Morgantown Museum Commission

Meeting Minutes

May 21, 2009

 

Present: Pam Ball, Scott Matthews, Michael Mackert, Mark Wise, Jim Snyder, Jack Thompson, Rick McEwuen, Charlie Byrer, Mr. Vance, Nick Hein

 

Rick distributed the minutes from the previous meeting, which were approved as written. Charlie Byrer introduced the newest member of the commission, Mr. Vance.

Pam announced the Greater Morgantown Community Trust had awarded the Museum $4000.00 from the grant request. The amount is the same as last year.

            Michael said that he is working on accessioning the photos from the Sterling Faucet collection and entering the items into the “collectify” program. He is also working on getting the newsletter ready and mailed. Michael will have additional copies printed and take them to the local hotels. Michael and Scott said that they had decided to have Labyrinth Solutions do our website instead of Literati. Labyrinth had the website up in three days. Scott is looking into different ways to “watermark” photos we have for use on the website.

Mark said that, if all goes well, that the museum should be ready to move to the new location on Clay St. by this fall. Once plans are ready, the construction phase should be about 60-90 days.

Rick picked up the Mon River banner and the small sign from the Sign Factory.

Pam said that the Chocolate Day was successful with well in excess of 400 people coming into the museum. The Arts on the River Festival is June 20 and 21st. Volunteers will be needed to man the table.

Pam and Rick announced the gift of many photos, artwork, and files from the Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce. They also donated two letter sized 4-drawer file cabinets. Rick also announced the receipt of the WV Historical Atlas that was purchased from the WV University Press. Michael said that we had received a donation of several copies of the Sterling Faucet News and several photos of High Street in the 1920s showing a circus parade.

Pam said that she had some conversations with the new Morgantown Historical Society president, Ed Hawkins, in which he said that he would like to develop a good working relationship with the Museum. She further said that Dr. Bing of the WVU Public History Dept. is also interested in working on developing a close relationship.

Pam said that a “field trip” was being planned for a trip to Pricketts Fort and one other nearby museum or historic site. Pam will email details as they are firmed up.

The possibility of grant requests to fraternal organizations was discussed.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:57 PM.

                                                           

                                                                        Rick McEwuen, secretary