HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Museum Of Science And History Advisory Committee - 05/04/2006
MINUTES
Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
Advisory Committee Meeting
May 4, 2006
The Museum Advisory Committee met in the Museum's DeDietrich Conference Room at noon
on Thursday, May 4th. Members Present: Margaret Bolick, Sharon Brower, Cheryl
Gillenwater, Randall Meredith, and Phyllis Riddle.
Upon motion by Phyllis Riddle and seconded by Margaret Bolick, the minutes of the April 13,
2006 meeting were approved as presented. Upon motion by Sharon Brower and seconded by
Phyllis Riddle the absence of Randall Meredith was approved for good cause.
Chairman's remarks: Members were reminded that they need to complete the open meetings act
training which is available on line and through a CD that Rick can provide.
Business:
a. Raymond Gignac of Gignac and Associates presented the Bayfront Improvement Plan. This
will make changes on Shoreline Blvd. between IH 37 and the Art Museum. He explained that
this was an early version and that there were likely to be changes.
b. Rick Stryker reported(briefly) on a meeting held in Boston on April 28 with Chip Jeffries and
John Boyer(Senior Designer)of Ralph Appelbaum and Associates. (A more detailed recounting
of the meeting is included in these minutes.)
A number of issues associated with the visualized concept study were discussed. The
Appelbaum team is studying the Museum's assets(exhibits and collections) as well as issues
associated with automobile/visitor access, site adjacencies, and site amenities. This study begins
with an analysis of the impact of the new mission and continues through potential phasing of
project implementation.
The study will not recommend any changes in our dual commitment to educational exhibits and
programming in both science and history. However, the study will recommend a change in the
Museum's strategic and tactical approach. Tactically, shifting from collection based exhibitry to
a narrative approach and shifting exhibit elements to create interpretive coherence. Strategically,
making changes to create a visitor destination by using the Columbus ships as a central icon
maximizing the visitor experience both for history and science exhibits, although retaining
distinct exhibit tracks and approaches for the two disciplines.
Rick asked that the first phase address the immigration story with the Hispanic experience taking
a central part of the narrative as befits their number and influence as the predominant immigrant
group into the area. This provided a unique cultural context and laid the groundwork for Corpus
Christi becoming the cradle of the Hispanic civil rights movement. A variety of strategies were
discussed to provide a scientific spin on the exploration and settlement story that might lead into
unique science exhibits. A second phase will address an experiential approach to a variety of
focused science topics. A process n., ds to be developed to collaboratively identify and develop
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those topics with local educators and various nature conservation groups in south Texas
The discussion included an initial review of the visitor experience planning documents including
a"Go-Flo"bubble diagram beginning with the"T" decision for the history/science pathway split
aud,cpnsidering, on a preliminary basis, the interpretive mix of the narratives (thematic story
zones and various lenses through which topics might be addressed.) We then discussed the use
of objects (artifacts and specimens) and the potential re-use of exhibit assets.
The discussion continued to include, conceptually, a variety of architectronic and phasing
options. Specifically discussed was the need to make the ships iconic pivot points to achieve a
competitive position as a visitor attraction and how to divide implementation into financially
manageable dimensions.
Rick asked them to give the Museum their best recommendations, with some options, based on
their knowledge of strategies being used nationally to address solutions to similar issues.
c. The 50th anniversary of the Museum in 2007 was not discussed.
d. The Committee asked that agendas and minutes be hereafter distributed by e-mail rather than
by regular mail to those members who used e-mail.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m.