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1331 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh WI 54901 • 920.236.5799 • oshkoshmuseum.org
MEMO TO THE MUSEUM BOARD
October 15, 2020
To the Board,
I hope everyone is well and continuing to endure these trying times. In addition to noting that
departmental budget reviews begin next week, there are a few items I’d like to share.
This week Custodian Sandra Cartmill started at the Museum. Her efforts are already clearly evident
and we are happy to have her on staff. Also this week, Assistant Director Anna Cannizzo and I
interviewed candidates for the Archivist position. I am pleased to report that we made an offer and
after the background check has been completed, we will announce our newest staff member. The
Archivist will join the staff in January.
The exhibit team continues to refine the design and artifacts for Sports & Recreation. We have a Web
Ex with Split Rock Studios next week and we will find out if these changes require a change to the
contract. Staff continue to discuss the project and we are leaning toward contracting the exhibition.
There is good news: Assistant Curator Katrina Achilli located a restored interactive bowling
machine and we have moved forward with a down payment to hold it. This was included as part
of the exhibition budget and it’s the primary interactive in Sports & Recreation.
Curator Debra Daubert has been exploring how other museums are dealing with touch screen
interactive component use during the pandemic. Because the interactive exhibition components in
People of the Waters are such a major part of the visitor experience, we want to return them to use as
soon as possible. We believe we have a good solution that combines disinfecting with the use of
free stylus/pens that are also a marketing piece. By using the stylus, visitors eliminate touching the
screen.
Our attendance remains minimal due to fear of the virus. Our assumption is that caution will
continue for some time after the number of cases declines, but once people feel comfortable
resuming a more normal routine, attendance will increase. We have an excellent winter exhibition
planned, followed by the Menominee Clan Pow Wow in June and then Titanic in July. We believe
they will encourage people to visit and start to resume a normal life.
Our capital projects are drawing to a close. There is some masonry to complete before colder
weather arrives and whatever cannot be finished will be done in spring. Specifically, this would be
the replacement stone for the Sawyer home porch. It is my understanding we are still three weeks
away from delivery of the stone. The Department of Public Works replaced the driveway
approaches this week, as they were cracked by the repeated passage of heavy equipment. Also,
Maintenance Technician Matt Reinke is close to completion on the Carriage House cupola. High
winds prevented safe work this week and he plans to complete it over the weekend, if the weather
cooperates.
That ends the week and I hope you have a pleasant weekend.
Brad Larson