Mount Desert Island Historical Society Strategic Plan 2016-2018
We envision an island-wide community working together to promote appreciation of the histories of Mount Desert Island. Our mission is to foster meaningful engagement with the histories of Mount Desert Island. We value Research and education in history Connection with the larger world of scholars Free access to opportunities for historical engagement Collaboration among institutions and individuals Shared resources to achieve common goals Respect for the dignity of cultures and traditions Creative approaches to historical engagement CONTENTS 3 GOAL I Build Organizational Capacity 4 GOAL II Increase Engagement 5 GOAL III Support Access 6 2016 2018 Milestones vision, mission, & values MDI HISTORICAL SOCIETY STRATEGIC PLAN 2016-2018 2
GOAL I: BUILD ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY FOR GREATER IMPACT Addressing Weaknesses: Although the MDI Historical Society has a committed and active board, we lack a strong succession plan and there are currently gaps in key board positions. Building on Strengths: The Society has an active and cooperative board as well as strong, consistent membership. Support for the Society has steadily increased in recent years, and we have been able to carry out more activities at a high standard as a result. The Society will devote the next three years to building our organizational capacity, specifically focusing on quality of governance, operations, and member support. STRATEGIES Participate in an assessment program to aid in the advancement of our policies and practices Increase development efforts on growing current membership base and elevating Navigator ($500+) and Voyager ($1,000+) members Create new opportunities for contributing to the Society and increasing the Society s reserved funds OBJECTIVES Conduct a board assessment based on nationally-recognized standards and best practices, and based on this assessment, develop and implement a plan for improving individual and collective board performance, as well as a strong succession plan Broaden membership base and move current members up to higher contributing levels Develop a solid funding base for ongoing operations of $150,000 per year through increased endowment, multi-year pledges of support, and evergreen -style monthly deduction plans Add new opportunities for giving to the Society, including planned gifts, naming opportunities, sponsorships, and others MDI HISTORICAL SOCIETY STRATEGIC PLAN 2016-2018 3
GOAL II: INCREASE ENGAGEMENT BY PEER ORGANIZATIONS AND THE PUBLIC Addressing Weaknesses: Although the MDI Historical Society has a strong membership base, younger age groups do not currently have consistent representation at our programs or among our members. It is important for us to involve the next generation of stewards and scholars, and facilitate engagement in Mount Desert Island s history and heritage for a broader demographic. Building on Strengths: The Society frequently engages in collaborative activities with other organizations and individuals. We will devote the next three years to building stronger ties with key peer organizations, and developing a framework for long-term partnerships. We will utilize our resources and knowledge base to support other local historical and cultural organizations, and the wider MDI community. STRATEGIES Focus collaborative efforts on a few organizations that can facilitate strong mutual benefit Emphasize historical scholarship, Chebacco, engagement with area schools, and the rich supply of resources now available on our website as factors that make our organization unique among island nonprofits. Develop a cohesive brand identity to better exemplify the Society s mission and values OBJECTIVES Develop programs that engage with a broader demographic Extend the University of Maine internship program into future years, and develop a comparable program for College of the Atlantic Improve social media presence on multiple platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, etc. Develop youth board member program and bring two local students onto board Each year, carry out a major collaborative program with other local organizations Dedicate time and resources to continually improve the substance and style of www.mdihistory.org Develop and implement a cohesive branding scheme for the Society, and subsequently utilize new brand identity to update the signage at the School House and Somesville Campus MDI HISTORICAL SOCIETY STRATEGIC PLAN 2016-2018 4
Addressing Weaknesses: Limited storage space means the MDI Historical Society s collections are not currently protected in their entirety. Furthermore, the Society is concerned that there are historical and cultural materials currently at risk from damage due to fire and other natural disasters island-wide. GOAL III: SUPPORT ACCESS TO HISTORICAL MATERIALS Building on Strengths: The MDI Historical Society has strived to protect our historical collections, to improve our catalog, and to update our collections management practices. Effective use of these resources by today s and tomorrow s researchers gives these efforts value. Moving forward, we will enrich our own research capabilities and invest in broadening the impact of our work by supporting increased public access to all the island s historical collections. STRATEGIES Strengthen the stewardship, accessibility, and impact of collections Focus efforts on digitization and online access Encourage island-wide efforts to archive, catalog, and digitize collections Promote the preservation of island heritage by increasing public awareness of culturally and historically significant structures and places OBJECTIVES Create a position particularly focusing on collections management Continue to digitize more of our archival materials and make them accessible online annually Participate in the implementation of an Island Historical Trust, which will provide island-wide funding and organizational structure for the preservation, cataloging, and digitizing of historical collections Improve the current quality of Chebacco Magazine, developing engaging themes for future issues, enhancing a digital version, and attracting a younger readership Thin collection according to protocol annually Explore possibilities for expanding storage Educate and engage homeowners, craftsmen, and the community with local preservation Build a catalog of the island s structures and places that have aesthetic, architectural, historic and cultural significance MDI HISTORICAL SOCIETY STRATEGIC PLAN 2016-2018 5
MILESTONES: 2016-2018 Conduct a board assessment based on nationally-recognized standards and best practices, and based on this assessment, develop and implement a plan for improving individual and collective board performance, as well as a strong succession plan Broaden membership base and move current members up to higher contributing levels Develop a solid funding base for ongoing operations of $150,000 per year through increased endowment, multi-year pledges of support, and evergreen -style monthly deduction plans Add new opportunities for giving to the Society, including planned gifts, naming opportunities, sponsorships, and others Develop programs that engage with a broader demographic Extend the University of Maine internship program into future years, and develop a comparable program for College of the Atlantic Improve social media presence on multiple platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, etc. Develop youth board member program and bring two local students onto board Each year, carry out a major collaborative program with other local organizations Dedicate time and resources to continually improve the substance and style of www.mdihistory.org Develop and implement a cohesive branding scheme for the Society, and subsequently utilize new brand identity to update the signage at the School House and Somesville Campus Create a position particularly focusing on collections management Continue to digitize more of our archival materials and make them accessible online annually Participate in the implementation of an Island Historical Trust, which will provide island-wide funding and organizational structure for the preservation, cataloging, and digitizing of historical collections Improve the current quality of Chebacco Magazine, developing engaging themes for future issues, enhancing a digital version, and attracting a younger readership Thin collection according to protocol annually Explore possibilities for expanding storage Educate and engage homeowners, craftsmen, and the community with local preservation Build a catalog of the island s structures and places that have aesthetic, architectural, historic and cultural significance MDI HISTORICAL SOCIETY STRATEGIC PLAN 2016-2018 6