HomeMy WebLinkAboutboardmemo8-14-2020
1331 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh WI 54901 • 920.236.5799 • oshkoshmuseum.org
MEMO TO THE MUSEUM BOARD
August 14, 2020
To the Board,
This has been an extraordinarily full and productive week. Specifically, Theresa and I completed
the 2021 budgets, always a milestone for the year. However, we are giving everything the final
review before submitting it next week. The proposed budgets for trusts and funds, which were
challenging, will be sent to you next week. This will give time for your review prior to the
September 3 meeting.
Anna Cannizzo was included throughout the whole budget process and we explained why and
how we develop and present budgets. She will accompany me to the autumn reviews as part of her
overall instruction. I could not help but recall my first budget year, which would have been the
1990 budget. As you might expect, the whole budget process was a lot simpler then compared to
now. However, it was still daunting for a newcomer so I asked for assistance. I’ve never forgotten
the response: “You’ll figure it out.” I laugh at that now, but I can assure you that it was not
humorous to me 30 years ago.
Beginning with good news, the Common Council awarded the contract for foundation repair on
Wednesday and a contractor meeting was conducted via phone on Thursday. As it looks now, work
will start within the next few weeks. The south side of the Sawyer home will be completed first,
then work will move to the north side of the building. I realize this has been a very long process,
and at times rather frustrating for the Board. However, we have to move through all the required
and necessary steps of funding, exploration and determination of the problem, specifications,
approvals, and bids.
As part of the whole project, Public Works will remove the cast iron fountain basin from the
grounds. This is important not only for the landscape plan, but because once the basin is out we
can ensure the old Sawyer artesian well is not playing any part in our water issues. Specifically, the
water that bubbles up through the basement floor.
On Sunday our new exhibition, Museum Curiosities and Their Stories, opens. Curator Debra Daubert
selected artifacts that have compelling or unique stories associated with them, and these form the
theme of Museum Curiosities. This is the first exhibition to be in the refurbished gallery and the
revised lighting, oriental rugs, and increased spacing to encourage distancing creates a very
distinctive look. We hope to keep the gallery looking fresh, but winter visitor traffic is hard on
hardwood floors and the Star Wars toys exhibition has the potential of strong attendance. Greg
Witthun experimented with a new design for artifact mounts and they are particularly fine, so
please note how he tackled those whenever you look at the exhibition.
Continuing with other capital projects, Matt Reinke will soon start the repair of the Carriage House
cupola, as well as replacement of various trim that has deteriorated. This work is a carry-over from
last year’s roofing/repair project and funds were retained for this phase.
That ends the week and I hope you have a pleasant weekend.
Brad Larson