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1331 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh WI 54901 • 920.236.5799 • oshkoshmuseum.org
MEMO TO THE MUSEUM BOARD
October 22, 2020
To the Board,
This would normally be the week for the draft agenda, and I confess I miss working with Theresa
to prepare for the monthly Board meeting. Over my career, I have always looked forward to
working with and talking with the Board, and I truly value your insight and opinions, and just
being with our number one group of advocates. I’m confident things will improve in the coming
months and soon we’ll return to sending agendas and preparing for face-to-face meetings.
The most important item for the week is the budget workshop, which is probably on your mind as
well. The review was done virtually and went well. The 2021 budget is scheduled for adoption on
November 10.
As you know, I enjoying sharing positive news and this week I have an excellent update to share.
Last week Wednesday Anna and I interviewed six candidates for the Archivist position. From that
group of candidates, we selected the top applicant and made her an offer, contingent on a successful
background check. That check has been completed and I am delighted to announce that the
Museum’s new Archivist is Amy Fels.
Amy has an impressive background and Anna Cannizzo and I strongly believe she is a superb fit
for the Museum and staff. If you recognize the name, it is because Amy was our summer archives
intern in 2016 while attending Ripon College. Since then, Amy earned her Master’s Degree and
accumulated practical archival experience through different roles and types and levels of
responsibility. Her interest is strongly in Wisconsin history, and she has written and published
articles related to our state’s history. Of note, one thing Amy stressed in her interview is that she
believes collections exist for the public benefit; and that she enjoys discovering, researching, and
telling stories.
The Museum clearly benefits from an amazing staff that I am intensely proud of. Each and every
person brings skills, experience, and a robust work ethic that benefits the public and our broader
mission. When we all work together and remain focused on priority projects, each year we
accomplish amazing things. I enthusiastically believe Amy has the skills, knowledge, and passion
that will augment the Museum.
I also have a little bit of bad news. A mold outbreak was discovered in the basement of the Carriage
House. By the time it was discovered, mold had spread to quite a few artifacts. Anna and Emily are
working to get it under control and clean objects impacted by mold.
1331 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh WI 54901 • 920.236.5799 • oshkoshmuseum.org
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In the miscellaneous paragraph, the Museum has two cute mascots for the Holiday season: elves
named ‘Belle’ and ‘Jingle.’ They look a little different than ordinary elves because they are German.
Belle and Jingle have been purchased to promote two new and awesome Museum Holiday elf hunts
(including “Extreme Elfish Expedition” for those who think the annual hunt is too easy). You will
soon see photos of them around the community; for example, riding in a fire truck. The idea for
Belle and Jingle was formulated by Marketing Coordinator Tammy Malewski; I think these two
little friends are a fantastic way to promote the Museum during the Holidays. Who doesn’t like an
elf? Finally, our last cemetery tour is this Saturday, October 24. These tours have been well
received. Given the pandemic, it is notable that we served just over 100 people and generated
almost $1,600 in revenue. The volunteers did a superb job. Our plan is to create a library of different
cemetery tours, each tour on a different subject.
That ends the week and despite these stressful times, I hope you have a pleasant weekend.
Brad Larson