BCHS Meeting                        October 10, 2017

The Bremer County Historical Society board met Tuesday at 7 PM at Drenkow’s office with 11 board members present.

The Secretary’s minutes were approved by Robinson and seconded by Heinemann.  All approved. The Treasurer’s report was read by Hoffman.  Balance in the checking account is $13,761.00.    Heinemann made the motion to approve the report.  Robinson made the second. Motion carried.

Curator’s Report:  Heinemann reported that the water was shut off Thursday, October 5th to put the new water line in.  The sidewalk is now closed on the east side and it will take a whole month. The decision had been made to close the museum a month earlier since it was difficult for visitors to get to the museum.

The new state historian will be coming to visit October 20th around 4:30 PM.

Drenkow discussed the main 3 things the board should concentrate on are fund-raising, membership, and development.

Conference Call: Drenkow set up a conference call, with Jennifer Ruben from Amperage Marketing.  The discussion covered growing the membership and campaigning for renovations. They could help with a Marketing Plan from 12-24 months that could grow the membership, make more money, and have a public relations part to it. They could help out with a feasibility study for a capital campaign. Robinson suggested membership should be first.

After the conference call ended Drenkow said he would be contacting Andrew Bell of AHTS Architects to get a ballpark figure on a new addition.  Also he wanted to know what the lot & building are worth presently from an appraiser.

Other business:  Heinemann told about a program on Billy Sunday, an evangelist, that Craig Bishop from Hutchinson, MN puts on for groups to help sell his book. He accepts donations.

Mackamul reported on the meeting with Don Meyer. He was looking into Preservation grants but had not heard back from the State Preservation Office. He would be willing to help write grants.

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 PM was made by Buls and seconded by Hoffman.

Next meeting will be held November 14th.  Meeting location will be announced.

Secretary,

Gena Mackamul