HomeMy WebLinkAboutboardmemo8-19-2021
1331 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh WI 54901 • 920.236.5799 • oshkoshmuseum.org
MEMO TO THE MUSEUM BOARD
August 19, 2021
To the Board,
Attached is the draft agenda for the September 2 Board meeting. The proposed 2022 budgets were
submitted last week and as you can see on the draft agenda, the trusts and funds will be presented by
Assistant Director Anna Cannizzo. Anna has a solid understanding and will prepare the memo next week
that will include explanations, as necessary. Anna’s budget review with Mr. Rohloff and Finance Director
Russ Van Gompel is scheduled for mid-September.
Titanic continues to do well, although visitor numbers have declined slightly. We are now at about $41,000
in admission and about $22,000 for Titanic retail sales. Although stated previously, we could not present
this exhibition without the commitment of our wonderful volunteers.
In other areas, Maintenance Technician Matt Reinke continues to start his day at 5:00 a.m. to work on the
fit-out phase for Sports & Recreation. The combination of a much stronger plywood subfloor and
insulation between the joists has made a definite difference; walking on the subfloor is much quieter than
the original floor. This flooring work is truly important and a major improvement, and certain casework
elements are strongly anchored to the joists for rigidity. The floor reduces noise levels and diminishes
vibrations on the Library ceiling. Once the floor is done, work will move to case infrastructure.
Exhibit Technician Greg Witthun has turned his attention to building some of the assemblies necessary
for White Christmas. This exhibition is being coordinated by Registrar Emily Rock. As the Board knows,
I developed a plan for Registrar Emily Rock to assume the Curator of Exhibition position upon the
retirement of Curator of Exhibitions Debra Daubert, and the Registrar to move to a part-time position.
Consequently, Emily took the lead on the Sports & Recreation, Deep Roots, Growing City, and White
Christmas exhibitions. The decision on whether to continue with the reorganization rests with the
incoming Director.
In the miscellaneous paragraph and looking at next week, staff have the presentation by Split Rock Studios
for the final schematic design of Deep Roots, Growing City. Even though I won’t be here to enjoy the
upcoming work and the creation of that important exhibition, I am very much looking forward to the Split
Rock presentation. As a reminder, Anna will present the Deep Roots exhibition plan to the Board at the
October meeting. The autumn issue of The Muse is at the printer and will be mailed next month.
That ends the week and I hope you have a pleasant weekend.
Brad Larson
Director