Morgantown Museum Commission

Meeting minutes for May 18, 2006

In attendance: Pam Ball, Darryl DeGripp, Christy Venham, Virginia Evans, Larry Sypolt, Rick McEwuen, Wally Venable

Pam Ball called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM in the conference room at the Tanner Museum Incubator site.

Old Business

The need for a petty cash fund was discussed and was generally agreed that it should be established. The profits from the collection of cell phones and used ink cartridges in the amount of about $100.00 would be the beginning deposit.

Darryl’s inventory of the boxes of books in the basement is proceding. He has inventoried about 196 books including 3 files of correspondence of Mabel Tanner. The correspondence includes promotion materials for her plays. There are still 9 or 10 boxes of books to go through.

The proposed budget was submitted to Mayor Justice’s office on April 12^th. We have not heard any response as of yet.

Paula at GMCT will be needing the letters of endorsement soon for the grant that she is working on.

Larry discussed the advantages and possible costs of publishing the Sterling Faucet/ Sabraton book. A monograph style book with pictures could cost approximately $7000 – 7500 to produce (about $4.00 each) and could sell for $15.00. It may be possible to get a loan or grant to finance the publication of the first book and repay the loan with the profits of the book. Approaching the Hazel Ruby McQuain Foundation was discussed as a possible funding source for establishing a publication program. Wally suggested a possible partnership with the Historic Society.

New Business

Laura, the new employee, started on Tuesday. She will be working part time for AIE, GMCT, and MMC doing secretarial chores and receptionist duties for MMC. She will be manning the museum site from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. AIE provided her with a laptop computer with Foundation Center program ( a benefit for us as well). She is legally a city employee through BOPARC. Wally suggested that one of her duties could be to develop a mailing list/ contact list database.

Darryl and Pam met with Paula regarding the $5000. 00 grant. They were told that the grant had been approved. If approved by the city, the funds would be administered by GMCT.

The West Virginia Day celebration activities for June 24th were discussed The making of story books with rubber stamps was discussed as an activity for younger children. Virginia suggested a coloring banner using outlines of West Virginia personalities and other icons. A display of glass novelties by Gold Lindquist and the RMI Lindquist video will be shown during the weekend as well.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 PM