The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About02/27/2018 - Minutes r r r r r r RENTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF TRUSTEES RENTON HISTORY February27,2018 MusEUM Attending: Betsy Prather, Laura Clawson, Antoin Johnson, Pete Kalasountas, Jessica Kelly, Colleen Lenahan, and Elizabeth P. Stewart. Guest: Kim Owens, Public Engagement Coordinator, Renton History Museum Call to Order Acting President Betsy Prather called the meeting to order at 5:32 PM. Artifact of the Month Information Betsy shared a thistle pin she had purchased, dated 1956/ Edinburgh. Betsy has been focusing on learning more about her Scottish heritage and the thistle pin is a reminder of that. Public Comments Information Guest Kim Owens, the Museum's Public Engagement Coordinator, shared the results of program evaluation analysis she has done for the Museum. She built on surveys done and analyzed by Colleen Lenahan in 2015 when she was Public Engagement Coordinator; the Museum also did a members' survey in 2011. Every program attendee is given the opportunity to complete a half-sheet survey about the program; Kim had just completed analysis on a year's worth of those surveys. She looked at the range of programs offered and audience preference, as well as demographics of our audience. The aim is to build analytics around attendance and apply the findings to improve programming. Key takeaways: Demographic is mostly from Renton, mostly female (78%) and about 45 years old. Director Liz Stewart pointed out that the program audiences skew much younger than the average age of inembers, which is above 60. Audience is becoming more diverse—depending on subject matter—and 75% come to learn something. People are most interested in local history and Native American history and culture. Survey analysis will be periodically updated, and Kim will be working on overall visitor surveys next. She is also looking at ways to use email addresses that are not too intrusive. Board Communications Information Laura Clawson complimented the current Black& White exhibit. She had brought her daughter through the exhibit last week, and they thoroughly enjoyed seeing it and talking to Curator Sarah Samson. Liz outlined progress on a proposed King County ordinance, #2018-0086, which would increase Council oversight of4Culture. Public hearings had been held, and CouncilmemberJeanne Kohl- Welles had proposed a yearlong committee to study the question, but the six Councilmembers supporting the ordinance continued to move it forward. It looks likely to pass. RHSMinutes_02272018_final Page 1 of 9 r r r r r r RENTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF TRUSTEES RENTON HISTORY February27,2018 MusEUM Correspondence Information There was no correspondence. Consent A�enda (Vice President) Action Item A quorum was present. • MOTION: Laura Clawson moved to approve the agenda and Lynne King seconded. Motion passed, none opposed, none abstaining. Old Business Action Items (1) Committee reports:There were no Committee reports. (2) 2018 Retreat Plans: The retreat will be held on Sat., March 24, 9:30 am — 1:30 pm at the Renton Community Center. Lynn Bohart, Executive Director of the Renton Community Foundation, will facilitate. An ad hoc Retreat Committee of Laura Clawson, Colleen Lenahan, and Liz Stewart are developing the agenda; it will focus on Board recruitment and retention as well as preparing for the Strategic Plan revision this year. (3) 2018 Fundraiser update: The date has been finalized for the fundraiser, Weds., September 26, and the Renton Senior Activity Center has been reserved.The theme will be upcycling again. Liz will contact Michele Bettinger about emcee-ing again. Discussion Action Items (1)Treasurer's Report,4th quarter 2017:Treasurer Laura Clawson circulated the 4t" quarter report to the Board with the board packet. On the income side, fundraising, donations, and grants provided 51% of income; membership continues to trend downward. Admissions and donations were high in 2017, reflecting the popularity of the Sorting Out Race exhibit. On the expense side, exhibit costs were higher because of the Sorting Out Race rental, and payment to the City of the Historical Society's share of the lobby renovation came in 2017, resulting in a $22,592 shortfall.This was balanced, however, by the $37,127 surplus in 2016. Liz reminded trustees that we try to balance the budget over 2 — 3 years, because of the lag time between grant income and associated expenses. Mission Moment Liz shared with the Board that the Renton School District has officially adopted our Coast Salish Curriculum as part of the curriculum. Kim Owens and intern Abby Rhinehart put almost a year's worth of intensive research into revising the existing curriculum to meet teachers' needs, including working with representatives of the Duwamish and Muckleshoot tribes. The curriculum now also meets state-mandated requirements to complement Since Time Immemorial, a state Native American curricular outline. The School District plans to test the Coast Salish curriculum this spring and then make it widely available in the fall. RHSMinutes_02272018_final Page 2 of 9 r r r r r r RENTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF TRUSTEES RENTON HISTORY February27,2018 MusEUM Adiournment Laura Clawson moved to adjourn, Lynne King seconded. Meeting adjourned at 6:50 pm. Antoin Johnson, Secretary Renton Historical Society RHSMinutes_02272018_final Page 3 of 9 r r r r r r RENTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF TRUSTEES RENTON HISTORY February27,2018 MusEUM AGENDA Born in 1922 to Lebanese fashion entrepreneurs,Alfred Shaheen joined the -- family business after WWII and began - researching historical sources for fabric design.The chrysanthemum—symbolic of the rising sun and the royal family in Japanese culture—became a recurring theme in his designs. (#1980.999.0865) Renton Historical Society Board of Trustees Meeting Tuesday Renton History Museum February 27,2018 Trustees: 5:30–7 pm 235 Mill Ave 5 Renton, WA Betsy Prather, Interim President �� Call to Order and Introductions (Secretary Antoin Johnson) Laura Clawson, Treasurer Antoin Johnson,Secretary 2� Artifact of the Month: Betsy Prather Pete Kalasountas 3. Oral Communications/ Public Comments lessica Kelly Note: Five-minute limit per person;maximum of three persons Lynne King Colleen Lenahan permitted to speak to each side of any one topic. Elizabeth P.Stewart, Museum • Guest: Kim Owens, Public Engagement Coordinator Director 4� Board Communication 5. Correspondence Staf}Contacts: 6. Approval of the Consent Agenda Elizabeth Stewart 7. Ongoing Business estewart(c�rentonwa.eov ' Committee Reports ■ 2018 Retreat Plans 425.255.2330 ■ Fundraiser update $� Discussion/Action Items ■ Treasurer's Report,4t"quarter 2017 9� Mission Moment 10. Adjournment Wheelchair accessible.American Sign Language(ASL)interpreter available upon request. For this or other assistance,please call 48 hours in advance:711(TDD)or 425.430.6600(voice). RHSMinutes_02272018_final Page 4 of 9 r r r r r r RENTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF TRUSTEES RENTON HISTORY February27,2018 MusEUM MUSEUM REPORT For January 2018 Compiled by Elizabeth P. Stewart, Director Sarah Samson, Collection Manager Kim Owens, Public Engagement Coordinator Nezanet Tewolde, Museum Office Aide Operations Visitors in January: 187 Visitor numbers reflect members and researchers as well as paying visitors. There were no tours in January. Administration sn � `�, Staff retreat: Museum staff conducted our 2018 retreat on January 29. �.. Staff spent three hours discussing 2017 accomplishments and looking �m � ��' ahead to 2018. We discussed how to prioritize our time and resources _ � _ toward projects highly valued by the public and that meet the � � Museum's own internal goals. The result was a 2018 workplan that will --��1�,� __ feed into discussions about the longer term Strategic Plan. � m`�+ � „ J - City of Renton web site: Public Engagement Coordinator Kim Owens ;. kE,�,a<E;--- took the lead in 2017 on preparing the Museum's web pages for �W�'�`�""'� transfer to the City's new web site management system, with assistance from Sarah Samson and input from the entire staff. The new web site rolled out in early February. On the new City home page, it is easier for residents and visitors to find the Renton History Museum; it is also generally easier to navigate all the pages. New features on our pages include: listing of Museum events on our home page, interactive maps, social media feed, and two tours. �`;�.:t.�ti":•� - _ , Exhibits _ ,I'qy�' � Thm C k v'` ��<"_' . : .. � �r� ��..''i.,�. Black& White: Our new temporary fashion • � � : � f � exhibit, Black& White, opened on January 31. �� ,,,� � _ �� -� The exhibit features black and white fashions ��;. �;' •: � 'R �' � from our collection, using them to tell the � �� a�, story about the significance of color—or lack ` .� ,.; of color—in the clothes we wear. Black & � �,��, �� RHSMinutes_02272018_final Page 5 of 9 r r r r r r RENTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF TRUSTEES RENTON HISTORY February27,2018 MusEUM White has been very popular so far, and has been enhanced by the interactive color experiment at the end of the exhibit, as well as the numerous programs that Kim Owens has developed. The exhibit remains on display until May 19, 2018. City Hall lobby display: The Renton History Museum had the responsibility for filling the City Hall lobby case during Black History Month. Director Liz Stewart researched the history of the arrival of Black miners to King County for a panel exhibit; the research will do double duty as a quarterly newsletter article in March. The exhibit will be on display until the end of February. Rentonites in WWI: Progress on the WWI exhibit has been on temporary hold for other projects, but Liz will continue research into Renton's WWI history next month. Sarah has also been transcribing Jack Allison's detailed diary of his WWI experience, on loan from his daughter Sarah Jane Hisey. Collections New accessions: Sarah has been accessioning a large collection of Delaurenti and Barei family photos from Carol Frey, and identifying people in the photos using other photos in our collection. We have also received some photos and posters documenting the career of boxer Daniel "Boone" Kirkman, and will hope to conduct an oral history with him soon. Pro�rams, Outreach, and Education �� ,T. �f � � X Black& White programs: On Feb. 8 we hosted an excellent f talk by scholar Victoria Williams about the history of Black �. �� +�` women fashion designers. She traced the history of African �� American women as seamstresses and clothing makers and � ` k - F designers, from slavery to the present, and shared why their �� labor has disappeared from history. Fourteen people ' attended, including a large percentage of people of color. Renton History Live!: Staff and volunteers have already started working on our next live actor performance during Renton River Days. Using an actual 1910 incident as a jumping-off point, Renton History Live! will explore why three Renton women spoke out at a Renton City Council meeting to oppose the selling of alcohol in Downtown Renton. Scriptwriter Sabella Curtis brought to life Florence Guitteau and and Charles Custer for our 2017 Renton History Live! performance, and she and seamstress Cathy Lim are again teaming up to bring this story to our River Days visitors. RHSMinutes_02272018_final Page 6 of 9 r r r r r r RENTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF TRUSTEES RENTON HISTORY February27,2018 MusEUM Volunteers Volunteer Program: In January 29 volunteers contributed 150 hours of service, on such activities as assisting with exhibit preparation for Black& White, Board service, Saturday greeting, and collections projects. Volunteer Oral History Coordinator Eleanor Boba has already spent many hours preparing for a February 3 oral history training and working with Kim and Sarah updating documents relating to the program. In addition, volunteer Sabella Curtis has already started researching the next script for our next Renton History Live! performance during Renton River Days. RHSMinutes_02272018_final Page 7 of 9 r r r r r r RENTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF TRUSTEES RENTON HISTORY February27,2018 MusEUM Year End 2017 Report Operating Account Laura Clawson, Treasurer 2017 was a very active year. Sorting Out Race was an outstanding exhibit that garnered interest throughout Puget Sound. The annual upcycle-themed dinner auction was the most successful held to date. And finally, the lobby renovation was completed. PROFIT& LOSS 2017 (see "A") Income Income in 2017 was $137,244. Fundraising, donations and grants provided 51%of the income. Membership is trending down, in common with other museums and non-profits. Admissions and donations skyrocketed in 2017, mirroring the success of the Sorting Out Race exhibit. Expenses The lobby was renovated in 2016, and completed in 2017. Income for the remodel was received in 2015-2016 (donations, grants, supplemental operating income from Renton Community Foundation funds) but the expense of$34,510 was paid in 2017. Exhibit expense related to Sorting Out Race was higher than usual. Also, salaries were higher due to having a full staff the entire year. Overall expenses were well in line with previous years and with the budget.The staff is doing an excellent job at containing costs. 2-YEAR PROFIT AND LOSS (see "B") The 2017 bottom line loss of$22,592 needs explanation, and is due to the $34,510 payment to the City of Renton for the lobby renovation (account 3.60 Facility Maintenance). It is helpful to look at both years concurrently. Income accrued in 2016 that was specifically earmarked for the lobby remodel, and holding costs down also helped result in a budget surplus for 2016. Over both years there is a positive net income of$14,535, and ultimately it was unnecessary to dip into the Building Fund (as planned) to help cover the costs of the remodel. PREVIOUS YEAR COMPARISON (see "C") RHSMinutes_02272018_final Page 8 of 9 r r r r r r RENTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF TRUSTEES RENTON HISTORY February27,2018 MusEUM Income was higher in 2016, which is understandable given that about $35,000 was realized in 2016 to cover the lobby remodel. However, in 2017 admissions were up by over 1,000%, donations by 77%, and fundraising by 24%. Additionally, supplemental income was reduced this year, from $60,000 to $50,000 while 2016 it was increased from $60,000 to $75,000 (lobby renovation). Removing supplemental income that skews the picture, income in 2017 was $23,000 more than 2016. Grants were high in both years, higher than in any of the previous 5 years. The staff is doing an amazing job in applying and securing grant funds. Wages were higher in 2017 due to staff turnover in 2016.Thankfully we have had a full staff in 2017. Activities and exhibit expenses were higher in 2017. These are related to the successful Sorting Out Race exhibit. PROFIT & LOSS vs BUDGET (see "D") Income As mentioned above, membership is continuing the unfortunate downward trend that seems to be universal in museums and non-profits nationwide and we missed budget by$3,115. However admissions were over budget by$3,365. Supplemental operating income taken was$10,000 less than budget. In other categories the budget was exceeded. Income was 115% of budget. Expenses Expenses were over budget by$17,785 due to the payment to the City of Renton for the lobby renovation of$34,510. Removing this one payment changes the difference to $16,724 less than budget. FUNDRAISING (see "E") In the last three years net fundraising income has increased nearly 250%. We lost our volunteer caterers, Don and Larry's Catering, in 2016, incurring substantially more cost, yet the net income has grown substantially. RHSMinutes_02272018_final Page 9 of 9