HomeMy WebLinkAboutboardmemo03-12-2021
1331 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh WI 54901 • 920.236.5799 • oshkoshmuseum.org
MEMO TO THE MUSEUM BOARD
March 12, 2021
To the Board,
Attached are the draft minutes from the March 4 meeting. Looking ahead to the April 1 Zoom meeting, Daniel
Evensen and Michael Hochholzer from Associated Bank will present the annual review of the Durow Trust. Theresa
will send the Durow material to you in a separate email the week of March 22 so you have ample time for review.
I will address the Durow Trust later in this memo.
Before I discuss the Trust, I am very pleased to report that we now have a Board member filling the vacancy left by
Randy Domer. Alternate Connie Drexler was appointed on Tuesday evening to fill that position; the Mayor will
appoint a new alternate. In regard to Mr. Domer, it was noted that he lived just outside the city limits. Although
we all understand how advantageous it would be to allow Board membership from surrounding towns, and have
discussed it numerous times, the Municipal Code still requires Board members to live within the City of Oshkosh.
Randy is a strong supporter of local history and understands the power of partnerships. On behalf of the Museum
and Board, I sent him a letter thanking him for his good service.
Returning now to the Durow Trust, after the Trust was invested according to state statutes the earnings dropped
steeply. The earnings can no longer support a full-time position. I have developed and submitted a reorganization
of the collections staff to Human Resources. The tax levy support would stay the same, but the advantage of the
staff reorganization is that it ensures the Museum does not overspend the Durow Trust. After Curator of Exhibitions
Debra Daubert retires, Registrar Emily Rock moves into that position; she is working closely with Debra to ensure
a seamless transition. Emily has exhibition experience from her prior position. The Registrar position would
transition into a part-time collections position, funded through the reduced Durow earnings. Anna would retain
her position as Assistant Director. Assuming the reorganization is approved the newly created part-time position
should be filled before Deb retires and thus before Emily assumes the Curator of Exhibitions role. Once Emily
becomes Curator, she will be extraordinarily busy with White Christmas.
In addition to our capital improvement projects and two long-term exhibitions, I have been working on funding
requests to support White Christmas. I feel confident we will obtain support. Just the mention of a White Christmas
exhibition immediately generates excitement and anticipation. Following Titanic with this major exhibition is an
incredible feat that will surely benefit the Museum and community. Anna Cannizzo is handling the contract and
loan forms, so we have moved this along smartly.
Staff from Experiential Media Group will arrive on July 13 and begin installation of Titanic: The Wisconsin
Connection, on July 14. As it looks now, we plan the special evening premier for Amcor on July 16 or 19. As a
reminder, the special Titanic store will be self-contained in the Sawyer Parlor, eliminating some of the congestion
at the entrance. Information on revised operations will be send in the coming months.
Amazingly, we are already almost halfway through March. Next Sunday we move into spring! Pending his doctor’s
approval, Matt Reinke should rejoin the staff on March 22 and we look forward to his return.
That ends the week and I hope everyone has a pleasant weekend.
Brad Larson