Museum Restructuring Committee

Norwalk Museum Restructuring Committee Minutes of Meeting/Tuesday, June 12, 2012 Attendance: Jim Brown; Mary Alice-Fitzgerald; Patsy Brescia; James Clark; Rick McQuaid, co-chair; Mickey Koleszar; David Westmoreland, co-chair; Charlie Yost; Judith Bacal; Erin Halsey (6:15),David Park, acting secretary. David Westmoreland called the meeting to order at 5:35 PM. David Park moved to approve the minutes of May, 29, 2012. Motion APPROVED. Patsy Brescia abstained. At the beginning of the meeting, Patsy Brescia asked for a copy of the list which Ralph Bloom brought to the previous meeting. The list dated 2/12/2008 reflected the part of the collection belonging to the “Friends of the Norwalk Museum”. Copies were made available to members that were interested in having one. A discussion followed regarding the collections and ownership of items. David Westmoreland indicated that he felt the Historical Commission had a good record of the inventory. Committee members had a long detailed discussion concerning the site selection analysis matrix document. The final document will be kept as a record of back up information to the committee’s recommendations for the housing and display of collections and archives. Committee members discussed the pro and cons of each site on a table. Members discussed the possibilities of using a rating system for each criterion to be as objective as possible. Members focused on the Lockwood House, Health Dept first floor storage, Norwalk library for archives and also added the possibility of using reduced space at the present Norwalk Museum site for less rent. There are ongoing negotiations with the landlord and mayor on the museum space. David Westmoreland and Rick McQuaid both spoke to Mike Mocciae (Director of Rec & Parks) in regards to the availability of placing the Dunn Hardware exhibit at Fodor Farm at a future date. Mike Mocciae seemed receptive to the idea. Many sites can be eliminated as not practical/feasible by several criteria measures. Patsy Brescia suggested that some of the artwork may be appropriate for the Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum rotunda temporarily. Leigh Grant is researching the artwork. There would be more money for an operating grant if a city building were used with no rent. Members discussed any needed building improvements/changes and associated capital costs at city buildings for housing collections and archives. Both short term planning and long term planning were discussed in regards to the museum lease expiring soon. A new matrix table will be developed based on members input at the meeting and by e-mail before the next meeting to Judith Bacal or David Westmoreland. Patsy Brescia discussed her concerns regarding the ownership of collection items and museum building amenities such as showcases and cabinets. James Clark asked about the management of the archives and collections in the future. The collections, archives and sites are all owned and managed by city agencies Patsy Brescia suggested that the Dunn Hardware display might be housed in the basement of the Lockwood House or at the Health Department first floor space. There was further discussion on the potential suitability of the first floor Health Department and the attic space in the Lockwood House. Jim Brown discussed some of the issues to be included in a draft proposal for the housing and management of the archives at the Norwalk Library. The proposal will need to be first looked at by the library director before being presented to the committee. Jim Brown commented on the existing small archive collection at the library and blending it with the much larger museum archive collection. The library staff is receptive and excited by the challenge. The library has the appropriate secure space for both housing the archives and public research. Added operating costs were discussed by Jim Brown including staff person hours with the added responsibility. The cataloging of the archives and availability to the public on the internet was discussed. Jim Brown also discussed the long amount of time needed to catalog the archives and the possibility of using a service. Patsy Brescia reported that after hearing Ralph Bloom mention the meeting at Mayor Zullo’s home with Mr. Lockwood, Ralph, & Frank Zullo (in the late 1960’s) at which time the plans for a Lockwood Museum was initiated, she discussed the event with Frank Zullo. He indicated that he would be available to share his recollections of the city’s position at that time with the committee. She asked that Mayor Zullo be invited to a meeting. Committees members discussed the forming of a 501 c 3 and the number of staff/volunteers that may be needed to manage the collections and exhibits. The next meeting date will be Tuesday June 26 at 5:30 PM The meeting was adjourned at 7:08 PM. Respectfully Submitted, David W. Park, acting secretary