City of Jacksonville Heritage Cultural Center Board met June 21.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
The meeting (held in the Jacksonville Municipal Building Mayor’s Conference Room)) was called to order at 5:18 p.m. by David Blanchette, Chairman. Those present included David Blanchette, John Clancy, Patsy Erickson, Diane Hollendonner, Kyla Hurt, John Power, James Pisell, Samantha Sauer, Steve Varble, and Judy Tighe (Ex-Officio). Absent were Anne Jackson, Laura Marks, Charles Rice, and Brittany Henry (Ex-Officio).
Minutes of the May 3, 2018 meeting were approved as distributed.
The treasurer’s report was given by James Pisell, with $1001.99 in the city checking account and $43,786.90 in the money market account. The city checking account will be moved into the money market account in the future.
Committee Reports:
Employee/Staff Management: David Blanchette passed out a list of museum planning committee assignments. Committees included Developing a strategic plan: Judy Tighe, Brittany Henry, Laura Marks, Trevor Lawson, John Clancy; Developing a disaster plan: Diane Hollendonner, Patsy Erickson, Samantha Sauer, John Clancy; Developing an ethics statement: Judy Tighe, Brittany Henry, Charles Rice, Diane Hollendonner; Developing a collections plan: Laura Marks, Samantha Sauer, Steve Varble, Trevor Lawson, Patsy Erickson; and Developing an interpretive plan/permanent exhibits plan: Kyla Hurt, John Power, Ann Jackson, Jim Pisell. There are several resource books available that might be helpful to the committees; James Pisell will email a list of what he has in his personal library.
Volunteer Recruitment/Management: No report.
Fundraising and Budgeting: David Blanchette reported that ideas are still needed to develop revenue sources such as fundraisers. One suggestion was to hold a Hard Hat Ball at the Old Post Office, similar to what was done during construction of the Abraham Lincoln museum in Springfield. Potential problems included approval by the Inspections Department for use of the building, lack of restroom facilities, and possibility of using a tent on the lawn. Another idea was to place a donation receptacle at any temporary exhibit spaces, but it would need to be a secure container to hold money.
Acquisitions/Archives & Historian: The Congregational Church donated items to Illinois College and to the museum including photos, paintings, commemorative programs, and other articles of local history. After the paperwork is completed, the board will have a chance to view the items and vote on accepting them into the collection. The paperwork for the Elliott family items is still being completed. David Blanchette will get a photograph of an Elliott Bank sign from the early 1900’s to examine as a possible acquisition. Patsy Erickson displayed a box containing an assortment of period medical restraints marked with Dr. Drennan’s name that might be used in a future local medical exhibit; it was voted to accept these items into the museum’s collection. It was also voted to accept a collection of photographs of the construction of the Old Post Office building from Pat Kennedy.
Exhibits/Facilities: Samantha Sauer and James Pisell presented a list of items (from Trevor’s artifact cataloging list) selected to represent “Gems/Highlights of the Collection” that could be used for the Bicentennial Exhibit or other display events. The list included a cigar press, hand fans, David Prince portrait, Jacksonville band photos, and dentistry books. It was suggested that the board meet at the Dreams Center for the scheduled August 2 meeting to look over some of the items for display.
Proper exhibit display cases, posters/signage, and other supplies will be needed to develop traveling or permanent exhibits. Bids for table top exhibit cases with different specifications of acrylic panels/interior finishing/etc. have been received from Gaylord Archival. Funds from the Trivia Nite will be used to purchase some of the supplies needed.
The Dreams Center has requested payment for storage space. It was voted to authorize payment of $2000 for one year of storage space, with the stipulation that air conditioning, heating, and security be maintained.
There was nothing new to report on the Old Post Office building.
Special Events/Public Education & Promotion: No report.
Interns: Intern Trevor Lawson is almost finished cataloging museum items, with the exception of newly-added ones.
Old Business: The Facebook page has been dormant for a while, but Steve Varble intends to update it soon. John Power reported that the Meredosia Historical Society is starting up again and he will check with them to see what has happened to their collection.
New Business: None.
There were no public comments.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, August 2, 5:15 p.m., at the Dreams Center on W. College Avenue if arrangements can be made with Steve Cantrell.
With no further business or announcements to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
http://www.jacksonvilleil.gov/city_government/boards_commissions_and_committees/docs/Boards%20Commissions%20Committees/HCC_Minutes/2018/HCC%20Minutes%206.21.18.pdf