Jonathan Fisher Board Retreat
November 1, 2005
Blue Hill
Attending: Brad Emerson, Deale Salisbury, Carol Blyberg, Amey Dodge, Maureen Rawding, Bob Slaven, Jim Fisher, Linda Hoskins, Rob McCall
Why are we here?
Jim Fisher
· Interest in historical societies
· Family connection
· Opportunity to preserve
Bob Slave
· Grew up in Blue Hill
· Saw resurrection of the house
· father served for many years
Linda Hoskins
· heard that this was a nice group
· like to make information accessible
· interested in how technology can further our mission
Maureen Rawding
· did know much about this
· enjoy learning about this man and his history
Rob McCall
· know quite a bit about Jonathan Fisher
· use his Scripture Animals and other writings
Carol Blyberg
· Blue Hill is our home
· Fisher house is very important to the history of the town
· this house belongs to the town
Amey Dodge
· Carol talked me into serving
· reacted to crisis
· gained appreciation for the history
· seeking outreach
Deale Salisbury
· Don't know why I am here
· long time interest in history
· became aware of Fisher in seminary
Brad Emerson
· like the challenge
· interested in history
What are our strengths?
- documentation is available
- existence of structure, uniqueness
- excellent board varied skills, need to make use
- archival strength
How shall we use our strengths?
Technology
- digitizing journals, archives
- web site easy point of reference for inquiries
- allows us to protect the original documents
- gives immediate access to materials
Publicity - make these assets available
- newsletter
- receptions
Where to start organize
Need to build on Fisher
- human
-
Partnerships
- full experience for visitors connecting us with other sites
- Blue Hill Maine has a number of historic sites this one provides focus
-
Heritage tourism
- appreciate differences
Ideas for improvement
- interpretive material does not tell our story
- improve the experience within the house
- finding connections with visitors
o What are they interested in?
o What are their stories?
Weaknesses
- volunteer drain
o recruitment of volunteers larger pool of active volunteers and members
o bringing non-board members into subcommittees
o renaming members to friends
o recruitment through the newsletter
o section of newsletter announcing projects, activities
- location not in the center, not an impulse destination
o publicity
o use newspapers
o branding
- overwhelming number of tasks uncertainty about priorities
o better organize as a board
o need to connect skills of board with tasks to be done
o larger workforce
- interpretation need to show people how things work, dynamic exhibits
- not getting much bounce from connections to other sites, sense of competition
o formation of a partnership committee Jim, Carol, Bob, others
- membership is too small and inactive
o print copies membership / supporters list for board
o recognition program
§ reception for donors and volunteers
§ newsletter articles (Maureen)
- lack connection to the community people are not visiting this house
o concept of multiple membership to historical assets
o combination entrance tickets
- financial limitations
o page in newsletter promoting products
o better ways to raise revenues
o sponsorships
- maintenance
- not readily available to the public, sites are open different hours
Fundraising and Development
(note: what was the fate of the contribution of the Ithaca gift?)
Membership
- individuals - relationships
- businesses
- foundations
Annual appeal
list management
o membership
o library
o garden club
o town-wide mailing - 04614
o personal references
o compile a master list
o mailing
o acknowledgment thank you letters, note cards
o post-appeal analysis
Grants - special projects
foundations
o Benjamin Moore Foundation Painting Grant
o 1772 Foundation Eastern Maine Pod
o Elinor Dudier Foundation grant
individuals
Partnerships
Sponsorship
Entrance fees
Receptions and Special events
- dinners
-
Newsletter appeals
Endowment
- investment
- investment committee Brad, Bob, Jim, Amey, Tom Clements
Sales
gift shop
throws
newsletter
web sales
Jonathan Fisher Walk(s) various destinations
Use of Fisher House for Picnics, appeals for picnic tables
Renting facility for events
Public Relations and Publicity
- book plate in bags sold by Tradewinds for the Library
- Fisher Melons seed packets
- GSA Lecture Series
- Lecture Concert collaboration with Blue Hill Congregational Church
- Historical recreation of singing schools
- Library lecture series
- Opening house more often
o Autumn visitation
o Saturday afternoon open hours
o Paid staff
- Posters
o Events
o Permanent
- Brochures
o Images
§ house
§ peacock
o special fund raising for brochure
§ acknowledgement for sponsors
Education and Outreach
- school visitation programs
- replica camera obscurra for visitor use
o GSA Student project
- archeological research student project
- press release and newsletter article
o seeking volunteers
o interpreter training offered in May includes tour of house
Exhibit and Interpretation
- replace display cases with wall cabinets
- better museum
- interpretive panels
- exhibit committee Gary Vencil, Karen Wyatt
- placement of furniture and other articles in accordance with the historical records
- original paint colors
- thinking big restoration of the entire farm, out buildings, operations
- herb garden, landscaping
Budget and Staffing
- job description
o archives
o book keeping
o historical interpretation
o membership
o office management
o project planner
o volunteer coordinator
- ways to fill the position
o museum internship room, board, stipend, travel, etc.
§ GWU
§ Boston University
§ Winterthur
o paid staff
§ 2006 start early to mid June and run through September
§
o volunteers
- options
o # hours per week
o seasonal or year round
- need to write a budget
o project expenses approximately $22,000
o set fund-raising targets
o estimate expenses of non-discretionary projects
§ gift shop
§ publicity
Projects
- 2005 roofing
- 2005 fund raising / annual appeal
- 2005 kick off budgetary process
o estimate revenues and costs
o prioritize spending for 2006
- 2006 painting
- 2006 brochures
- 2006 building a volunteer base
o increase membership
o notify members through newsletter and website about volunteer opportunities
o contacting other organizations Susan Staples Brooklin Keeping Society
- Changing hours of operation
o Consider Sunday hours
o Review Holt House Hours
o
- 2007 park area
Goals for 2006
Improve museum
Interpretive mural
Morning in Blue Hill
Roof and painting