Marcus Historical Society Meeting

March 27, 2007

The Marcus Historical Society met Tuesday, March 27 at the Farmers State Bank Meeting room.

The minutes of the February meeting were approved as read.  The treasurer reported balances of $1,836.30 in checking and $2,500 in savings.  Income included a $500 member contribution from Bonnie Morganthaler and a check from Reed's for purchase of a building.  Expenses were $7,500, purchase of former Danish Church building, and $272 closing costs on this purchase.

The public relations committee will arrange a story with picture about the Reed Center of the Marcus Historical Society.  The fundraising committee met March 22 and told of some money making ideas, including taking charge of the city-wide garage sales.  Caryn Barry reported that she has contacted the Cherokee County Legacy Foundation and there will not be funds available there until December.  She will begin the application process for an INS grant.

Webmaster, June Dias reported that the website is averaging 8 hits a day with 244 so far in March.  Kara Spieler has placed a link to the Society in the Marcus website.

The MMC Graphic Design Class instructor has set a May 1 deadline for students to produce designs for the Marcus Historical Society logo.  After discussion, Jim Nielsen moved, seconded by Jim Wiese to award a $100 scholarship to the student who creates the best design.  Motion carried.

In keeping with the Society's 501(c)3 status, written substantiations have been mailed to contributors of $250 or more.  These are complete through March 15.  The 501(c)3 Exemption Letter has been posted on the Society's website.  The Application will be scanned and added to the website.

Closing on The Reed Center of the Marcus Historical Society took place March 15.  The building lot is 60' N to S and 50' E to W.  There are some usable furnishings with the building.

Since the Society building is not located on Main Street it does not qualify for the services of the Main Street architect.

The president spoke of the need for a historian to document & photograph the Society's on-going activities.  Fran Briggs was nominated and accepted all but the photographic duties.  June will provide the camera skills.

Also needed is a Building Committee with chair.  Jim Nielsen accepted the chair appointment and recruited Jim Wiese and Jerry Meylor as committee members.

Property insurance for a museum is both hard to find and expensive.  The Society building has liability insurance only at this time but will need additional coverage once artifacts are placed in the building.  A break on insurance can be achieved if the Society joins the Iowa Museum Association at a cost of $35 per year to list one member.  Included in the price, the Society can also join the Small Museums Special Interest Network, which is headed by Judy Bowman of Plymouth County.  Jim Nielsen moved, seconded by Sherree Ogren, to join the Association.  Motion carried.

Building renovation issues were discussed.  Utilities need to be resumed, contractors have been contacted about bids for a new roof and gutters, and among other things, a different furnace is needed.  A suggestion was made to leave decisions on these issues to the newly appointed building committee and members were in agreement.

Signage for the building would make it obvious to the public that the Marcus Historical Society is moving forward.  There are banners, which were used at the Marcus Fair, which could be used as a temporary solution.

Accessions of museum materials cannot begin until the building has a new roof.  A cataloging system including both paper and computer files also is needed.  A rebuilt computer may be available from Iowa Prison Industries.  (They sell only to non-profit organizations.)

The next meeting will be Tuesday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the Farmer's State Bank meeting room.

The Fund Raising Committee will meet April 2 at 7:00 at the Marcus Public Library.

Respectfully submitted,