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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.04.2022 Museum Board MinutesMinutes of the August 4, 2022 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 1 of 3 Minutes of the August 4, 2022 Board Meeting (Approved at the September 1, 2022 Board Meeting.) The August meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held Thursday, August 4, 2022, in the Lecture Room of the Museum. Vice President Matzke called the meeting to order at 4:01 pm. The roll was taken by Administrative Assistant Theresa Books. PRESENT AT ROLL: Vice President Becky Matzke, Secretary Connie Drexler, Board Members Carol Fenrich, Jim Hoffman, Dana Stolley, Jean Thierman, Alternate Tiara Cavett, Superintendent of Schools Bryan Davis, and Oshkosh School Board Vice President Barb Herzog EXCUSED: President Gabe Loiacono ALSO PRESENT: Assistant Director Anna Cannizzo and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books taking the minutes With Board member Loiacono absent, Ms. Matzke appointed Ms. Cavett. There were no citizen statements to the Board and none were received. Consent Agenda items included: A. Minutes of the July Board Meeting B. August Bill List MOTION: Adopt Consent Agenda with edit correcting “morn” to “mourn” (Hoffman; second Davis) CARRIED: Yes (9) Cavett, Fenrich, Davis, Drexler, Herzog, Hoffman, Matzke, Stolley, Thierman Vice President Matzke then requested Ms. Cannizzo present the Assistant Director’s report. Ms. Cannizzo began with an exhibitions update. Helen Farnsworth Mears: A Genius of Wisconsin is coming to a close soon. Its final day will be August 14th. In the weeks following, staff will be busy de-installing the exhibition, returning loans, and cleaning and preparing the space for the next exhibition. Manufacturing Victory: The Arsenal of Democracy will be on view from October 1st- December 31st. Curator of Exhibitions Emily Rock has been busy developing content to include in the exhibition about Oshkosh’s local efforts during WWII and working with staff at the WWII Museum on exhibition layout and delivery details. Marketing Coordinator Kate Stel has been actively working on sponsorship opportunities and related programming. Some exciting news Minutes of the August 4, 2022 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 2 of 3 that just came in, the Museum was notified today that the JEK Foundation (John E Kuenzl) awarded a $15,000 grant for the exhibition and will be the exhibition’s presenting sponsor! Regarding the exhibition This is Winnebagoland, Ms. Cannizzo reported staff has remained very busy getting collections items pulled and prepared for upcoming display, constructing mounts and casework, completing the fit-out of walls and electrical, developing graphics, and updating content. Ms. Cannizzo was pleased to report that the much needed construction on the Museum’s entrance is now underway. The stairs on the west side have been completely rebuilt; now the ramp and front staircase are being addressed. Signs were created to help visitors navigate entering the Museum, and staff are on call for assisting visitors to the staff entrance and elevator for those that need it. The goal is to have all work completed by the end of August. Further, Ms. Cannizzo reported that the recent internet and phone outage on Friday July 29th was the result of damage to fiber optic lines caused during the construction activities occurring on Algoma Ave. Out of an abundance of caution, the Museum closed on Saturday July 30th to ensure everything was restored before allowing visitors back on Sunday July 31st. Regarding staffing updates Ms. Cannizzo noted the entire staff wishes Diana Drew the best as she fully retires. Diana has served the Museum as a member of the Board, a collections volunteer, and as a Visitor Services associate for a number of years. While we are saddened to see Diana go, we all are happy for her to enjoy more time with family, friends, and on her many projects. Diana’s last day at the Museum was Sunday July 31st. Museum Director Sarah Phillips has been working with the City’s Human Resources Department to update the position description and anticipates it will be posted soon. In conclusion, The Assistant Curator position previously occupied by Katrina Achilli will not be reposted. Museum Director Sarah Phillips has reevaluated the position and will be posting it as an “Education Coordinator” to better align with the associated tasks related to educational outreach. The position will be part-time and unbenefited. That concluded the Assistant Director’s Report. Vice President Matzke requested the Auxiliary report. Auxiliary President Holly Eichman reported that Pie on the Lawn was a success. The Auxiliary made $693 from pie and water sales, along with donations and tips. The weather was beautiful and many Auxiliary members and community volunteers helped make the event a success. Ms. Minutes of the August 4, 2022 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 3 of 3 Eichman further noted that Pie on the Lawn started in 2011 where they made $290.25. The most the Auxiliary made on this event was in 2018 when they made $924. The money raised will be used to fund this year’s Gala. Ms. Eichman reported that the date for the 2022 Gala has been changed from Thursday, November 17, to Friday, November 18th because of conflicting activities such as the Holiday Parade and the Packer game. The Auxiliary’s next meeting for the Gala is Wednesday, August 10th at Evergreen Manor. In conclusion Mr. Eichman reported that the next meeting for the Auxiliary Board is Wednesday, August 10th right after the Gala meeting. The Board is currently working on the 2022-2023 programs and updating the booklet. Also of note, the Auxiliary is giving the Museum $150 to buy an American Girl doll as a giveaway for an upcoming American Girl themed program at the Museum. That concluded the Auxiliary report. With no other agenda items, Ms. Matzke asked for a motion to adjourn. MOTION: ADJOURN (Thierman; second Hoffman) CARRIED: VOICE VOTE The meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m.