Staff members present were Assistant to Town Administrator Josh Suddath and Museum Curator & Director Erin Narloch.

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1 A regular meeting of the Collierville Heritage Commission was held August 8, 2012 at 2:30pm at the Morton Museum of Collierville History, located at 196 N. Main Street, Collierville, Tennessee. The following members of the Heritage Commission were present: Nancy Bassett, Clarene Russell, Bill Kelsey, Joe Clayton, John Shepherd, Taylor Stamps, Betty Edmunds, and Rachel Russell. Absent were Mary Alice Brock and Katie Parr. Staff members present were Assistant to Town Administrator Josh Suddath and Museum Curator & Director Erin Narloch. Mrs. Clarene Russell called the meeting to order. Mr. Tommy Shepherd and a representative from the Knights of Columbus gave a presentation on a proposal for a display at the Museum on the history of the American Flag. This display would also have a place to deposit worn flags where they would be given to the Boy Scouts for proper disposal, as well as a display area with souvenir items that would support the museum, all pertaining to the American Flag. This display would be free to the Museum and paid for entirely by the Knights of Columbus. The Knights of Columbus would need the approval of the Heritage Commission prior to starting the research, and would submit a final plan to show precisely what it would look like. They also spoke of this display being a traveling exhibit to tour the schools, the Town Hall, and places like this. Various members of the Heritage Commission indicated their support for this idea, indicating that they would envision the exhibit being a traveling exhibit, and not one that would be a permanent part of the Morton Museum due to space limitations. Mrs. Russell called for a motion. Mrs. Bassett made motion, seconded by Mrs. Edmunds, for the Knights of Columbus to bring a proposal before the Heritage Commission for approval of an American Flag display at the Museum. All were in favor, none were opposed. Motion is approved. Mr. Clayton noted that back in 1998, when he got on the Shelby County School Board, he asked them to do a survey of all the classrooms in the Shelby County Schools to make sure all had an American Flag in them. It came back with 600 classrooms not having a flag in them. He stated that they went to Federal Express and they funded the purchase of 600 flags. Mrs. Russell thanked the guests from the Knights of Columbus for their presentation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JULY 11, 2012 Mrs. Russell asked if there were any corrections or additions needed to the July 11 th, 2012, meeting minutes. Mrs. Russell stated that Rachel Russell s name was listed as Sara in the roll call listing. Mrs. Russell requested the Heritage Commission vote by acclimation to approve the meeting minutes as corrected for July 11 th, All were in favor, none were opposed. Motion is approved. 1

2 MUSEUM FUNDRAISING / RENOVATIONS UPDATE FOR THE MORTON MUSEUM OF COLLIERVILLE HISTORY - Fundraising - Shelving Mr. Suddath stated that the fundraising slowed down for a while, but that there is good news to report. Mr. Suddath stated that Mrs. Narloch researched and received a quote for shelving for the storage area for the museum items and artifacts that are not on display. Not all artifacts are displayed at the same time, and to keep the exhibits fresh, the artifacts will be regularly switched out with others from this storage area. But, to keep these items organized and safe, the shelving is needed. Mr. Suddath stated that the quote is from Space Saver for $8, He stated that there is not really any money in the budget for that. Mr. Suddath stated that Mr. Morgan Morton has always indicated that he would be supportive of the needs of the Museum. Mr. Suddath spoke with Mr. Morton regarding this need for shelving and it helping the museum to become fully functional. Mr. Suddath stated that Mr. Morton sent a check for $9, a few days later. The acceptance of this donation will be brought before the Board of Mayor and Aldermen at the next meeting. Once that is approved, the shelving can be installed and the storage room will hopefully be ready in the next few weeks. - Fundraising AT&T Mr. Suddath stated that a resolution may have finally been reached with the AT&T donation issue of how to accept the $3, from them. He has been working with Mr. Chuck Thomas, with AT&T, for quite a while now on getting this resolved. Mr. Suddath stated that Mrs. Narloch came up with the idea of having AT&T support some programs rather than a cash donation. Perhaps AT&T could pay for such things as having the International Storytelling Center, from Jonesborough in east Tennessee, come to the museum and do a program on the history of the Town of Collierville. This program would then become property of the Town. Mr. Thomas was agreeable to this. There will be a 501(c)3 organization that AT&T can give to with the International Storytelling Center. - Fundraising Donations Collected To-date Mr. Suddath stated that donations collected and raised to-date for the Morton Museum total $429,

3 With inquiries from the Commission, Mr. Suddath stated that the Town has put in approximately $500, to $600, towards the Morton Museum. Adding the purchase of the Museum and the property that it sits on, Mr. Suddath stated that the total goes up to approximately $700, from the Town. - Renovations Mr. Suddath stated that Haizlip Studio and ColorAd will be completing punch-list items at the Museum during the week of August 20 th, The Museum will be closed during this week. Mrs. Narloch stated that during that week, though, the Museum will be open long enough to have a wedding that had already been scheduled. Mr. Suddath stated that the furniture for Mrs. Narloch s office has arrived, and they are working on getting her moved into that office and out of the Town Hall office. Mr. Suddath also stated that in researching cubicles, they found the prices to be exorbitant, at up to $30, He stated that Mrs. Narloch located a company that does business furniture, called MBI. They had a cubicle set that was built for a high-end client that ended up not buying it. The original cost on the set was $20,000.00, but the Museum was able to acquire it for $2, MUSEUM VISITOR SERVICES COORDINATOR INTERVIEWS Mr. Suddath stated that he and Erin will be conducting interviews on Friday, August 10 th, 2012, for the Museum Visitor Services Coordinator position. This will be a part-time position. There are a couple of very good candidates with education and background that will allow them to be able to grow into with the position over time. MUSEUM DIRECTOR S REPORT Mrs. Narloch stated that she is continuing to work on the Battle of Collierville symposium narratives. Mrs. Narloch also stated that the rentals at the Museum have been a success. This month, August, will have three rentals, which include two weddings. September will have three rentals. The average rental cost is approximately $550.00, a good amount of revenue for the Museum. Mrs. Narloch also stated that the Museum has recently begun to form a partnership with FedEx. They are going to be having an event at the Museum on Wednesday, September 19 th, This event was set up through Elizabeth Allen who works at FedEx. They are doing a type of internal marketing release party of some software. Mrs. Allen wanted to have this done out in the community and thought that the Museum would be the perfect place for it. Mrs. Narloch stated that with this rental, the Museum may be the beneficiary of a donation. Mrs. Narloch also stated that the calls continue to come in for rental opportunities. 3

4 Mr. Suddath stated that Senator Mark Norris rented the museum to have a poll watching event there on election night. The place was packed with newspaper and TV reporters. It was great exposure for the Museum. Mrs. Narloch stated that the total number of visitors to the Museum, to-date, is 828. This number includes June, July and part of August of 2012, and also includes the larger programs that have taken place there. Mrs. Narloch also stated that she has talked to 90 people in outreach programs. Mrs. Narloch stated that most recently, she went to the Crye-Leike real estate office and spoke to their sales people about the museum. Then, yesterday morning, a group of 38 agents came to the museum for a tour. She stated that this is a great sell for the Town. Mrs. Narloch stated that Mr. Myers Brown had a program at the museum last night with 18 attendees. It was a great program. Mr. Brown also spoke with Mr. Kelsey regarding the mannequin and how they will proceed with outfitting it with a uniform. Mr. Suddath stated that the donation from the Sons of the Confederate Veterans/Wigfall Greys is to be used for getting the uniform and the insignia placed properly. Mrs. Narloch stated that next Saturday, August 18 th, from 3pm-5pm, the museum will be partnering with the Collierville Literacy Council to do a program that corresponds with their Collierville R.E.A.D.S. program. The story revolves around World War II. Mrs. Narloch spoke with Sheila, her contact with the Literacy Council, about the event. She is looking for someone that could give a five-to-seven minute talk on what was happening during World War II at that time. She asked if any of the Commission members would be interested in this, or if anyone could suggest someone. Mrs. Russell stated that this is a short amount of time to research this and put this information together for a presentation. Mrs. Narloch stated that the only thing that was agreed upon with them was that the museum would be the site for the program. Mrs. Edmunds suggested contacting the history teacher at the high school to give the talk. Mrs. Narloch stated that it was described to her as a round-table discussion of people who lived in Collierville during World War II, and World War II veterans. Mrs. Narloch had a conversation with Sheila, from the Literacy Council, this morning and she said that she was unsure of how many speakers there would be. Mr. Stamps stated that he was contacted by Sheila asking if he would like to participate, and he told her that he would. But, he had not heard anything back since on what his role would be. He also stated that he is not a veteran of World War II and that he was only 8 years old when the War ended. Commission members had some discussed on how old they were and what they remembered. 4

5 JOHN GREEN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY Mrs. Narloch stated that Mr. John Green would like to propose to the museum the use of the reading room in the near future through the end of the year for a presentation of his Presidential library. He would like to center this presentation around election day and the Presidential Election. He would present all of the Presidents and a selection of books on them, and then some table books that would remain on loan until the end of the year. Mr. Suddath stated that these books would not become part of the permanent collection. Mrs. Russell called for a motion. Mrs. Edmunds made motion, seconded by Mr. Shepherd, to accept Mr. John Green s offer to display his Presidential collection of books on loan through the end of the year. All were in favor, none were opposed. Motion is approved. Mrs. Narloch requested of the each of the Commission members to make an individual list of books that they would like to see become a part of the reading room of the museum. Mrs. Edmunds inquired if the books would remain at the museum for people to read or if they would be available to check out. Mrs. Narloch and Mr. Suddath both stated that the books are to remain and be read in the museum. Mrs. Narloch stated that she and Mr. Suddath met with the Chairperson for the Marketing Department at the University of Memphis to talk about getting an intern at the museum that could help in marketing and in audience development. This intern would have to work at least 20 hours a week for them to receive college credit. Their main job would be to help work on a strategic marketing plan for the Morton Museum on how the message is going to get out about the programs, exhibitions, membership information, and other museum information. Mr. Suddath stated that because this will be a contracted employee, the position will not have to be advertised or go through the same channels as a regular Town position. Mrs. Narloch stated that museums are centers for lifelong learning, so it is a perfect fit to bring in an intern to get some on-the-job learning experience. Mr. Stamps asked about going to the middle schools and speaking at teacher meetings to inform them of what the museum has to offer so as to encourage students to visit it as a history lesson, and perhaps set up a field trip for the students. Mrs. Russell stated that in the spring, there are field days that occur around the Town Square, but was not familiar with any occurring at other times of the year. Mr. Stamps stated that, with the American flag exhibit, he would like to see the smaller children taught about its history. Mrs. Russell stated that would be a wonderful thing to do. 5

6 Mr. Suddath stated the American flag exhibit is a great idea, but that his concern with the exhibit is, depending on its size, the placement of it in the Museum in the long-term. Mrs. Narloch agreed with Mr. Suddath in that this flag exhibit should be a movable exhibit. She stated that it would be great for the Morton Museum to be the first site of this American flag exhibit, and then have it be exhibited to coincide with Veterans Day, and other activities that the Town is involved with on the Town Square. Mrs. Russell mentioned the exhibit being placed in the Town Hall. Mr. Stamps stated that the Town Hall should be the home of the American Flag exhibit, with agreement from Commission members. Mrs. Narloch stated that the exhibit could be checked out to schools and to the Collierville Burch Library, etc. Mrs. Russell stated that this would be a wonderful way to teach respect for the American flag. OTHER BUSINESS - Civil War Reenactment Approvals Mrs. Russell expressed concern about the accuracy of a Collierville reenactment that was presented on the Town Square recently. There were a lot of people in attendance, and the concern is that it would be perceived as factual events. Although it was enjoyable and entertaining, the question would be how much true history was in it. It was discussed at the last meeting that to be sure of accuracy being presented when these events occur that involve the Town, they would have to come before the Heritage Commission to acquire approval. This would be for a Town-sponsored event occurring in Collierville. The Commission members were in agreement. - Museum Gift Shop Mr. Stamps inquired about past discussions on having a gift shop in the Morton Museum. Mrs. Narloch stated that it was discussed having a shelf next to the Visitor Services desk, next to the map of downtown. She stated that she wasn t sure if it was in the budget, and also what, if any, decision was made on what to sell. Mr. Shepherd stated that these decisions could be included in the marketing plan. Mrs. Narloch mentioned that Main Street Collierville s ornament this year is the Morton Museum (the White Church). Her understanding is that the Town, on behalf of the Morton Museum, has purchased 100 of these ornaments. The Morton Museum will sell them at the museum, and will receive the proceeds from the sale of these. 6

7 Mrs. Narloch also stated that she has had visitors come in and ask if the museum sells artwork specific to the historic district. People want a montage of the historic buildings and historic district to put in their house. Discussion took place regarding the small replicas of different places in town, including the White Church. Mrs. Edmunds stated that there are no more of the White Churches replicas available. Mrs. Russell asked if anyone had any further business or questions. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business or discussion, at approximately 3:25pm, Mrs. Russell adjourned the meeting. Mrs. Clarene Russell Chairman, Heritage Commission Josh Suddath Assistant to Town Administrator 7