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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.02.2023 Museum Board Minutes Minutes of the February 2, 2022 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 1 of 8 Minutes of the February 2, 20232 Board Meeting (Approved at the March 2, 2023 Board Meeting.) The February meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum (OPM) Board was held Thursday, February 2, 2023, in the Lecture Room of the Museum. President Loiacono called the meeting to order at 4:01 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 Carol Fenrich, Dana Stolley and Jean Thierman, Alternate Vicky Redlin Superintendent of Schools Bryan Davis, Oshkosh Area School District Board President Barb Herzog (Mr. Davis and Ms. Herzog excused themselves at 4:30 to attend another meeting.) EXCUSED: Board Member Tiara Cavett ALSO PRESENT: Director Sarah Phillips, Assistant Director Anna Cannizzo, Marketing Coordinator Kate Stel, and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books taking the minutes With Ms. Cavett absent, President Loiacono appointed Ms. Redlin. There were no citizen statements to the Board and none were received. Consent Agenda items included: A. Minutes of January 5, 2022, Board Meeting B. January (corrected) and February Bill List C. Receipt and Filing Quarter 4 Reports for Museum Funds held at the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation MOTION: Approve Consent Resolution Agenda. (Matzke; second Thierman) CARRIED: Yes (9) Davis, Drexler, Fenrich, Herzog, Loiacono, Matzke, Redlin, Stolley, Thierman After the Consent Agenda vote, Ms. Drexler expressed appreciation to Ms. Stolley for having noticed the error in the January Bill List; a WPS amount for the Library’s address. When checked on with the City Accounting Department this was found to be an error in recording, saving the Museum $5,585.38. A review of the Trust Funds was next on the Agenda. Director Phillips began by stating that she was hoping to have the 2022 year end numbers, however Finance was not able to have that available. The three budgets the Museum prepares and the Board reviews include the Operating, Membership, and Collections budgets. These are funded in part by various Trust Funds. A few days prior to the meeting the Board received a summary of those Trusts including what each is used for, to have time to review it. Minutes of the February 2, 2022 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 2 of 8 Director Phillips reported that the Museum (Collections) Fund held at the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation (OACF) was started years ago by the de-accessioning and sale of a painting. It didn’t fit the OPM Collections mission and had been damaged in the fire. The repair of that painting would be very costly. It was sold and the money received from it was invested to start this fund. The Collections policy at that time was encyclopedic and as years went on it was refined to be regional history, artifacts, and stories. She further reported that when the Museum receives a bequest, they are received and discussed by the Board. Board policy states that 10% of an unrestricted bequest goes into the Endowment Fund at the OACF. The remaining money is often left in the Membership fund and specific uses decided from there. Director Phillips allowed time for questions. Next on the Agenda, Director Phillips introduced the topic of naming some of the galleries and the lecture room. She reviewed that at the last meeting it was mentioned that staff would like to have the galleries and lecture room to have nice names. She brought Ms. Stel into the discussion to review the whys of naming the galleries. Ms. Stel noted the Board may recall that in May 2022 Graphic Designer Daniel Fiser presented information about the importance of branding. The gallery name is one of the first things visitors, donors, and members see and hear about. Brand is the relationship between the Museum and the public. Also important, a good name has a good marketing ring to it. A place for the Board to start is to think of broad themes, such as state symbols, branch of the local government, etc. A Board member asked if OPM would look for large sponsors to have naming rights. Director Phillips stated the Museum is NOT looking for sponsors to decide the names. It was suggested to not use names of people, as in time the history of people’s background can be discovered and someone once thought of positively is then viewed in a negative light. Several ideas brought forward include: The natural world and historical references. Ms. Drexler saw the movie about deaf baseball player Dummy Hoy and suggested historical sports names. Brooklyn and Athens—north and south sides of river. Tiffany themes such as Wisteria, Turtle glass, Galena. Floral, fauna, minerals. Ties to the Sawyer family, things they had, pet projects. Waldwic, their home near Lake Butte de Morts. Architectural features or wood used in the home such as maple, chestnut, mahogany. The 1924 Gallery. In closing of the discussion Director Phillips stated she would like to have options to present to the Board at the March meeting so that a final vote can happen and the names can start to be used in marketing materials. She will find a way for the Board to give more ideas if they think of some in the next few weeks. [She sent out a survey that ideas could be added to.] Regarding a Development Committee, President Loaicono opened the discussion. MOTION: The Board create a Development Committee. (Drexler; second Redlin) Discussion: President Loiacono stated it is important to know just what this committee would do. People won’t know if they want to be on the committee until they know a few details. There was suggestion that the committee meet and discuss what bylaws, mission, etc. it would work under. Director Phillips recommends choosing one thing to focus on, to work on, and then once that is Minutes of the February 2, 2022 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 3 of 8 underway the committee could do more things. It was noted that a staff person will need to be a liaison at the meeting and minutes will need to be taken and typed. It will be a sub-committee of the Museum Board. Also to consider is whether this will be a standing committee or a short term committee. Director Phillips suggested that as many of the Board as can meet, come at 3:00 p.m. before the 4:00 p.m. March Board meeting to have a workshop to talk about the Development Committee. What the mission will be. What to focus on. Board members agreed. 2nd MOTION: Table the first Motion until after the workshop. (Matzke, second Redlin) CARRIED: Yes (7) Drexler, Fenrich, Loiacono, Matzke, Redlin, Stolley, Thierman President Loiacono then requested Director Phillips present the Director’s report. Director Phillips began by noting that with the positive reception of ideas relating to the creation of OPM Board committees, she wanted to provide a review of some Board rules and a reminder about open records. As discussions about creating OPM Board committees continues, please read/review the Oshkosh Board and Commission General Rules of Order. A hard copy was provided for each Board Member for your reference. She asked that they remember that discussions relating to Board business are encouraged during meetings and should be limited outside of meetings. This is to ensure compliance with open meeting requirements. It is strongly recommended to include Director Phillips and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books on email correspondence to fellow Board members. Board members can also use MB@ci.oshkosh.wi.us to ensure copies of correspondence is on record with the City. If a committee is formed, each meeting must be noticed to the public and must have minutes kept, as required by statute. Regarding the second floor transformation, Director Phillips was pleased to report that there is a great deal of momentum as work is planned and completed for the second floor galleries. Regarding Memories and Dream, staff have created special messaging to address the closure of this exhibit. She including in the Board packet the information that was shared in a press release at the end of last month, as well as some anticipated questions. Director Phillips encouraged the board to refer to these documents if members of the public inquire about the closure of the exhibit. This is to ensure consistency and avoid any confusion about the project, as well as to let people know the exciting new spaces that staff are creating. Regarding This is Winnebagoland, a great deal of progress has been made over the last month on this exhibit. Staff recently completed the installation of the bowling game, fabrication of large mural graphics, and more of the case mounts for artifacts. Label text has been handed off to the Graphic Designer, and final edits on exhibit script are currently in progress. The bowling game was installed for the interactive/kinetic component of the exhibit. Staff anticipate visitors will really enjoy this hands-on activity! Minutes of the February 2, 2022 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 4 of 8 Next Director Phillips reported the final results of the exhibit Manufacturing Victory. Visitor evaluations regarding exhibition goals To enhance participant knowledge of how World War II and American industry affected one another. 95% of respondents agreed Inspire participants to learn more about life and culture on the home front during WWII. 84% of respondents agreed Curate a local history section on the regional impact of WWII and industry on the Homefront. OPM exhibited 33 individual pieces from the permanent collections for the first time. In the future staff will have larger local areas for exhibits in which it is relevant. Visitor Feedback on Manufacturing Victory included “I appreciate any exhibit that connects, whatever the topic, to Oshkosh's history and its people. Thank you for this thoughtful exhibit.” “Inspirational in terms of people pulling together for a cause. Striking to see in contrast with today's political climate.” Educational Outreach 363 Classrooms were reached (exceeded goal of 200 cumulative.) Nearly 400 students participated in virtual or in-person field trips. All participants were provided with Free Family Field Trip passes. 100% of teacher survey respondents rated Q&A discussion with Curator of Exhibitions Emily Rock as their students’ favorite component of the virtual field trips. This strongly suggests that open-ended, explorative access to local history content encourages student curiosity. Visitation and programming during Manufacturing Victory 2,331 Museum Visitors Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2022 6 Programs hosted related to Manufacturing Victory. Approx. 100 attendees to programs. 89% reported highest rates of satisfaction with programming. 78% reported a strong likelihood of attending future programs at OPM. Visitation patterns (of those surveyed): 28% had never visited the OPM before; 19% their first visit in 2+ years Museum Store: $4,877 revenue during the exhibit run Minutes of the February 2, 2022 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 5 of 8 To conclude the Director’s Report, Director Phillips asked Ms. Cannizzo to report on the Miss America Exhibit and Event. Ms. Cannizzo began with some background. One of the owners of the White Christmas exhibit is the 2000 (year) Miss America. While working with her, OPM staff met staff of the Miss Wisconsin Scholarship Organization and worked with them on projects while White Christmas was exhibiting at OPM. Grace Stanke, Miss Wisconsin 2022 from Wausaw, won the 2023 Miss America Competition. As part of her Homecoming Celebration, she will be at the OPM on Sunday, February 19th, from 1-3:00 p.m. for a meet and greet with Museum visitors. Staff are working on an exhibit for the Historic Sawyer Home Parlor that will feature her Miss America Competition gown and other items from her time participating in the Miss America Competition. This exhibit will be on display through July 30th. There is possibility that the Museum would be seen on the national stage with this visit. Of additional significance, this is the 60th Anniversary of the Miss Wisconsin contest being hosted in Oshkosh. That concluded the Director’s Report. President Loiacono requested the Auxiliary report. Auxiliary President Holly Eichman reported that Michael McArthur from the Oshkosh Public Library will be presenting a program on using city directories for local history and genealogy. Ms. Eichman also reported that the Auxiliary received a letter from the IRS saying that the Auxiliary over paid $82.04 in taxes over the last five years. They sent five checks making up that amount, one for each small amount overpaid through the years. That concluded the Auxiliary report. With no other Agenda items, President Loiacono asked for a motion to adjourn. MOTION: Adjourn (Matzke; second Redlin) CARRIED: Voice Vote The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m. Minutes of the February 2, 2022 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 6 of 8 Second-Floor Gallery Transformation Communications The Oshkosh Public Museum is excited to announce the next phases of the transformation of our second-floor galleries! Our newest long-term exhibition This Is Winnebagoland will open on April 1, 2023. Longstanding spaces, full of Memories & Dreams will close on April 3, 2023. Museum Curators will be carefully returning artifacts to safe storage, in a months-long process. A new temporary gallery space that allows the OPM to bring in traveling exhibitions from around the country and showcase items within our collection will be unveiled in 2024. The entire first floor of the Museum, including People of the Waters and the Apostles Clock, continues to welcome visitors throughout 2023. The new This Is Winnebagoland exhibit (opening April 1), the Menominee Clans Story, and the Historic Sawyer Home’s grand staircase will be available to visit beginning on April 1, 2023. Our transformed second floor, and the exhibitions it will welcome, will offer new opportunities for discovery, inspiration, and connection for years to come. We can’t wait to share them with you! Talking Points for Visitors Visitors may share memories, feelings, and a sense of loss upon the announcement of the second- floor transformation. These comments should be accepted kindly and welcomed because they demonstrate the power of the work we do! However, to most effectively nurture our connection with visitors, you should adhere to the general tone of the talking points enumerated below and speak in positive terms regarding these upcoming projects. Minutes of the February 2, 2022 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 7 of 8 Anticipated Questions  Why is Grandma’s Attic/Pioneer Log Cabin/etc. going away?  The Memories & Dreams exhibition has been on view since 1998. Objects from the collection that are part of the exhibition must eventually be rotated back into safe storage to ensure their preservation.  Additionally, to strengthen our ability to best serve the public through traveling exhibitions, we have identified the gallery space currently occupied by Memories & Dreams as the best space for a new, flexible gallery. Our current temporary exhibition space (the “Red Gallery”) has many limitations for hosting temporary exhibitions. Most importantly, as part of the Historic Sawyer Home, it cannot be vastly renovated to become a flexible space.  What are you doing with the items? Where is everything going?  Museum staff will begin work immediately to return artifacts to safe storage in a months-long process. Artifacts will be cleaned, documented, and stored safely until they are called upon again to be featured in exhibitions!  What will be taking its place? What will the second floor be like?  Sections of the second floor will be transformed into a new, flexible temporary exhibition space, which will be unveiled in mid-2024. The first exhibition hosted in the new gallery will be a celebration of the Sawyer Family Legacy and the Museum’s 100th anniversary in the Historic Sawyer Home.  Other sections of the Museum’s second floor are already undergoing transformation. Our newest long-term exhibition This Is Winnebagoland will open April 1, 2023.  What is the new exhibit this year? Why is there no travelling exhibit?  The OPM is excited to open This Is Winnebagoland on April 1, 2023. Several other new exhibitions in the Historic Sawyer Home Parlor and Library and lower level will also be on view during 2023.  Staff will be carefully returning artifacts to safe storage and with building renovations on the second floor, which do not allow us to host a travelling exhibition this year.  Questions regarding the timeline of the project (e.g.: How long will it be closed, etc.)  Memories & Dreams, including Grandma’s Attic, are currently open and will remain open through Sunday, April 2.  Following the closure of Memories & Dreams, This Is Winnebagoland, The Menominee Clans Story, and the Historic Sawyer Home Grand Staircase will remain open to welcome visitors. o The new gallery will open with its first temporary exhibition mid-2024. Minutes of the February 2, 2022 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 8 of 8  How can I stay up to date on the project?  Follow us on social media (@oshkoshpublicmuseum) on Facebook and Instagram and visit our website oshkoshmuseum.org  Subscribe to our newsletter (emailed once monthly)  Join as a member to hear Museum happenings first! Anticipated Comments  But I love Grandma’s Attic!  Yes, it’s a really fun exhibit! You can visit it as often as you’d like through April 2!  Well that’s the entire second floor gone!  We know that gallery closures can impact your visit and ask your patience as we work to transform our spaces to best serve the public.  What is there to actually see/experience without the second floor?  All other spaces in the Museum remain open! The entire first floor, including award-winning People of the Waters and the Historic Sawyer Home remain accessible. On the second floor, you can view the new This Is Winnebagoland exhibition, the Menominee Clans Story, and the original Tiffany Studios window on the grand staircase.