michael h schneider
05-16-2001, 12:25 PM
For NAWCC NEWS May 14, 2001
To all Chapters and Members:
The Trustees of the National Watch and Clock Museum (NWCM) met in regular
session on Saturday, May 5. At that meeting, they heard from our new
Executive Director, Dr. Nancy Connelly, and from Museum staff about our
present situation and progress toward accomplishing the many tasks needed
to improve services, manage our collection, and improve our financial
circumstances. The Trustees also took a number of actions in support of
these efforts.
Collection Management
It was reported that all information from the previous Argus software had
been successfully transferred to our new collection management software
"Past Perfect". Work is continuing now to provide accurate descriptions
of all items in inventory, including photographs, and the next major task
will be to identify and catalogue items which had not been put into the
Argus system. As this progresses it will greatly improve our ability to
professionally manage our collections.
Grant Writing Program
Dr. Connelly reported that we had received a grant for $1775 from the
IMLS to support our accreditation effort. She also gave a status report
on other grants which are pending, which total nearly $63,000. She also
noted that grant writing must receive constant attention to ensure we can
benefit from moneys available.
HVAC Lawsuit
We have been sued by a Columbia resident who has complained of "excessive
noise" from our HVAC unit. Dr. Connelly reported that an indefinite
continuance has been granted, to enable us to have an engineering firm
conduct a study to see what additional sound reducing measures might be
taken and what they would cost. It was noted that we are in technical
compliance with the local noise ordinances, however we wish to be on good
neighbor terms with the community. The study under way is expected to be
completed in 30 to 60 days.
Staff Changes
The Trustees were advised that Conservator Bob Desrochers had resigned.
In review of the most essential tasks needed for support of the Museum,
it was decided to realign certain responsibilities and hire a Curator
instead of a direct Conservator replacement. This was possible in part
because Desrochers has volunteered to do conservancy work on a part time,
contract basis. Subsequently, Michele Nichols was named acting Curator,
Kenneth Wolpert was named Facilities Manager on a full time basis, John
Hughes is now Lead Guard, and Roger Huegel has operating system
responsibility for security.
Committee Reports and Actions
The Trustees heard from the Museum Committee and Resource Development
Committee. The Library Committee did not report due to the absence of
the Chairman, however they provided a draft mission statement and
procedures for the Trustee's consideration.
The Resource Development Committee reported on the status of several
fundraising efforts and initiatives, and also proposed followup to the
letter to members which was sent in September 2000. The member letter is
to become an annual effort, supported by a greater presence in the
Bulletin. A number of initiatives are planned or underway.
Several actions were taken by the Trustees to reinforce the work being
done by the Committees, including:
>> A motion to accept a draft mission and procedures statement for the
Library Committee, subject to ongoing review, was approved.
>> A motion to accept an updated mission statement for the Museum
Committee was approved.
>> A motion to upgrade the status of the Resource Development Committee from
ad hoc to a standing (permanent) committee was approved and request was made
for proposed members.
Museum Accreditation
Dr. Connelly provided comment regarding the requirements of the MAP
program which has been entered, and for which we received the IMLS grant.
The August 15 submission date for the self-assessment documentation will
require a concerted effort to meet, and in the discussion that followed
strong support was expressed to see that it was done properly and on
time.
>> A motion to provide all necessary support for the accreditation
process was approved.
Special Exhibits
A review of policies for Special Exhibits was held, and noted that a
5-year plan would be pursued by the Museum Committee to include budgeting
and plans for grant writing support. The next exhibit will be on
"Collecting" and will feature the J. Bryson and Mary Lou Moore collection.
Other special exhibits were discussed including the current exhibit on
Military Timepieces, plans for a "traveling" photographic exhibit, plans
for an exhibit featuring Pennsylvania clock makers, and an exhibit
featuring Civil War timepieces to coincide with the Gettysburg
celebration.
>> A motion to support the next Special Exhibit on Collecting was
approved.
NAWCC NEWS
Dog Cowan presented a proposal to the Trustees, requesting their
participation in a new communications effort which is called NAWCC NEWS.
After discussion it was decided that the Trustee Chairman, Ralph
Fletcher, would be designated to be the person providing information
regarding the NWCM.
>> A motion to approve Ralph Fletcher as NWCM spokesperson for the NAWCC
NEWS was approved.
Personnel Handbook
Draft copies were provided of proposed personnel handbooks, including
personnel policies and benefits. It was noted that comments should be
provided by October 1, following which a joint NAWCC / NWCM effort will
be made to obtain professional review and subsequent final approval and
implementation in 2002.
The next Trustee meeting will be on August 11, 2001. A draft of the
unapproved "official" minutes of the May 5, 2001 meeting should be available
within two weeks.
Submittted by Ralph Fletcher, Museum Trustee.
RalFletch@aol.com
To all Chapters and Members:
The Trustees of the National Watch and Clock Museum (NWCM) met in regular
session on Saturday, May 5. At that meeting, they heard from our new
Executive Director, Dr. Nancy Connelly, and from Museum staff about our
present situation and progress toward accomplishing the many tasks needed
to improve services, manage our collection, and improve our financial
circumstances. The Trustees also took a number of actions in support of
these efforts.
Collection Management
It was reported that all information from the previous Argus software had
been successfully transferred to our new collection management software
"Past Perfect". Work is continuing now to provide accurate descriptions
of all items in inventory, including photographs, and the next major task
will be to identify and catalogue items which had not been put into the
Argus system. As this progresses it will greatly improve our ability to
professionally manage our collections.
Grant Writing Program
Dr. Connelly reported that we had received a grant for $1775 from the
IMLS to support our accreditation effort. She also gave a status report
on other grants which are pending, which total nearly $63,000. She also
noted that grant writing must receive constant attention to ensure we can
benefit from moneys available.
HVAC Lawsuit
We have been sued by a Columbia resident who has complained of "excessive
noise" from our HVAC unit. Dr. Connelly reported that an indefinite
continuance has been granted, to enable us to have an engineering firm
conduct a study to see what additional sound reducing measures might be
taken and what they would cost. It was noted that we are in technical
compliance with the local noise ordinances, however we wish to be on good
neighbor terms with the community. The study under way is expected to be
completed in 30 to 60 days.
Staff Changes
The Trustees were advised that Conservator Bob Desrochers had resigned.
In review of the most essential tasks needed for support of the Museum,
it was decided to realign certain responsibilities and hire a Curator
instead of a direct Conservator replacement. This was possible in part
because Desrochers has volunteered to do conservancy work on a part time,
contract basis. Subsequently, Michele Nichols was named acting Curator,
Kenneth Wolpert was named Facilities Manager on a full time basis, John
Hughes is now Lead Guard, and Roger Huegel has operating system
responsibility for security.
Committee Reports and Actions
The Trustees heard from the Museum Committee and Resource Development
Committee. The Library Committee did not report due to the absence of
the Chairman, however they provided a draft mission statement and
procedures for the Trustee's consideration.
The Resource Development Committee reported on the status of several
fundraising efforts and initiatives, and also proposed followup to the
letter to members which was sent in September 2000. The member letter is
to become an annual effort, supported by a greater presence in the
Bulletin. A number of initiatives are planned or underway.
Several actions were taken by the Trustees to reinforce the work being
done by the Committees, including:
>> A motion to accept a draft mission and procedures statement for the
Library Committee, subject to ongoing review, was approved.
>> A motion to accept an updated mission statement for the Museum
Committee was approved.
>> A motion to upgrade the status of the Resource Development Committee from
ad hoc to a standing (permanent) committee was approved and request was made
for proposed members.
Museum Accreditation
Dr. Connelly provided comment regarding the requirements of the MAP
program which has been entered, and for which we received the IMLS grant.
The August 15 submission date for the self-assessment documentation will
require a concerted effort to meet, and in the discussion that followed
strong support was expressed to see that it was done properly and on
time.
>> A motion to provide all necessary support for the accreditation
process was approved.
Special Exhibits
A review of policies for Special Exhibits was held, and noted that a
5-year plan would be pursued by the Museum Committee to include budgeting
and plans for grant writing support. The next exhibit will be on
"Collecting" and will feature the J. Bryson and Mary Lou Moore collection.
Other special exhibits were discussed including the current exhibit on
Military Timepieces, plans for a "traveling" photographic exhibit, plans
for an exhibit featuring Pennsylvania clock makers, and an exhibit
featuring Civil War timepieces to coincide with the Gettysburg
celebration.
>> A motion to support the next Special Exhibit on Collecting was
approved.
NAWCC NEWS
Dog Cowan presented a proposal to the Trustees, requesting their
participation in a new communications effort which is called NAWCC NEWS.
After discussion it was decided that the Trustee Chairman, Ralph
Fletcher, would be designated to be the person providing information
regarding the NWCM.
>> A motion to approve Ralph Fletcher as NWCM spokesperson for the NAWCC
NEWS was approved.
Personnel Handbook
Draft copies were provided of proposed personnel handbooks, including
personnel policies and benefits. It was noted that comments should be
provided by October 1, following which a joint NAWCC / NWCM effort will
be made to obtain professional review and subsequent final approval and
implementation in 2002.
The next Trustee meeting will be on August 11, 2001. A draft of the
unapproved "official" minutes of the May 5, 2001 meeting should be available
within two weeks.
Submittted by Ralph Fletcher, Museum Trustee.
RalFletch@aol.com