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HISTORIC SITES COMMISSION
Meeting minutes from January 22, 2002
Present: S. Craner, T. Hussey, J. d
M. Vanek introduced new Commission members Sandra Craner, representing Auburn Downtown Partnership, and Pamela Anderegg, a new at-large member. She also introduced Clair Krist and Gerald Golden of Orleans County, who will give a presentation on their cultural programming ideas for the Harriet Tubman Home, after New Business.
Before the formal start of the meeting, Mayor Carnicelli discussed the possibility of a prison museum in Auburn. She thought putting the Auburn Correctional Facility into context, nationally/internationally, should be one of the main focuses. (It is the second oldest prison in the State, and there are no other museums in the U.S. that deal with this topic.) Mayor Carnicelli said historian Carol Kammen, of Ithaca, gave her the incentive to begin researching the potential for this museum
E. McHugh said the Cayuga Museum is currently planning an exhibit, “Auburn Prison: Both Sides of the Wall,” for 2003. This will help raise awareness about the issues that surround having a prison in your community. There will also be a prison series airing on the History Channel. P. Wisbey said the Site Directors have been working well together on upcoming quilt programs for the fall, and the committee could discuss this idea further. P. Wisbey added, at the Seward House, there are records and objects made by prisoners that could be used in interpretation.
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I. Approval of the Minutes
M. Alberici made a motion to approve the December 18th minutes, seconded by E. McHugh. All were in favor, and the motion carried.
Committee Reports
II. Planning & Development Committee
J. Kline thanked Commission members that sent their thoughts and comments to Strategic Plan facilitator Barry Warren. J. Kline thought Barry now had sufficient background information on the CommissionIII. Nominating Committee
M. Vanek said Commission members J. McCormick and P. Johnson have been reappointed by the Mayor. The Mayor has also appointed Sandra Craner, the new Auburn Downtown Partnership Director, and Pamela Anderegg was chosen to fill the at-large seat. P. Anderegg will be voted in at the next City Council meeting. M. Vanek said since C. Mason is no longer on the Commission, a new Chair needs to be selected. This should be decided at the next meeting. M. Vanek said Commission seats are now full, and there is no reason for the Nominating Committee to meet (or exist) since the Mayor appoints Commission members. However, the Commission may make recommendations to the Mayor.
IV. Marketing Committee
M. Vanek said the Committee met on Jan. 7th to review the pending brochure edits, and the 2002 advertising schedule. The brochure is currently at the printers, 50,000 will be printed. A new printer was selected, Remley out of western NY. Their bid came in $1,500 lower than the other two bids submitted. The total printing cost will be $3,500, plus a small fee for delivery. This project will be completed nearly $1,000 under budget. Storage of the brochure is a problem. The Tourism Office can only store approximately 5,000 brochures. Remley will store one half of the total amount, until they are needed. We need another easily accessible venue to store 20,000. D. Lamb was not present, but J. Kline will ask her to store the remainder on the ground floor at the Schweinfurth.
M. Vanek said the Commission
J. Kline distributed copies of the 2001 year-end inquiry report, generated by the Tourism Office. Commission ad inquiries increased 353% over the numbers in 2000. The Tourism Office responded to 7 brochure inquiries since the last meeting, and the website had over 597 new hits since the last report. Total number of website visits is over 12,600.
V. Events Committee
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VI. Other Business
M. Riley said 2003 marks the 100th anniversary of the transfer of the Tubman property to the AME Zion Church, and they will be organizing special commemorative events. E. McHugh said she still needs questions, etc. from the Schine Theater, the Seward House and the Tubman Home for the “Passport to History” booklet. E. McHugh had asked the sites to have their passport questions, logo, plus the hours and address/phone ready by this meeting. Laura Coburn, who is designing the booklet, has many of the sitesprogram will be rolled out with school visits starting on April 7th. Their Committee will be making 6 visits, at least. M. Alberici offered to help with the visits, and J. Kline will write the press release.
Potential prizes were discussed. The cinema on Grant Avenue just donated one night
Claire Krist, of Albion, distributed an outline summarizing her contacts and ideas for hosting an Underground Railroad special event at the Tubman Home. The event could include a combination of concerts, lectures and/or performances by Kim & Reggie Harris, Dr. Maya Angelou, Almeta Whitis and Assemblyman Arthur O. Eve. She also researched the possibility of offering “Are Your Ready, My Sister,” (a multi-media interactive show) and “Circle of Hope.” Food, craft vendors and other performers could also be included.
M. Riley suggested Claire contact Ward Dewitt, from the Tubman Home, to discuss the possibilities further. C. Krist said, money is obviously an issue, and perhaps funds could be sought from the Heritage Trail. P. Wisbey said he knew a contact involved with the Trail, and that guidelines for applications are due out at the end of March.
T. Hussey said the Arts Council has secured Deauville Island for the Save Americaof Tourism. E. McHugh passed out copies of the new Case Research Lab and Museum brochures. The Commission adjourned at 5:05PM.
The next Commission meeting is Tuesday, February 26th at 3:30PM,
third floor meeting room at City Hall.
Please call the Office of Tourism at 255-1658 if you are unable to attend the meeting.
Recorded by Jesse Kline
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