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1331 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh WI 54901 • 920.236.5799 • oshkoshmuseum.org
MEMO TO THE MUSEUM BOARD
May 27, 2021
To the Board,
Attached is the agenda for the June 3 meeting, along with the draft minutes from the May 6 meeting,
the bill list, and the schedule for the June 5 Pow Wow. Please note that the agenda no longer includes
a discussion by Human Resources of the Director Search. Rather, that will be done in a special online
Board meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 10, at 4:00 p.m.
Marketing Coordinator Tammy Malewski has been working diligently with her Pow Wow
Committee and we are now in the home stretch. The Pow Wow participants are almost all
Menominee, so it is a very appropriate way to honor the Clans. The committee has been wonderful
and thanks to their good work, this event is ready to roll. As part of my opening remarks that day,
each person on the committee will be recognized and presented with a ribbon shirt made specifically
for that person by Native artist Kathryn Footit. I am very proud of Tammy’s fine work and her efforts
bringing everyone together. The schedule for the day is attached.
Fit-out is progressing nicely in the future Sports & Recreation gallery. The original sub-floor has been
removed and the old bathroom demolition debris from 1926 removed. Maintenance Technician Matt
Reinke, who is able to accurately estimate weight, believes that the debris shoved into the space under
the floor weighs about 500 pounds, as the cast iron and lead from the bathroom was also thrown in
there. All that dead weight was directly on the library’s pressed plaster ceiling and I am relieved it is
gone. Laying the new sub-floor will start shortly and after that concludes, no major in-gallery
construction will be done during open hours so Titanic visitors are not disturbed. The Library,
directly below, will house the Titanic memorial panels. However, Matt and Exhibit Technician Greg
Witthun will fabricate exhibit elements for Sports & Recreation in the workshop. Due to logistics, these
will be fabricated in sections so they can be brought into the room.
On the subject of Titanic, Curator of Exhibitions Debra Daubert has been working with Experiential
Media Group (EMG) to finalize label copy and finish exhibition details. As you may recall, Titanic:
The Wisconsin Connection, was developed by EMG working in cooperation with Deb, so whenever
possible labels were written to connect to Wisconsin. Remarkably, one of the recovered artifacts
included in our exhibition is a piece of currency from a bank in Merrill, Wisconsin. This
unquestionably belonged to the Wisconsin passenger from Merrill, Daniel Coxon.
Looking ahead to next Wednesday, the exhibit team has another work session with Split Rock Studios
on the development of Deep Roots, Growing City. The foremost challenge with this exhibition is
working with the severe space constraints. The storyline is extensive and that requires staff to select
key points in Oshkosh’s past; those that connect with the public and to curriculum, and that are
supported by our three-dimensional and archival collection, and especially those with firsthand
accounts. The team accepts that there is no way to tell the entire story in those three small galleries,
1331 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh WI 54901 • 920.236.5799 • oshkoshmuseum.org
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so that means we make tough decisions on what is in or out. Additionally, as staff know from years
of using that space as our temporary gallery, there are floor load considerations, which means we
cannot build freely as we could with People of the Waters. All these combined aspects of the project
create a demanding task, but Assistant Director Anna Cannizzo is doing a first-rate job staying on
top of the process.
Continuing with the subject of exhibits, once the preliminary floor work in the Sports & Recreation
gallery concludes, Greg Witthun and Graphic Artist Daniel Fiser will turn their attention to a new
photographic exhibit in the lower level halls. The current display of photographs of various 19th
century buildings is at least 15 years old and overdue for replacement. As one of her first projects,
Archivist Amy Fels developed a new photographic exhibit that is focused around people, showing
change and continuity over the generations. It will make a wonderful change to that space and be
completed before Titanic opens.
And for a few concluding items, because there were no parades, ceremonies and other activities last
year, staff worked with Oshkosh Media to create two video presentations. One was related to
Memorial Day and named, Remembering Our Honored Dead, and the other was about the 4th of July
and titled, Independence Day Through the Eyes of Oshkosh. Both were sent to the annual Midwest Media
Fest, where they were judged against similar productions. I am happy to say that both were viewed
favorably and received honors. The Memorial Day program received an Award of Merit, and the July
4th program an Award of Achievement. Both were fun to work on and of course staff always enjoy
partnering with Oshkosh Media. And finally, watch your mail for the summer issue of The Muse. It
should be arriving shortly and I think it is another excellent issue.
That ends the week and I hope you have a pleasant and meaningful Memorial Day weekend.
Brad Larson
Director
OSHKOSH PUBLIC MUSEUM
BOARD AGENDA
Online Only
OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN
June 3, 2021
The June Board meeting will be held remotely at this link:
https://zoom.us/j/92203503886?pwd=UXM4cjZIR0dySXp3WENHNm5kNVJaUT09
Or call: +1-312-626-6799 Meeting ID: 922 0350 3886 Passcode: 809043
Citizens wishing to provide comment on individual agenda items may appear remotely
through the above link or phone number or may submit written comments. Written public
comments may be sent via mail addressed to the Museum, or sent by email to the Museum
Director prior to the Board Meeting at: blarson@ci.oshkosh.wi.us written comments will be
distributed to the Board and made part of the public record of the meeting.
1. Call to order (4:00 p.m.)
2. Determination of quorum, roll call
3. Citizen Statements to the Board
Citizens are to address the Board only. Statements are limited to five (5) minutes; must address items that are not listed
on the Board meeting agenda, are limited to issues that have an impact on the Oshkosh Public Museum. The Board may
address at a future meeting, and must not include endorsements of any candidates or other electioneering.
4. Consent Resolution Agenda
Consent Agenda Items are those items of a routine administrative nature that are voted on by the Board in a Single Roll
Call Vote. The Board has been furnished with background material on each item. Any member of the public or Board
may request that an item be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion and to be voted on separately.
The Board will consider approval of:
A. Minutes of May 2021 Board Meeting
B. June Bill List
5. Discussion of Board Meetings--to Zoom or not to Zoom
6. Report of the Director
A. June 5 Pow Wow
B. Titanic Schedule
C. Sports & Recreation Fit-out
7. Auxiliary Report – Sue Eichman, Auxiliary Secretary
8. Adjournment
D R A F T
Minutes of the May 2021 Museum Board Meeting
Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901
Page 1 of 5
Minutes of the May 6, 2021 Board Meeting
The May meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held Thursday, May 6, 2021, via
Zoom. President Thierman called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm.
The roll was taken by Administrative Assistant Theresa Books.
PRESENT AT ROLL (all via Zoom): Board Members Connie Drexler, Carol Fenrich, Jim Hoffman,
Vice President Gabe Loiacono, Secretary Becky Matzke, Rick Rego, Alternate Joseph Stephenson,
President Jean Thierman, and School Board President Bob Poeschel joined at 4:22 p.m.
Excused: Oshkosh Superintendent of Schools Vickie Cartwright
ALSO PRESENT: Museum Director Brad Larson, City Manager Mark Rohloff, Assistant Director
Anna Cannizzo, Auxiliary Secretary Sue Eichman, and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books
recording the minutes.
There were no citizen statements to the Board and none were received.
Consent Agenda items included:
A. Minutes of the April Board Meeting
B. May Bill List
C. Receipt and Filing of 1st Quarter Reports of Museum Funds at the Oshkosh Area
Community Foundation
MOTION: Adopt Consent Agenda (Drexler; second Hoffman).
CARRIED: Yes (7), Drexler, Fenrich, Hoffman, Loiacono, Matzke, Rego, and Thierman.
Next on the agenda was discussion and vote on the format of upcoming Board meetings, whether
virtual or in-person. Mr. Larson reviewed that they must all be either everyone virtual or all in
person. He recommended virtual is best, as there is no room available at the Museum to maintain
Covid distances, particularly until Titanic is set up and the Lecture Room becomes available. If the
Board decides for in-person meetings, a different location would need to be found. Mr. Stephenson
stated he would not want to go to a different location and endorses the recommendation of staff.
Ms. Cannizzo noted that even after the Lecture Room is cleared of exhibition cases being stored for
Titanic, staff need that space to begin laying out artifacts for the Sports and Recreation exhibition.
Ms. Thierman commented that she feels Zoom meetings are working well, including that she likes
to see people’s faces, rather than masks. Ms. Drexler remarked she too likes the Zoom meeting
because if she is out of the area for a meeting, she can still logon for the Board meeting. Ms. Matzke
D R A F T
Minutes of the May 2021 Museum Board Meeting
Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901
Page 2 of 5
agreed to the convenience and efficiency of the virtual meetings. When the discussion was
complete, Ms. Thierman asked for a motion.
MOTION: Museum Board meetings remain virtual until the Board chooses to revisit the
decision. (Matzke; second Fenrich)
CARRIED: Yes (7), Drexler, Fenrich, Hoffman, Loiacono, Matzke, Rego, and Thierman.
Regarding the announcement of the Museum Director’s retirement, on April 27, Mr. Larson sent
an email to the Board stating, “I had hoped to make this announcement in person, but the pandemic
conditions we currently live under prevent that. Late this morning I presented Mr. Rohloff with
my letter of retirement. My last day as Director will be September 2, 2021. I am grateful for the
opportunity to lead this Museum for 32-years. My personal goal was to leave the Museum in a
strong, stable condition and it looks like that will be the case. Anna will assume the role of Interim
Director and we are working together to assure a smooth transition.” In the Board meeting Mr.
Larson reported that he met with HR staff regarding the things that need to happen next to fill the
Director position.
City Manager Mark Rohloff then spoke to the Board. He mentioned Municipal Code states the
Board Directors shall recommend a candidate to the City Manager. Working in partnership with
the Board, a peer committee will be appointed to help with the search. That group will include a
Department Head of the City, and Mr. Rohloff will have City Attorney Lynn Lorenson be that
person. She has been a volunteer of the Museum for years and has a very good sense of the
importance of the Museum. A Museum staff person will be on the committee and an outside
Museum person. The Museum Board will be a separate committee, providing their
recommendation to the City Manager. HR will screen all applicants and present the best candidates
to the committee and the Board. HR will work closely with the Board regarding traits and most
preferred strengths needed in the next Director. Mr. Rohloff opened for discussion.
Mr. Larson stated that the Museum is in a good place for recruiting, it is a good time. It will be
appealing to people because the Museum is working on two long-term exhibits and has the Titanic:
The Wisconsin Connection and White Christmas exhibitions in 2021 for the added community
awareness and revenues. Additionally, City benefits are good and not something that is offered at
many private museums. Mr. Loiacono noted he appreciated the reference to the Municipal Code.
He stated that it seems to say the Board would review and recommend to Mr. Rohloff, but it sounds
like HR is choosing the candidates. Mr. Rohloff said HR will do the screening and present 10 or so
candidates to the Board. Mr. Loiacono replied he would like to see that larger number of
applications, rather than only three or so.
In further discussion Ms. Drexler asked about next steps. Mr. Rohloff reported HR will deal with
the job description, but he would like to know the traits the Board is most interested in seeing in
the next Director. There are no specific dates at this time, however he has asked HR to put together
a time line for the recruitment process. Ms. Drexler expressed it would make sense to have a special
meeting of the Board apart from the next monthly Board meeting, to allow for plenty of time for
D R A F T
Minutes of the May 2021 Museum Board Meeting
Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901
Page 3 of 5
discussion. Mr. Rego asked if Brad is able to share traits he thinks are important to have for the
next Director. Mr. Larson replied that he and HR talked through a lot of traits that are noted in the
job description, but it is important for the Board to think it through. Ms. Fenrich said she’d been
thinking about it and three needed traits are being a people person, having patience, and having
perseverance. When discussion was complete Mr. Rohloff left the meeting, at 4:35 p.m.
Ms. Thierman then requested Mr. Larson present the Director’s report.
Mr. Larson began by reporting on the preparations and schedule for Titanic: The Wisconsin
Connection. The Museum now has 47 volunteers and has others who have contacted Marketing
Coordinator Tammy Malewski but have not yet committed. Preliminary training was held in April
and the book 882-1/2 Amazing Answers to your Questions about the Titanic, was distributed. The
next training will be May 17, in two shifts. Ms. Malewski is now looking for a June date for training
with the Oshkosh Fire Department.
Installation of Titanic artifacts begins July 13 and is expected to take two days. The special premier
for Amcor, Board, volunteers, and select guests is Friday evening, July 16. On July 17, Curator of
Exhibitions Debra Daubert, will lead volunteers through the exhibition and offer insights and
explanations to help prepare them for the opening. The exhibition opens to the public Wednesday,
July 21.
Next, Mr. Larson gave an update on 2021, and future, Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). Because
the Museum did not receive any bids for the concrete work, and did not have any contractors for
the mandatory pre-bid meeting on landscaping, both projects will have to be rebid. The concrete
work cannot be done while Titanic is here, and when it ends on October 13 the window for
completing the work is too short because of the potential for inclement weather.
Mr. Larson emphasized the Museum would attract the highest interest level by rebidding the two
projects in autumn, with work to commence in spring 2022. Assistant Director Anna Cannizzo will
work with Jon Urben at City Hall to get these two projects out for bid this fall.
Mr. Larson further reported that Ms. Cannizzo and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books are
working with him on CIP requests for 2022 through 2026. Most of these are the same projects
requested previously, so when Ms. Cannizzo brings them forward they will be familiar. Capital
improvements are scheduled for Council approval in late August, with the capital budget
approved in late November. The Council-approved projects will be reviewed at a Board meeting
after August. As Mr. Larson helps Ms. Cannizzo transition to Interim Director, she will send the
weekly Board memos and materials in August. Deep Roots, Growing City is a capital project and if
the schedule can be maintained, staff will review Split Rock’s work in late August and after that
Ms. Cannizzo will bring the Deep Roots, Growing City design to the Board.
While the general five year capital improvement list remains largely unchanged, there are a few
modifications and most have been summarized in the weekly memos. Mr. Larson advised the
Board to keep in mind that the next Director may propose different projects and alter this schedule.
D R A F T
Minutes of the May 2021 Museum Board Meeting
Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901
Page 4 of 5
To review slight changes, Mr. Larson noted he proposed removal of Memories & Dreams and fit-out
of that gallery into a multi-use space in 2023. This is because part of the multi-use gallery will
become part of the introduction to the Deep Roots, Growing City exhibition. It would be challenging
to complete just one section of demolition and fit-out in that gallery, especially as it relates to the
ceiling and mechanical system. Moreover, doing the work to make that space the multi-use gallery
in 2023 prevents staff from having to close the second floor two times, and will make the gallery
available during the Museum’s 2024 Centennial. Also of importance, the Museum can maintain
ADA accessibility to the second floor once the fit-out is complete. Fit-out of the multi-use gallery
will be coordinated with work on Deep Roots, Growing City.
Another added CIP task Mr. Larson reported on relates to masonry work. The Museum has
requested funds for masonry work through the years. However, to that request Mr. Larson has
added as a priority the tuck-pointing of the Sawyer home chimneys and gable ends.
Mr. Larson further noted he added two new CIP projects. One is the repair/drainage of the Carriage
House foundation. While not the Museum’s highest priority, it should be addressed in the coming
years because the basement is very damp and shows an increasing amount of effervescence of the
mortar and flaking on brick and limestone block, indicative of moisture issues. Fortunately, the
Carriage House foundation repair will use the same specifications as the Sawyer home project,
with some modifications, which will be a cost savings. The second project is an overhaul of the
Carriage House workshop and doors. As the Board might recall, a new workshop was planned as
part of the proposed building modifications and construction project with Engberg Anderson.
However, since that project is not in the foreseeable future, the current workshop must be
improved prior to the start of construction on Deep Roots, Growing City.
In conclusion, Mr. Larson gave an update on the Ziebell Charitable Remainder Trust. The Museum
is one of three recipients of the residual trust of John and May Ziebell. They had been Members,
and May passed away earlier this year. Staff worked with the City Attorney’s office to complete
the forms necessary to transfer the funds to the Museum. At this time we don’t know what amount
the Museum will receive. Mr. Larson anticipates this will come before the Board in July. That
concluded the Director’s report.
President Thierman requested the Auxiliary report.
Ms. Eichman reported that the Auxiliary Board has met and plans are in the works for all Auxiliary
members to meet on Monday, September 13th. Also, they are hoping to hold Pie on the Lawn on
July 11 and are checking with the City Fire Department to see what specific pandemic precautions
need to be taken in pie prep and serving. The next Auxiliary Board meeting will be June 7th. That
concluded the Auxiliary report.
Next on the agenda was the election of Board Officers for 2021-2022. Ms. Thierman asked for
nominations for the three open positions.
Ms. Matzke nominated Mr. Loiacono for President; second by Mr. Hoffman.
D R A F T
Minutes of the May 2021 Museum Board Meeting
Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901
Page 5 of 5
Mr. Loiacono nominated Ms. Matzke for Vice President; second by Ms. Fenrich.
Ms. Fenrich nominated Ms. Drexler as Secretary; second by Ms. Matzke.
MOTION: The Board approve Mr. Loiacono for President, Ms. Matzke for Vice President, and Ms.
Drexler for Secretary. (Fenrich; second Hoffman)
CARRIED: Yes (7), Drexler, Fenrich, Hoffman, Loiacono, Matzke, Rego, and Thierman.
With no other agenda items, Mr. Loiacono asked for a MOTION to adjourn. (Thierman; second
Drexler)
The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed.
The meeting adjourned at 4:56 p.m.
BILL LIST JUNE for May 2021 Bills
Company Account Items Purchased Amount Date
Purchased
PUR
CHA
SER
OPERATIONAL FUND 241
Amazon 6589 Acid Brushes/Tape Measure 32.98$ 05/03/21 GW
Amazon 6545 Porter-Cable zplunge Router Base 117.95$ 05/06/21 GW
Amazon 6545 4" Quick Connect Adapter 7.47$ 05/06/21 GW
Amazon 6545 4" Double Wire Hose Clamp 13.09$ 05/06/21 GW
Amazon 6505 Letter/Legal Laminating Pouches (100)39.97$ 05/12/21 DD
Amazon 6505 3-Sizes Binder Rings (100)18.98$ 05/13/21 DD
Cloverfield Landscape 6535 Straw Bales 21.00$ 05/14/21 MR
Culligan 6432 Monthy Rental Water Service 20.00$ 05/12/21 TB
Cutech 6545 Benchtop Jointer Plus Shipping 434.99$ 04/29/21 GW
Dex-Yp 6410 Directory Advertising 55.00$ 05/27/21 TM
Envisionink 6576 Free Admission Passes 79.00$ 05/10/21 TM
Facebook 6410 Advertising: Brand,Titanic,Cemetery Tours 175.00$ 05/13/21 TM
Facebook 6410 Cemetery Tours, Brand Awareness, Pow Wow 180.08$ 05/25/21 TM
Fox Cities Magazine 6410 1/4 Page Ad in June 2021 Issue 655.00$ 05/25/21 TM
Good Luck Sock 6588 Store Inventory 306.49$ 05/25/21 TM
Hands Craft Via Faire 6588 Store Inventory 94.16$ 05/21/21 TM
House of Fowers 6535 Plants for Outdoor Museum Urns 118.35$ 05/25/21 TB
Lowes 6589 Drawer/Workbench 399.00$ 05/03/21 MR
Lowes 6584 Compartment Storage,Stainless Steel Cleaner 18.96$ 05/07/21 GW
Lowes 6517 Pry Bar,Hammer,Knee Pads, Chaulk Line 79.92$ 05/11/21 MR
Oshkosh Herald 6410 Titanic, Star Wars Ads in March 405.60$ 05/04/21 TM
Oshkosh Herald 6410 Titanic, Star Wars, Pow Wow Ads in April 608.40$ 05/04/21 TM
Our Wisconsin 6410 1/2 Page Ad June/July Magazine 1,964.00$ 05/21/21 TM
Past Perfect 6407 Annual Support Renewal 432.00$ 05/20/21 TB
Paypal 6466 Monthly Fee 5.00$ Monthly TM
Staples Advantage 6505 HP 4 Pk Toner 95.09$ 04/29/21 TB
Staples Advantage 6589 Post-Its, Binders, Toner 52.84$ 05/19/21 TM
Staples Advantage 6505 HP Toners 46.82$ 05/25/21 TB
Target 6589 Coffee Maker for Events/Volunteers 79.99$ 05/19/21 TB
Verizon 6400 Cell phone service 42.75$ Monthly BL
Winnebago Landfill 6445 Construction Waste 20.00$ 05/10/21 Mr
Winnebago Landfill 6445 Construction Waste 26.00$ 05/14/21 MR
Wisc.Historical Society 6460 Annual Membership 2021 65.00$ 01/15/21 TB
Wisconsin Public Radio 6410 February spots 309.53$ 02/28/21 TM
Wisconsin Public Radio 6410 March Spots 347.20$ 03/31/21 TM
Wisconsin Public Radio 6410 April Spots 345.15$ 04/30/21 TM
Zillges 6535 Black Dirt 920.00$ 05/04/21 MR
TOTALS 8,599.78$
MEMBERSHIP FUND 227 Items Purchased Amount Date
Purchased
Cake Guru 6589 Special Event Cookies 33.00$ 5/3/2021 TM
Cable Ties & More 6589 PVC Floor Cord Covers for Pow Wow 289.05$ 5/26/2021 TB
Amazon 6589 Cups,Sugar,Creamer,Napkins etc.Pow Wow 121.64$ 5/27/2021 TB
Envisionlink 6589 Printing of Pow Wow Invites 314.00$ 4/30/2021 TM
Intuiface 6427 Software Player for One Year 240.00$ 05/04/21 TM
TOTALS 997.69$
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