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Home My WebLink AboutMinutes Museum Of Science And History Advisory Committee - 02/14/2019 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CORPUS CHRISTI MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY ADVISORY BOARD Thursday, February 14, 2019 at 12:00 PM Museum Conference Room, 1900 N Chaparral Blvd, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401 MEETING MINUTES Call to Order: 12:03 PM by Cary Perales Roll Call: Present: Cary Kristina Perales, Claudia Huerta, Karen Howden, Anita Eisenhauer, Christina Buttler (via telephone), Carol Rehtmeyer, Mary Jane Garza, Yvette Lara, Jennifer McCollough and Esther Velazquez A. Public Comment – None B. Tour of Museum C. Museum Director’s Update (see attachment for detail): The following items were reported on: a. Museum General b. Challenges (Breaker Panels) c. Advertising d. Collections e. Exhibits f. Grants, Gifting g. Financial Highlights h. Marketing, Events, Membership (Dollar Days, Speaker Series, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter Brunch, Mother Daughter Tea, Dad’s & Dinos, Forgotten Cowboy, Honoring Senior Citizens) i. Education j. Major Projects (Partnering with Texas A&M University Kingsville Architectural Design Engineering Program, Double Knot POS Software, Plaza Tent) k. Presentation to City Council D. The following items were also discussed: a. Correction to Minutes of December 6, 2018 b. Timeline in Doc McGregor Calendar c. Partners on Doc McGregor Collection Project d. Printing by AEP E. Deaccession Items (see attachment for detail) Amendment to Previous Deaccesion, correction of reference numbers Object Description of New Deaccession: Dinoflagellates, Unknown Fish Specimen, and Tomatoes Motion to Approve, Seconded and Unanimously Accepted F. Items for Next Agenda a. Tour of Outdoor Area (Plaza) b. Financial Review G. Meeting Adjourned at 1:26 PM Director’s Report #7- JANUARY 31, 2019 1 | Page Friends of the Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History General Museum: • The museum received 40, 5-star reviews since October 1, 2018. • General paint touch-ups continue through-out the museum • The Water-garden room has been re-opened • KEDT hosted Wine and Food Classic on Thursday, January 24, 2019 at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History—Approximately 1000 throughout the evening Challenges: 1. A new copier appeared unannounced and unexpected last Thursday. The new copier was installed but not configured to any of the computers so no one could print. I.T. had to trouble shoot 16 computers by phone. Printing was down for nearly a week. Suggestion- please coordinate with our team prior to installation of a major item such as this. 2. Carol’s computer would not initiate and was down for 2 days. I.T. repaired. 3. Museum website hasn’t had updates in several years and has lost much of its functionality. We are in the process of getting quotes to improve or re-do the site. 4. Collection records have not been maintained or updated and many are mis-matched, lacking information, etc.; (more details below.) 5. A local artist was given the museum’s shell collection in early 2018, but no longer wants it. No records can be found to show that these were dispositioned. The removal is in violation of museum and city property policy for deaccession and property removal. 6. Museum POS software and hardware continue to fail. The system has gone down four times this past week alone. 7. Chemistry exhibit was not functioning and overheating. The computer was shipped to the manufacturer where they provided an update and replaced the internal fan. We learned that the internal exhibit case sealed at the museum, also had its fan cord removed. 8. The lack of exterior lighting surrounding the museum is a serious safety concern. Several evening events at the museum have underscored the need for exterior lighting. A request was placed through city facilities and maintenance to review the museum for lighting improvement and safety needs. Suggestions and a quote were also obtained from Carden Enterprises. 9. The museum playground shade structure was improperly installed and as a result, has two substantial holes in the fabric where it rubs against the equipment. The manufacturer and installer of this structure is being researched as no records can be found at the museum. 10. The woodchip cover for the playground has largely been washed away and no longer meets safety requirements. A more permanent solution for a solid surface has been quoted by 3 vendors. Replacement is pending anticipated grant funding. 11. The wide gate for the outdoor plaza was broken off by hurricane Harvey and remains on the ground in the outdoor area. A request to replace the gate was submitted to the city. 12. The museum sound system failed. Sound Vibrations reviewed the system. 8 of the 12 speakers in the museum were non-functioning and were repaired. The Front Porch Stage area sound system needs to be replaced. Director’s Report #7- JANUARY 31, 2019 2 | Page Advertising: HOT tax utilization- • Billboard in San Antonio is now live • Billboard in the valley is in production and will be live by early February • Advertising in Texas Monthly is being considered Other- • Ongoing social media and partnership marketing with KEDT, KIII and KRIS efforts continue • Presentations to Garden Club, Kiwanis and Rotary • Groupon- campaign will begin in February • Reciprocal membership during the month of February. 50% off if you are a member of: South Texas Botanical Gardens, Lexington, Aquarium, or Art Museum of South Texas or Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History. COLLECTIONS-Jen McCollough Collections Manager New cabinets arrived on January 14, 2019- 27 new cabinets. Installation occurred over a two-day period. Transfer of collection items from Water Garden Room to Natural History Storage Area over 10 days. Corpus Christi Museum Science & History Staff did majority of the work. The Wildlife Educational Display Permit for Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. was approved on January 16, 2019. New permits will need to be filed as the previous permits were not comprehensive and must be refiled. It will take approximately in six months to refile as research must be accurate and complete. Texas Heritage Report will be filed by January 31, 2019. This is an annual report as a curatorial facility. Past Perfect Challenge being resolved- It has been discovered that various collections items were mismatched in the system. Numbers on the items do not match the numbers found in Past Perfect. Another challenge some items were never entered Past Perfect. This challenge will take time to resolve as we inventory parts of the existing collection. The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum will renew their permit to hold 1554 Collection Items. Additional loan renewals will be reviewed prior to signing renewal contract. Federal Wildlife Permit annual report will be filed as soon as federal furlough is lifted. Creation of detailed floor plan of Natural History Storage (I.e. specific item can be located by drawer, cabinet, and room.) No such detailed plan currently exists EXHIBITS- Mr. Adam Burkett, formerly an Exhibit Technician with the Perot Museum, Dallas has joined the CC Museum in the same capacity as a volunteer. We are very impressed with him and the skills he brings. Adam is currently working to repair the Chemistry exhibit. Director’s Report #7- JANUARY 31, 2019 3 | Page An exhibit plan and time-line to introduce new as many as 20 new exhibits and key improvements for the museum is under development. Seven of these exhibits and improvements are slated for 2019. See Major Projects, below for the most immediate of these projects. The museum is in communication with NASA’s Deep Space Exploration Systems to discuss collaboration to implement educational content in the museum. A Mining activity is under construction. This interactive unit allows guests to purchase mining bags and “pan” for “gold and gems” in this water-based activity that will be housed on the outside plaza. GRANTS, GIFTING- Grants totaling: $356,000 submitted and waiting for notification during the latter part of January or early February A total of $104,424.67 in gifted funding was received between October 1, 2018 and January 30, 2019 • A grant through Rebuild Texas for $303,394 is currently pending • A gift from the Cotillion Alegre, Social Welfare Committee for $2500 for Spring Break scholarships is currently pending • Additional grants and gift requests continue to be written. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS- Deborah McAllister Monthly target projections have been met or exceeded each month. December and January have both concluded in a NET positive position (including pro-rated revenue provided by the City and Ed Rachal gift.) This is an improved position from planned projections indicated a NET positive position would not be obtained until April 2019. January Admission: 1850 PEOPLE—$13,500 Revenue Significance: January 2019 has surpassed 2013-2017 revenues for admissions (January 2018 museum was closed due to Hurricane Harvey) MARKETING, EVENTS, MEMBERSHIP- Yvette Lara EVENTS: • STEAM- in partnership with Jr. League-Media coverage from KRIS, KEDT, KIII—Jan. 19, 2019 • 1St Museum TALKs After Dark-Jan. 22, 2019-Jim Maloney-Columns IV • HISTORY in the Making-January 27, 2019-Unknown Facts about Hot Dogs • CELEBRATING OUR SENIORS- Wednesday, January 30, 2019 Birthday Parties—6 Birthday Parties from January 1, 2019 - January 26, 2019 Membership Total Renewals 173- Total membership to date- 755 KEY POINTS: The number of varied events and extensive marketing outreach is generating admissions Director’s Report #7- JANUARY 31, 2019 4 | Page Significant Events for Feb. 2019: Birthday Parties and Weddings are scheduled for February 2019 Reciprocal Half -price admission with the following: Lexington, Texas State Aquarium, South Texas Botanical Gardens, and Art Museum of South Texas Participation Wedding Fair-Saturday, Feb. 2019- 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. -Emerald Beach Fall in Love with Your Museum- Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019- 1:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mars the “RED PLANET”—Dr. Madhan Tirumdal- Univ. of Houston-Feb. 19, 2019 “Museum Talks After Dark”- Adult lecture series- Feb. 19, 2019, 6:30pm Celebrating Our Seniors-Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019-10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Texas State Historical Association-Feb. 28, 2019-Executive Board Reception-5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. TSHA Convention-Corpus Christi Sci. & History Booth at Omni Museum -Feb. 28-March 2, 2019 EDUCATION- Ceci Rich January 2019 1. 12 schools-CCISD Contract—395 students 2. Woodriver Elementary-3rd grade-160 students (Calallen ISD) Educational Special Events-Saturday, January 19, 2019 1. Junior League Partnership- 273 attendees 2. Girl Scouts—13 girls scouts Home School Days-Aeronautics- 32 home schoolers Saturday Daily Discoveries include: • Human Anatomy • Cloud in a Bottle • Ranching and Branding • Live Science Shows • Chemistry • Weather • Museum Live Actor presentations • Shell Crete making- a mixture of oyster shells and lime HISTORY in the Making-January 27, 2019 Unknown Facts about the Hot Dog—115 people in attendance SPRING BREAK CAMP PLANNING-MARCH 11-15, 2019 Registration Opens February 11, 2019 60 camp attendees will be registered Interviewing for Spring and Summer Camp Part-Time Teachers Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019—10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019-- 4:30 p.m. Director’s Report #7- JANUARY 31, 2019 5 | Page FEBRUARY 2019 Home School Days- Feb. 7, 2019 and Feb. 19, 2019—CSI CCISD Contract Schools scheduled- three schools are on the schedule Major Projects: Upcoming projects (pending requested grant funding): 1. POS software selected for purchase and implementation awaiting grant funding 2. Website redevelopment under review for implementation by March 3. Playground resurfacing vendors under review for implementation in March-April 4. Outdoor music garden instruments selected for implementation pending grant funding 5. Indoor signage replacement and repair for all interior signage missing letters or damaged, currently underway. 6. Exterior pavilion tenting in review for May installation, pending grant funding, approvals, permitting, etc. 7. Global Imagination “Magic Planet” exhibit acquisition anticipated for March- April installation 8. A dedicated “Educational outreach” position has been identified and will be implemented in late February. 9. An audio tour program is being researched. 2/19/2019 1 Council Presentation February 19, 2019 Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History Update How are we doing? 22,513 Google Searches avg. per month 45 5 star reviews! “I wish I had more time! My son loved the science exploration and I wanted to see the amazing history displays…I would love to comeback someday, even from Seattle!”‐Lisa McKeen 12/2018 135 Days in… “Es un museo bastante interesante. Muy organizado. Los empleados son bien atentos.” – Arianys Vlogs 2/8/2019 1 2 2/19/2019 2 Income Comparison Attendance Only Revenue January Comparison Analysis- 2019-2013 *Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History closed January 2018 due to Hurricane Harvey $‐ $5,000.00 $10,000.00 $15,000.00 $20,000.00 $25,000.00 $30,000.00 2019 *2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 Revenue 3 4 2/19/2019 3 Membership 774 Current Members New Corporate Membership Program launched in January 2019 Ranging from $2,500‐ $15k 2 Corporate Members One‐$2,500 & one at $5,000 Educational Programs October 1, 2018 - Jan. 1, 2019 5 6 2/19/2019 4 Events October Howloween Spooktacular November LaFrontera authors December A South Texas Holiday Santa’s Around the World Events January KEDT Food & Wine February Fall in Love with your Museum February Dr. Madhan Tirumalai lecture 7 8 2/19/2019 5 Upcoming Events Museum Talks After Dark 7:00 ‐ 9:00 pm Every 3rd Tuesday of the month. Jan. 22, 2019 Feb. 19, 2019 March 19, 2019 April 16, 2019 May 21, 2019 Aug. 20, 2019 Sept. 17, 2019 Nov. 19, 2019 Light refreshments Members Free Non‐members $10 Honoring Our Senior Citizens Monthly Celebration Day Admission Fee $5.00 Third Wednesday of the month Dates: Feb.20,March 20,April 17 May 15, 2019 TIME: 10:00 a.m.‐‐5:00 p.m. Special Science & History Topics Featured Age Eligibility 60 years and older Sept. 12, 2019 Fundraiser 7:00 p.m.‐ 10:30 p.m. Honoring South Texas Ranching History‐The Forgotten Cowboy Barbecue prepared by Mustangs Country Western Dance History Cowboy Lasso Show Hosted at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History Camps SPRING BREAK SCIENCE CAMPS One Week March 11‐15, 2019 Daily Thematic Based Lessons SUMMER SCIENCE CAMP June 3‐ August 16, 2019 11 weeks Weekly Thematic Based Lessons 9 10 2/19/2019 6 Exhibit Repairs & General Maintenance Gift Shop From Messy to OrganizedSparkling Floors Exhibits are Functional Employees 16 Full time •Management •Accounting •Education •Outreach •Maintenance •Collections 4 Part‐time •Education 12 Volunteers •Education •Visitor Experience •Exhibits •Collections 11 12 2/19/2019 7 Grants/Sponsorships $383,894 written Awarded to date: $325,394 Rebuild Texas/One Star funded projects Music Garden– six instruments that were destroyed Point of Sales software & computers Repair/replace six projectors or globe Indoor signage Outdoor shelter‐ considering a durable tent Repair to outdoor playground – “Body in Motion” area Mats for entrances Outreach program 13 14 2/19/2019 8 Major Project-Major Challenge Website– complete revision required •Aged, non‐functioning plug‐ins •Difficult, limitations to update •Updated interface needed AdvertisingBillboard Advertising‐ San Antonio & Valley 15 16 2/19/2019 9 Partnerships & Associations AMA‐ Alliance of Museum Association ASTC‐ American Science & Technology Centers ASMD‐ Assoc. of Science Museum Directors Smithsonian Association affiliates‐ pending NAS‐CC, TAMU‐CC, TAMU‐Kingsville, CITGO, AEP, Library, Ed Rachal Foundation, City of Corpus Christi What guests say TRIP ADVISOR REVIEW rrustybell Warsaw, Indiana 161 Reviewed 1 week ago Hours of wonderment and learning. We spent several hours looking at everything. We didn't want to miss anything. Loved seeing the Buccaneer Queen's glorious dress. Learned about the fascinating history of the area. The area for the kids to learn by doing was genius. The kids had so much fun they didn't realize they were learning. We had fun on the piano staircase. So much to do, see & learn! Well, worth it! 17 18 2/19/2019 10 Questions? 19