Minutes of The Windsor-Severance Historical Society
March 24, 2025
The Windsor-Severance Historical Society met in person on Monday, March 24, at 10:00 a.m. at the Windsor History Museum Train Depot. In attendance were Kristie Melendez, Sue Buxmann, Gary Martin, Tammy Boehler, Ruth Brunner, Sam Sedoryk, Laura Browarny, and Judy Firestien. Also attending was guest Jill Stilwell of Stilwell Cultural Consulting, LLC.
Call to Order – Kristie called the meeting to order at 10:13 a.m. She informed the Board that Dan Meyers had resigned from the Town Board in Severance and had also emailed Kristie to tell her he was glad to have been part of the WSHS Board. Since he had resigned from the Town that meant he could no longer serve as Severance liason. Kristie replied encouraging him to remain a part of the WSHS as an independent person but hadn’t heard back. She also was not sure if Severance would assign a new person to serve as liaison.
Presentation by the Town about the new Museum Strategic Plan – Laura introduced Jill Stilwell who gave a presentation on the Strategic Plan for the Town of Windsor Museums. The last plan had been done in 2012/13. The new plan would be for the next five years and the idea would be to align with other Town planning. Laura suggested presenting the draft plan to the WSHS group to be sure the Museum is in line with the vision the WSHS had when the Museum started. Jill asked for input and feedback from the Board. She shared a vision statement, four strategic focus areas, and goals. Laura confirmed the Halfway House is the oldest structure in Windsor. She also added the offices of the Cache La Poudre River National Heritage Area Alliance would be moving into the 2nd floor of the Eaton House on May 1. The Alliance has provided grant funds toward the restoration of the Eaton house and a partnership is being started where they can utilize the building for their offices and some events and they will help staff the building.
Windsor Museums mission is “to build community through creativity and discovery”. A vision statement is also being developed. Laura mentioned something to recognize the WSHS Legends was noted in the beginning stages of planning for the landscaping as one of the goals.
Laura expressed appreciation for the partnership between the WSHS and the Museums as it stands today. Laura would email a copy of the slide show presentation to the Board and would be sure the final plan is shared with the WSHS when it is complete.
Monthly Reports/Approvals
February Minutes – The Minutes from the previous meeting on February 24, 2025 were reviewed and approved as presented.
Treasurer’s Report – The February bank statement showed the balance in checking was $7,180.13. The balance in savings was $14,837.30. The CD had been renewed. Kristie presented some bills to be approved. These included a bill for help with accessing the website in the amount of $97.50. Kailee also submitted an invoice for her work billed on an annual basis in 2024 and 2025 at $300 per year, so $600 was due. There was also a bill for design of the special anniversary logo in the amount of $500. Tammy moved and Gary seconded these bills totaling $1,197.50 be paid. Motion carried. Kristie also mentioned rejoining the Severance Chamber of Commerce at the annual fee of $150. Gary moved and Sue seconded the WSHS rejoin the Severance Chamber. Motion carried.
Old Business
Social Media Posts – The social media posts seem to be going well and followers are growing.
Laura reported Maya has been posting the same posts on the WSHS Facebook page as are being posted on the Town Parks, Recreation, and Culture Facebook page. The WSHS posts are getting 5- 10 times the engagement than on the Town page. Laura feels this confirms the audiences are not the same. Those interested in museum content are going to the WSHS page, not parks and rec. Maya makes a post every Monday, some other occasional posts, and the Museum shares events also. Laura then gave some statistics stating in the last 28 days the WSHS Facebook page has 1,085 new followers, post engagement is up 948%, reactions are up 708%, and shares are up 200%. As we start creating marketing materials for upcoming events, we will want to be sure this is all included on the Facebook pages.
2026 Memorabilia Items – Sam presented some mock up ideas via Vista Print that included a tote bag with logo, t shirt with small logo, and tumbler with logo. A fun idea was a sugar beet with the website address printed below it. Other ideas included a hat with a sugar beet and WSHS on the back with 50th anniversary, badge pin or lapel pin with the 50th logo, stickers, and magnets There was a suggestion to put the depot on items in embroidery. Sam also suggested desk ornaments. There are local printers such as K & W and Gojos that could be used. The sugar beet hat was something the Board liked. The design could also be used on a shirt or totebag. A resin sugar beet ornament was also suggested. The beet could be used for many different items and would have a regional appeal. Where to sell these items and how many to order would need to be figured out as well as number of selections to focus on. Poudre Heritage will also have a little shop in the Eaton House. A calendar might also be created and sold again in addition to post cards or note cards. Sam also shared some information on the groups and people involved in the Depot relocation project. It might be nice to make a connection with the Germans from Russia group. There had also been talk of doing a time capsule. Kristie suggested voting on items at the next meeting.
New Business
Oral History Videos – Ruth is interviewing Tom Morey and Doug Morey tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. Caitlyn will join also.
Severance Chamber Membership – Approved earlier in the meeting.
2025 Membership Drive – Will begin end of April.
2025 Family Farm Tour – Tentatively scheduled for October 10th. The Museum hasn’t done fall scheduling yet but hopes to be able to confirm soon. We will want to identify partners and reach out early.
2025 Legends and Lessons – November 9th is the proposed date for the Legends and Lessons event to tentatively be held at the Dickey House/Halfway House.
Windsor News – Laura mentioned they are applying for another grant to support the Halfway House restoration which will kick off in June. The grand opening for the site will be next year. Laura shared they were removing the porch stairs on the south addition of the Eaton House and found two tombstones that had been used to support the foundation of the stairs. The Museum researched the names and they are buried in Lakeview Cemetery with a new dual tombstone.
Next Meeting – The meeting was adjourned at 11:40 a.m. The next meeting will be on April 28, 2025 at the Depot.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Firestien, Secretary