HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Museum Of Science And History Advisory Committee - 09/05/2002 v
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MINUTES
Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
Advisory Committee Meeting r
September 5, 2002 ^'
The Museum Advisory Committee met in the Museum at Noon on Thursday, September 5, 20021,2/
Members Present: Henry Brennecke, Phyllis Riddle, Donna Flynn, Pat Bacak-Clements, LyndS1
Falconer, Mary Longoria, Anna Peterson, and Alex Sadovski.
Upon motion by Alex Sadovski and seconded by Patricia Bacak-Clements the minutes of the
August 1, 2002 meeting were unanimously approved. Upon motion by Lynda Falconer and
seconded by Pat Bacak-Clements, the absences of Alex Sadovski and Donna Flynn were
unanimously excused for good cause.
Chairman's remarks: Mary Longoria reported that she was notified that her second term and the
second terms of Kathy Heymann and Patricia Bacak-Clements are completed in September.
Members are only eligible to serve two terms. Members continue to serve until replaced by the
Mayor and Council. Members are invited to pass along names of those wishing to be nominated
for appointment to the Mayor.
Business:
a. Attendance increased by 10%over the previous year. School attendance increased by
5%. The survey of visitors over the year indicated a high visitor approval rate with the
highest rated exhibits being the Columbus ships, Shipwreck!, and Reptiles.
b. The Committee reviewed the plan of work for the fiscal year. This plan includes a fairly
ambitious schedule of new permanent exhibits and programs.
c. There is going to be significant staffing changes: Jane Deisler-Seno's willleave the
Museum effective October 31, a new Natural History Collection Manager will be hired
within the next month, and the vacant Preparator position will be advertised in the near
future. Rick Stryker outlined a plan that de-emphasizes collections work so that
increased staff time can go to programming and exhibit development. The Committee
was asked to consider the implications of developing exhibits based on broad history and
natural history themes, rather than collections based themes. This diminished emphasis
on the development of study collections is a major departure from the past and requires a
mission change. This overall strategy to serve 21" century audiences has been followed
in the major natural history/history museums in Texas.
d. We received a request from a central Texas school district to host a live-remote education
program on the ships utilizing video conferencing technology. Upon checking with the
Education Service Center, it was learned that this technology is more heavily used in
other parts of the state. The committee consensus suggested that the Museum should
aggressively pursue this technology, if there was sufficient staff to support its application.
e. Hank Brennecke informed the Committee that the Botanical Gardens was considering the
development of a Seeds of Change garden. He is also working to get protection for and
interpretation of the Native American burial site adjacent to the Gardens.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m.
SCANNED
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