Document - Historical Society Minutes - Historical Society Meeting Minutes - 2/2/2016MEETING NOTES/MINUTES
EAGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
TUESDAY
February 2, 2016
3:30 p.m. – 2nd Floor Conference Room
Members present: Chair Mary Ellen Voracek, Vice-Chair Kim Hazel, Millie Gignac, Ted Ringberg, Kern
Hough, Bernie Jansen, Greg Oxley. Also present was Communication Coordinator Joanna Foote.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY BUSINESS
1914 Town Hall Building Reconstruction
Foote indicated the project is substantially complete. Some painting touch-up continues and
a few items will need to wait for spring weather. We are able to get into the building now at
any time we wish and can begin working on designing display plans. A Fire Key box has been
added to the building per fire safety requirements.
Fundraising Update
To date, the 1914 Town Hall Project has received the following donations in addition to the
Community Development Block Grant of $100,000 and Eagan Foundation Grant of $525:
$10,000 – Eagan Lions
$ 5,000 – J.A. Wedum Foundation
$ 500 – Friends of the (Holz) Farm
$ 500 – Bob Lane
$ 50 – Mills Family
$ 5,000 – Nancy Sweet
Thank you notes have been sent by Foote to all individuals and groups who have made
donations to the project.
Display Assistance
Foote informed the members present about two walk-through meetings she and
Communications Director Garrison have had with designers in the past few weeks. One
meeting was with Drew Sternal from a Minneapolis Company called L.A. Ink that specializes
in designing and implementing donor walls at Universities and hospitals. They have also
done large panel exhibits, timelines, acoustic/photo panels, etc. Mr. Sternal gave a number
of potential ideas during walk-through and believes we would be best-served to develop a
“Master Plan” for the Town Hall space so ideas can be developed and funded over time.
The walk-through was with a group of three design planners from Skyline Display in Eagan.
They also shared a variety of ideas and interest in helping develop the space and also
believed an overall plan or “story” concept for the space would help develop the space.
Both firms/individuals offered to work with EHS members and staff to view the collection
and develop plans. There would be costs involved, but at a discounted rate. All work would
not need to be done through the design company chosen, in either of these cases.
Display Reassembly
Staff will coordinate bringing the stove, several benches and several of the other larger
display items back into the 1914 Town Hall over the next few weeks. There is a potential of a
Scout Troop meeting at the Town Hall March 3. The benches would accommodate that
group, if needed.
Foote indicated that additional worksessions could not be accommodated in her schedule
this month but she could coordinate another staff member to open the building(s) if
members wished to work. Members present declined.
Ringberg outlined a plan for the government displays section which would set a group of
items by topic area in each voting booth. Topic ideas at present include:
• Elections (stats & Ballot boxes)
• Town Board Supervisors & Township Elected Officials
• Form of Gov’t. - What is a Township, Maps, Minutes
• Territory, State, Mendota
• Justice of the Peace
• Incorporation Attempts
• Township Road Maintenance & other typical duties
• Police
• Fire
DCHS Update
Oxley reported that the Dakota County Historical Society Board is now focused on decisions
surrounding the Lawshee Museum building in South St. Paul. He stated the Board needs to
determine if the building should be upgraded at the current site or whether the museum
should be moved elsewhere in the County. Nearly $5 million in renovation have been
identified which includes American’s with Disabilities Act requirements.
He states that they need an endowment or fundraising, etc. to be able to do more and pay
staff better. Matthew Carter, the new Executive Director has been out speaking with local
clubs and organizations to seek funding and this will need to continue.
Oxley and Carter will also be meeting with local VFW and American Legions to find
information regarding individuals from the County that served in WWII. A display and
information is planned to be compiled for the upcoming Anniversary.
Oxley and Carter will also be meeting with local VFW and American Legions to find
information regarding individuals from the County that served in WWII. A display and
information is planned to be compiled for the upcoming Anniversary.
OTHER
Hough inquired about ordering polo shirts for the Historical Society. Foote will work on
finalizing specifications
NEXT MEETING
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 3, 2016 at 3:30 p.m. at 4:30 p.m.
we will travel to the 1914 Town Hall to meet and tour with the Dakota County Historical
Society Board for a tour. That group will then move to the Eagan room to hold its regular
meeting there.
An Eagan Boy Scout Troop may also meet at the 1914 Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. also that night.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 5:28 p.m.