Sheldon Historical Society
Board meeting
March 18,2025
Draft Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 6:45, following a brief delay setting up our Zoom capability at the Sheldon Interfaith Foodshelf site. Board members attending were Mr Garrow, Ms Churchill, Mr Kaseoru, Mr Valenta, Mr Derry, Ms Derry, Mr Crane. Present by digital wizardry were Mr McFeeters and Ms Mercure (for the fundraising and program committees). Mr Norris, Ms Crane, and Mr Smith were absent.
In the absence of Ms Crane, Mr McFeeters assumed the chair, and invited additions to the posted agenda.
The Minutes of the January meeting, circulated electronically, were received, and accepted without amendments on a motion by Mr Derry/Mr Garrow 2nd.
Ms Churchill presented the treasurer’s report which was circulated digitally (qv). Discussion concerning the attribution of assets ensued, with Ms Churchill amending the statement of available assets to exclude the protected principal of the Derry endowment. On a motion by Mr Crane/Ms Derry 2nd, the amended report was accepted.
Mr McFeeters called for discussion of committee membership, observing that several committees are understaffed, and two have no chairs. The importance of board engagement was stressed: board members are urged to fill the holes, serving on committees and soliciting others in our wider community to bring their skills and interests in service to our society’s goals.
Ms Derry offered that the House Committee which she chairs would develop a program for Annual Meeting, recognizing the importance of the event to sustain interest in Society membership. Introducing the community to the rehabilitated second floor is planned. Scheduling annual meeting during the busy third week of June is a challenge. To maximize attendance, Mr Crane felt the “business” of annual meeting should be the smallest part, with the focus on a program building member enthusiasm for the organization’s programs and goals. Four board member’s terms expire this year.
Mr Crane reviewed building progress, reporting the second floor work is well advanced. Mr Derry expressed concern that demands of his business will interfere with his progress finishing the window trim. The committee will see what finish work can be hired out. Mr Crane has drafted a Cultural Facilities grant application for the Vermont Arts Council. Choosing to fund the proposed heat exchanger with CFG funds will delay the installation until September, but will save us more than $8,000. On a motion by Ms Churchill/Mr Crane 2nd, the board approves applying for Cultural facilities grant funding for the heat exchanger purchase and installation. Passed unanimously.
Mr Valenta updated the board on the Education committee efforts. He reports excellent responses to the wide net cast for volunteers. He also presented materials for the collection committee to review, and a trove of Kittell family material which we may scan into our genealogical database.
Events taking shape for the season include the April 12 “Making Connections” expo in Milton; an April 18 workshop at the VHS Barre museum; visits from Missisquoi Valley Union High School students in Late April; visits from NCSS participants in May. Ms Mercure noted other activities in development, and Mr McFeeters sought feedback from the board concerning an exchange of visits with the Enosburgh Historical Society. Consensus of the board was agreeable. Ms Mercure also introduced the concept of designating an area of the second floor “memorial hall” to photographs and stories of Sheldon residents. The parameters of such a display will be explored in committee.
A request by the Sheldon Girl Scouts to use the second floor hall, from time to time, was considered. The Use of Building Policy was introduced and copies were provided. Discussion of the use of the building focused on the imperfect security available for Society exhibits and artifacts. Public use of the second floor is de facto access to the whole building, and in the absence of volunteer “minders” damage and loss could be anticipated. Interior security cameras are not presently in place. Mr Derry/Ms Derry 2nd moved to table the discussion on the use of the building, and the motion passed unanimously.
Given the lateness of the hour, the balance of the agenda was postponed until our April meeting, and on a motion by Mr Crane/Ms Derry 2nd, the meeting adjourned at 8:45.
Respectfully submitted
Andrew Crane, secretary