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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.03.22_Museum Board MinutesMinutes of the February 3, 2021 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 1 of 3 Minutes of the February 3, 2022 Board Meeting (Approved at the March 3, 2022 Board Meeting.) The February meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held Thursday, February 3, 2022, via Zoom. President Loiacono called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. The roll was taken by Administrative Assistant Theresa Books. PRESENT AT ROLL: President Gabe Loiacono, Vice President Becky Matzke, Secretary Connie Drexler, Board Members Jim Hoffman, Rick Rego, Jean Thierman, Carol Fenrich, Alternate Tiara Cavett, and Oshkosh Superintendent of Schools Bryan Davis. EXCUSED: Board Alternate Dana Stolley ABSENT: School Board President Bob Poeschl ALSO PRESENT: Director Sarah Phillips, Assistant Director Anna Cannizzo, Senior Trust Manager Daniel Evensen and Director of Fixed Income Pat Fry of Associated Trust Company, Auxiliary Secretary Sue Eichman, and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books recording the minutes. Representatives from Associated Trust Company presented the Annual review of the Durow Trust Fund. Daniel Evensen introduced Pat Fry, noting his experience is investing funds in accordance with municipal law. He also noted that Mr. Fry has been behind the scenes working with Mike Hochholzer. Mr. Hochholzer is no longer working directly with the management of the Durow Fund, due to a promotion. Mr. Fry thoroughly explained the various investments, time to maturity of each fund, and many details of the investments. The Board was welcome to ask questions during the presentation. When the presentation was complete, and with no further questions, Mr. Evensen and Mr. Fry excused themselves from the meeting. There were no citizen statements to the Board and none were received. Consent Agenda items included: A. Minutes of the January 6, 2021 Board Meeting B. February Bill List MOTION: Adopt Consent Agenda (Matzke; second Fenrich) CARRIED: Yes (8) Drexler, Fenrich, Hoffman, Loiacono, Matzke, Rego, Thierman, Davis President Loiacono then requested Ms. Phillips present the Director’s Report. Minutes of the February 3, 2021 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 2 of 3 Ms. Phillips began with a review of White Christmas: The Exhibition. She noted that this has been the most well received exhibit of the year. Visitors traveled from all over the region to enjoy artifacts from the film and they walked away understanding the wide-reaching importance of this Hollywood hit. The Museum has received good feedback on Google as well. Staff has worked closely with the Henry’s (the owners of the items on exhibit) to assist them in further refining their processes of loaning their exhibit. This relationship has been mutually beneficial - the Museum has strengthened its ties with an extraordinary partner, and the Henry’s can move forward with great confidence knowing they have resources and expertise available to them as they build the capacity of the Rosemary Clooney House. Ms. Cannizzo commented that visitors to White Christmas showed more enthusiasm than for any of the other exhibits this past year. Ms. Theirman agreed that when she was at the Museum volunteering as docent, she saw people smiling, singing, and enjoying their time at the Museum. Regarding other exhibit updates Ms. Phillips reported that the fit-out for the long term exhibition Sports and Recreation is continuing and still right on track. Drywall installation will begin within the next couple weeks, with mudding starting on February 21st. Case layouts will be starting next week. Ms. Phillips was pleased to report staff have added a new exhibit to the schedule for 2022. Three sisters, Mary Reinke, Ann Reinke Strong, and Joan Reinke Ziegler, donated photos of the Deltox Rug Company to the Museum late in 2021. Putting these together with several items the Museum already had in Collections will tell the story of the company. The exhibit title is History Made Here: Inside Deltox Rug Company. The Deltox Rug Company was a national leader for rugs made of wire grass in the early 20th century. This exhibit of photographs from 1928 highlights the factory’s many departments and employees in action. It will feature nine photos and two cases of artifacts. Visitors will learn about the company’s history and workers who were employed there. This exhibit will be in the Gold Parlor from about mid-March to mid-September. Next, Ms. Phillips reported that Museum educator Tanya Schmidt has almost completed the history kits and the teaching materials that go with them. Items are on order to complete the hands-on portions, and a check-out system will be created. Ms. Schmidt put together a survey to send out to Oshkosh Area teachers to learn if they know what the Museum offers in exhibits and learning opportunities, how the Museum can improve as host to school groups, etc. Ms. Phillips will work with Ms. Schmidt and Assistant Curator Katrina Achilli to determine areas that staff can grow and better serve teachers and students in the area. Ms. Achilli will be enrolling in a museum education professional development course to help lead the Museum in K-12 programming and engagement. Mr. Loiacono asked if Ms. Achilli’s job is changing. Ms. Phillips confirmed that it is not changing, but will be focused on education tasks outlined in the Assistant Curator job description more heavily as the year moves forward, but will help with curatorial duties as needed. The search for a new Marketing Coordinator was successful. Ms. Phillips and Ms. Cannizzo interviewed several good candidates, and one stood out, so they offered the position to her that Minutes of the February 3, 2021 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 3 of 3 same day. Ms. Phillips reported Kate Stel will be joining the Oshkosh Public Museum staff on February 21. In addition to the typical marketing duties such as social media and ad placements, Ms. Stel will also be overseeing the Museum store and assisting in events, fundraising and development. Ms. Phillips looks forward to introducing Kate to the Board at the March meeting. Ms. Phillips then extended a warm welcome to the newest Board Member, Tiara Dainya-Sophia Cavett. Ms. Cavett joins the Board as an alternate board member. She has lived in Oshkosh for a total of 10 years and has a strong interest to be involved in the community. Ms. Cavett said she is very happy to be on the Museum Board. She has 4 young boys and they come to the Museum often. President Loiacono welcomed her and said it is nice to have a parent of young children on the Board. The Board then introduced themselves to Ms. Cavett and welcomed her to the Board. When greetings and discussion ended, Ms. Phillips concluded her report. President Loiacono requested the Auxiliary Report. Auxiliary Secretary Sue Eichman reported their February speaker is Michael McCarthy from the Oshkosh Public Library, speaking on the history of Steins Clothing Store. The February meeting of the Auxiliary and Auxiliary Board is set for the 11th. The Auxiliary would like to have Pie on the Lawn again, but that depends on the landscaping/cement projects, as well as road work on Algoma Blvd. They will wait to make a final decision. With no other agenda items, President Loiacono asked for a motion to adjourn. (Thierman; second Hoffman) CARRIED: Yes (8) Drexler, Fenrich, Hoffman, Loiacono, Matzke, Rego, Thierman, Davis The meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m.