision
is currently under consideration.
Mary Olson Farm Field trips: Auburn Rotary has been asked to sponsor ($7500)
them. The museum would not make money but the tours could continue. Without
Rotary or other sponsors the tours would stop. Rotary and The Soroptmists may
share the sponsorship.
Meeting Adjourned at 3:05 PM