HomeMy WebLinkAboutboardmemo7-29-2021
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MEMO TO THE MUSEUM BOARD
July 29, 2021
To the Board,
Attached is the agenda for the August 5 Board meeting, along with a report of Titanic
attendance and income through Wednesday.
Beginning with Titanic, attendance has been easily manageable with the online ticket system.
Thus far we have experienced steady numbers but are not crowed, walk-ins are controllable,
and parking has not been an issue. Combined with the service our volunteers provide, this
results in a first rate visitor experience. People tend to stay longer than normal in the main
galleries, 40-45 minutes being an average time. It is too early to accurately forecast visitation
totals after one week, but after looking at group and future ticket sales and knowing that
attendance builds, it appears we are on the right trajectory. Of note, we are serving a
significant number of people from EAA and from other parts of Wisconsin.
Volunteers and staff have been magnificent. There is no way the Museum could present a
major event like this without dedicated volunteers, and they have embraced the opportunity.
However, when we do not have enough volunteers, staff fill in. This is an especially busy
period for staff with the daily demands of Titanic, the ongoing development of two other long-
term exhibitions and the upcoming White Christmas, the start of the 2022 budget, a city-wide
operational change, and many other things.
There was a short Council workshop late Tuesday afternoon related to capital improvements. I
used my brief time to speak about building modifications. Tuesday’s workshop was likely my
last Council workshop before retirement and I am pleased to have had the opportunity to talk
about the Museum’s needs.
In other news, fit-out in the Sports & Recreation gallery is finally moving ahead. Maintenance
Technician Matt Reinke is helping City Electrician Shawn Hoppe run conduit and service. This
work begins at 5:00 a.m. and concludes before Titanic opens at 10:00. Electrical is one of the
first steps of the fit-out stage. Over the years, I have come to truly enjoy the fit-out phase of
exhibitions. After the electrical is finished, floor work can continue. As I think I mentioned
previously, the two main goals for flooring are to decrease vibrations on the pressed plaster
ceiling in the Sawyer Library, and to reduce noise levels.
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After quiet summer skies last year, it sure seems good to hear the growl of EAA aircraft. It’s
odd how reassuring that sound is, as it signifies that some parts of life have returned to normal
as people try to forget 2020.
That ends the week and I look forward to seeing everyone next Thursday afternoon.
Brad Larson
Director