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1331 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh WI 54901 • 920.236.5799 • oshkoshmuseum.org
MEMO TO THE MUSEUM BOARD
September 17, 2020
To the Board
Attached is the draft agenda for October 1, along with the draft minutes from the September 3
meeting. Please note that the main item for the October meeting will be the presentation of the
design for the Sporting & Recreation exhibition.
Staff received the final design and narrative for Sporting & Recreation from Split Rock Studios (SRS),
but we received the plan only a few hours before the scheduled SRS presentation. For that reason,
we rescheduled it to next week so we have time to study and discuss it as a team. The design and
narrative are refined and this weekend I will study it in the quiet of home. I am especially keen to
thoroughly examine the details and specifications of the fit-out segment of the work.
The budget for the fit-out phase is predicated on staff doing much, if not all, of that work. I intend
to sub-contract only tasks such as the security and electrical systems and sections of the floor. The
final review is a critical step because we must identify and agree on exactly what our responsibility
will be and what is in the contract with Split Rock Studios. If the Board approves the design next
month, then Anna and I will finish the budget, and I’ll complete the agreement for preproduction,
production, and installation.
Foundation work is progressing and most of it this week is right outside my office, as that is where
the lines enter the structure. While I am very happy this is being done, it has been incredibly hard
to concentrate. The crew from the Department of Public Works (DPW) ran into parts and pieces
from the foundation of the first Sawyer home (1873), and a number of unknown pipes, lines and
wires. However, no obvious foundation defect or entry point for water was discovered. The masons
have ensured all mortar joints are sound and unbroken. DPW’s work is being done slowly and
carefully, and that is reassuring. I am impressed by the skill of the equipment operators, as they
know how to expertly manipulate that heavy equipment. The new grades have been established
and soon black soil will cover the areas of work. It is a wonderful feeling of satisfaction knowing
that this project, messy and noisy as it is, creates a Museum building that will continue to be strong
and stable for many generations of residents to enjoy. Future Museum staff should not have to
tackle water and foundation issues.
I am pleased to report that Matt Reinke and Katrina Achilli are making excellent progress on the
Carriage House cupola. Fortunately, no surprises were uncovered, so Lady Luck smiles on us in
that regard. In between the cupola work, this week Matt has also taken care of a number of
secondary tasks.
1331 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh WI 54901 • 920.236.5799 • oshkoshmuseum.org
Page Two
Marketing Coordinator Tammy Malewski completed our Annual Report and the report and my
accompanying letter was mailed recently. As a result, we have started to receive donations. The
end-of-year appeal is one way we gauge support. With just about every nonprofit experiencing a
decrease in financial support because of the pandemic, we anticipate and have planned for a
reduction in giving.
In other news, I am pleased to report on a project that Registrar Emily Rock and Graphic Designer
Daniel Fiser have been working on. A display of the long history and diverse services of the
Oshkosh Fire Department will soon grace the entryway of the Ceape Street fire station. The story
is drawn from and illustrated through the Museum’s rich collections. The timeline reveals the story
of service from the early days of volunteer companies, through major changes in the 20th century,
to the multi-faceted department that serves today’s Oshkosh. The narrative and photographs are
posted on the Fire Department’s web site, with some historic images shown for the first time. The
chronicle of service was researched, developed, and written by Emily, with Daniel creating the
graphic work. The display will be installed later this autumn.
Our attendance continues to be sporadic. With the constant media focus on Covid-19, people
continue to be worried about being out and about. Staff from another area museum were here this
week and the Director of that organization estimated their attendance is down 90% or more. There
is a state grant program funded through the CARES Act to help museums and other cultural
institutions weather the pandemic; unfortunately, the Oshkosh Public Museum is not eligible for
those grant funds because we are a unit of government.
I am pleased to report that the Museum has received an incredible number of applications for the
Archivist position and we have closed the posting. The Museum has an excellent reputation and
superb collections, so that works in our favor to encourage high quality candidates.
That ends the week and I hope everyone has a pleasant last weekend of summer.
Brad Larson