Minutes of The Windsor-Severance Historical Society
August 26, 2024
The Windsor-Severance Historical Society met in person on Monday, August 26th, at 10:00 a.m. at the Windsor History Museum Train Depot. In attendance were Kristie Melendez, Dan Meyers, Gary Martin, Tammy Boehler, Ruth Brunner, and Judy Firestien. Also attending were Museum Staff Caitlin and Maya.
Call to Order – Kristie Melendez called the meeting to order at 10:08 a.m.
Monthly Reports/Approvals
July Minutes – The Minutes from the previous meeting on July 22, 2024 were reviewed and approved as presented.
Treasurer’s Report – The July bank statement showed the balance in checking was $8,124.60. The balance in savings was $14,768.84. The current balance for the CD was around $20,916.40. The post office box is renewing at the end of August and should be the only additional expense for the month at $182.
Membership Drive Update – There was nothing new to report on membership.
Old Business
Farm Tour/Home School Farm Day Oct 10, 2024, 10 am to 2 pm – Gary reported Kristi had completed 62 bags which would make 100 total for the tour. Dan had been trying to get in touch with the FFA Supervisor at Severance High School to have students help. The Sheep will again be available for an appearance. The event is listed in the Parks and Rec activity guide and the Museum has created a social media post.
100 4” stickers would be about $99 plus fee for design. Tri-fold brochures need to be ordered. Price is $179 for 250 brochures. Design time would be needed to update the brochure and would probably cost about $200-300. Judy moved and Gary seconded the Farm Tour stickers be created and the WSHS brochure be updated and both completed in time to be given out at the Farm Tour. Motion carried. Kristie would put together proofs for a sticker and updated brochure.
Facebook Login Issue – Judy was able to access the WSHS Facebook page and added Kristie as an Administrator. A new Facebook page would not need to be created. An Instagram page might be added. Museum staff Maya and Sam might be able to help with social media in the future. A social media calendar might be created to follow to post certain things on specific dates a couple of times per month. Caitlin and staff would meet to discuss further. Information from MuseNews might be included also with links back to the Museum, etc.to get people more engaged. It might be nice to launch new social media before the Legends and Lessons event. WSHS might also coordinate with other groups such as HPC and other historical societies to help each other push out events.
Legends and Lessons Event – The proposed event could be held on Sunday, November 10th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Arts and Heritage Center will need to be confirmed for the
event. The first set of nominees are Leona and Vic Bernhardt. Everyone needs to be thinking about additional nominees.
New Business
Membership Brochure – Discussed above.
Event Rack Card – A card was done last year and included dates for future events and other information. QR codes could be used to direct people to more information from the brochure. After discussion, it was decided to not do rack cards at this time.
Social Media History Posts – Discussed above.
Windsor News – Caitlin mentioned Museum staff had gotten the boxes out of Sue’s garage and there were volunteers to work on it to inventory items and add to the collection. Kristie asked that a list of items be shared with WSHS. Caitlin and Maya also shared information on AI software platforms that could be used to transcribe oral histories. Gary moved and Judy seconded the WSHS pay half of the annual subscription fee for the Descript software program of $288. Motion carried. Maya would send an invoice to Kristie.
Severance News – Dan mentioned the building where the Veterinarian is located is owned by the Town and there is talk about renovating that building for a community center. Dan will be attending the Town Council retreat in October and unable to attend the Homeschool Farm Tour.
Board Communications – Kristie Martin will need to be reimbursed for material for the bags. A payment for use of the meeting room was still due to Bethel Lutheran in the amount of $100 and a thank you note was signed for this use. Gary brought a list from the Optimist Club of potential people to interview such as Tom and Sandy Macy and Martin West. Other possibilities might be Robert Bradley and the transition from Dr. Kadlub and the Kadlub family.
A future project might be a permanent display that the WSHS creates and owns and once a month there could be an exhibit somewhere like at the Rec Center. This could depend on Museum staff time unless the WSHS would want to do this. Maybe a booth could display some artifacts at Severance Day next year. Kristie has some treasures from her Mom’s things that could be on display and donated to the Museum. Maybe more members would join if there are specific activities to work on. A display might also be included at the new Severance Library. WSHS has a lot of great things and stories to share and the Museum does a great job with sharing the history in the MuseNews.
Kristie reminded the Board that there is some money set aside to recognize the Legends and Lessons people incorporated in an art piece. WSHS also might make it known that donations are accepted as memorial contributions.
Next Meeting – The next meeting will be on September 23rd at the Depot. The meeting was adjourned at 11:16 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Firestien, Secretary