Minutes For Past Meetings

   Eagle County Historical Society

    Board Meeting Minutes

  Thursday, March 5, 2020

Present: Kathy Heicher, Janice Tonz, Marion Laughlin, Sandy Van Campen, Joanne Cermak

New Business

Visitor Center-Eagle Events Coordinator Brian Hall met with the board once again for an update on progress at the Visitor Center. Inside work has begun. Items have been inventoried and the building cleaned out. Rooms will be re-purposed and plans include creating a room where rotating historical exhibits can be displayed. Brian invited the board to email him with ideas and a wish list for the history room. A few exhibit ideas for the room were discussed, including one proposed by Greg Earle. The Ute exhibit from the Aspen Historical Society/Four Rivers Alliance is a possibility. The deck, banister and railings outside will be fixed and landscaping improved to make the site more welcoming and up to date. Additional improvements outside to improve safety and to hide the dumpsters will follow.

Barn Roof Replacement-Discussion of the barn roof replacement progress was tabled as Willy was out of town. If necessary, the board will hold another meeting this month to discuss bids and scheduling so work can begin this spring.

Westin We Care /We Share Program-Janice has been trying to get a date to designate ECHS as the beneficiary of the Westin’s We Care/We Share program. A portion of profits from the Weston’s Spa and the Maya Restaurant will go to ECHS on their day. No assigned date yet.

Pursuit of Grant Funding-Kathy provided a list of possible grant-funded projects for 2020. They included acquiring a simple sound system for ECHS programs, supplementing History Take-Out programs for schools, upgrading museum exhibits, developing new exhibits, books and events on local history, and bringing in speakers for various history programs. Kathy has also enrolled ECHS in City Market’s community rewards program. Watch your member email for information about this program.

Continuing Business

Museum Administration-Lynn is lining up museum docents and arranging for spring cleaning before opening day in mid May. She also found the possibility of a donated antique display case from Dakota Craftsman in Lionshead. Marion will visit the shop to view the case and take measurements.

Next board meeting Thursday, April 2.

Save the Date

Vail Board of Realtors history class and walking tour of Gypsum-Tuesday, March 10, meet at the Lutheran Church

Colorado Children’s Choir-Monday, March 3

NimonWalker Award Program-Sunday, May 17

History Museum Opens-Friday, May 22

Present: Kathy Heicher, Willy Powell, Marion Laughlin, Sandy Van Campen.

New Business

Approval of FY 2019-2020 Budget: Acting on a motion by Willy and a second by Sandy, the group unanimously approved the Final Budget for Fiscal Year 2019-2020. Board members asked that the ECHS accountant be consulted on a couple of budget items, including the separation of administration and museum docent wages as line items; and the establishment of Past Perfect annual expenses as a separate line item.

New locations for Eagle book sales: The town of Eagle’s decision to eliminate retail sales at the Visitor Information Center eliminates a key merchandising option for the Historical Society. Kat Conner of Katch of the Day, a downtown wine bar, has offered to sell some books at her business. Sandy will explore other options such as local coffee shops or stores. City Market could be a possibility.

Ancestry.com membership: Acting on a motion by Marion and a second by Willy, the Board unanimously agreed that the ECHS would purchase a $99 annual membership to Ancestry.com, to be administered by Kathy. The site is used extensively for local history research.

Letter regarding Visitor Information Center: The Board edited and approved a letter to the town requesting ECHS participation in future planning for the Eagle Visitor Center. The ECHS is also requesting space for an interpretive history display at the VIC, and a display of history books with signage indicating where the books can be purchased.

Continuing Business

Fundraising update: Kathy reported the recent fund drive has raised about $8,900 to date. The drive continues through the month of January.  The Board will make a decision in February on the timing of the roof replacement.

Administrator search: The Board is awaiting a response from Lynn Albers regarding the museum administrator job before proceeding with the hiring of an administrator for other business.

Past Perfect Update: Marion reported the conversion is underway. The new software will be used for archival records and for managing memberships.

Penny Pinching Machine: The county is awaiting approval of a contract by the county attorney’s office before approving the move of the machine from the Eagle Visitor Center to the County Airport. That move will likely take place in January. Arrangements will have to be made for regular pick up of money from the machine. The Board agreed that the task is logical for the new administrator.

Save the Date

• Possible ‘History Happy Hour’ at Bonfire in January?
• Tuesday, Feb. 11 Vail Mountain School Ute program
• Saturday, Feb. 22 – Ranger Brown trail snowshoe hike w/ Walking Mountain
  • (Backup day is Sunday, Feb. 23)
• Future Eagle history/bike tour?
  • $1,000 funding approved by TOE

   Eagle County Historical Society

    Board Meeting Minutes

  Tuesday, December 10, 2019 

Present: Kathy Heicher, Marion Laughlin, Janice Tonz, Joanne Cermak

New Business

Eagle Visitor Center-Changes will be coming to the Eagle Visitor Center. Hours at the Visitor center will be reduced in 2020, but the board has been assured that it will be opened during the museum season.The town will pay for any ECHS merchandise currently at the center. It is hoped that a display can be established for ECHS books, but books will not be sold at the site. The display would inform interested buyers as to where the books could be purchased.

2019-2020 Final Budget-Board members present moved to table final approval of the budget since some final questions remain.

Minturn Walking Tour Logistics-The board discussed logistics for ECHS’s participation at the Minturn Christmas Market, Saturday, December 14. Costumed actors will be placed in various locations at Main Street stores to tell short stories about Minturn’s historic characters and buildings. A table at the market will welcome participants and hand out maps directing people to the locations. Donation boxes, information on the ‘raise the roof’ campaign and ECHS brochures will be available.

Continuing Business

Fundraising Efforts for the Barn Roof-ECHS is gearing up for Colorado Gives Day, Tuesday, December 10. Members will be at Monday afternoon’s Rally and the Honk and Wave at Eagle’s roundabout Tuesday morning. News releases have been issued advertising the event.

Administrative Assistant Search-The board is still working on defining the description of the museum director’s job and discussing the possibility of creating an education program coordinator.

Membership and Past Perfect-Marion reported on the membership drive, 77 memberships and 106 members. She updated the board on the status of Past Perfect which should start data conversion on December 28.

Save the Date

Vail Mountain School Ute Program-Tuesday, February 11

Ranger Brown Trail Snowshoe Hike with Walking Mountains-Saturday, February 22, backup day Sunday, February 23

Future History/Bike Tour in Eagle Ranch???-TBA

Present: Kathy Heicher, Marion Laughlin, Willy Powell, Sandy Van Campen, Janice Tonz, Joanne Cermak

New Business

Eagle Visitor Center-Eagle town manager Brandi Rietter met with the board to discuss proposed changes to the Eagle Visitor Center. Changes include reduced days and hours and elimination of retail. The board was concerned about the impact these changes might have on the ECHS History Museum. The board requested that the town partner with the historical society in order to promote visibility for ECHS and the museum- aligning center hours with museum hours, providing educational and interpretive material at the center, and increasing communication regarding the Visitor Center between the town and ECHS.

Town Board Presentation-Kathy will present the ECHS annual report to the Eagle Town Board on Tuesday, November 12. Meeting starts at 6:00 p.m.

Administrative Assistant changes-The functions of the administrative assistant position has been divided into two separate jobs, museum operations and administrative duties. Kathy presented drafts of job descriptions for these two positions. The board reviewed the hour/budget report prepared by Kathy and made a few suggestions for additions to the drafts.

Minturn Walking Tour-The town of Minturn has requested ECHS’s participation in the walking tour of the town on December 14 and has made a $500 donation to ECHS. The walking tour coincides with the Minturn Christmas Market. ECHS members, dressed as historical Minturn residents, will be positioned at various historical sites in the town’s business district and provide short talks about the character. Possible characters and locations were discussed.

School Training-History Colorado will present a training for ECHS volunteers for its new Ute School Education Program on Tuesday, November 12 at 1:30 at the Eagle Library. This new program can be used in programs for local classrooms.

2019-2020 Proposed Budget-Willy went over the numbers for the current fiscal year and presented a new proposed budget for board members to review.

Continuing Business

Fundraising Efforts for the Barn Roof-ECHS applied for two grants but both were rejected. Grant writer Ellie Caryl has set the basis for grant applications and will continue to pursue new options. Kathy suggested that ECHS needed some professional help with fundraising efforts. She talked with Kristen Kenney Williams, a PR expert who could lead the Raise the Roof Campaign. The board reviewed a letter describing her ideas and a motion was made and passed to hire her services. She will start by targeting a grassroots effort for Colorado Gives Day, December 10.

Membership and Past Perfect-Marion reported on the membership drive and updated the board on the status of Past Perfect. ECHS is still waiting for the implementation of the new version 5 upload.

Save the Date

Ute Education Program Training-Tuesday, November 12, 1:30 p.m. at the Eagle Library

Eagle Town Board Annual Report-Tuesday, November 12, 6:00 p.m.

Colorado Gives Day-Tuesday, December 10

Rally-Monday, December 9, 4:00 p.m. at Maya in Avon

Honk and Wave-December 10, 7:45-8:30 a.m. Eagle Diner roundabout

Eagle County Historical Society

    Board Meeting Minutes

     Thursday, September 5, 2019

Present: Kathy Heicher, New Business Marion Laughlin, Willy Powell, Sandy Van Campen, Lynn Albers, Joanne Cermak

New Business

Library Expansion-History Librarian Matthew Mickelson gave the board an update on the new layout and plans for the library expansion project. Once the expansion is completed, Matthew will be offering a class on using research avenues at the library and information on preserving family documents.

Administrative Assistant changes-The functions of the administrative assistant position has been divided into two separate jobs, museum operations and administrative duties. Lynn would like to keep the museum operations piece. The board is looking for someone to fill the job of administrative duties.

Statement of non-discrimination-ECHS has adopted a formal policy of non-discrimination. Willy made a motion, seconded by Marion, to approve the statement proposed by Kathy. The motion passed unanimously.

New vice-president-Joanne made a motion, seconded by Sandy, to approve the nomination of Janice Tonz to the position of vice-president. The motion passed unanimously.

El Pomar Grant-ECHS was recently awarded an El Pomar Regional Merit grant, $2,500 to be used for general operations. The board discussed several options for directing the grant money. The board favored purchasing a museum exhibit case designed for clothing.

Budget Planning-It is time to begin work on next year’s budget. Willy will send out a worksheet to board members to begin this process.

Continuing Business

Staining the Avon Store-A contract has been signed with a local painter and work to stain the Avon Store will begin the last week of September after the museum closes for the season.

Museum Roof Replacement-Kathy continues to work with ECHS’s grant writer in the pursuit of funding for the museum roof replacement. The Eagle Lion’s Club has awarded ECHS a $1000 grant for the project. Local grants and private donations demonstrate community support for the project and are a critical piece when applying for outside grants. The board is looking for other sources to help fund this project.

Membership Drive-It is time to renew your 2019-2020 membership. Marion will send out email renewal requests. She will also send membership notices to town of Eagle trustees, county commissioners, Gypsum, Vail and Library board members.

The next ECHS Board meeting will not be until November 7 at 8:15.

Mark Your Calendars

Zealous School museum visit-Thursday, September 12

Charter School museum visit- Friday, September 20

Territorial Daughters Grand Junction program-Saturday, September 21

Horn Ranch tour-Saturday, September 28

Vail Ski Academy Red Cliff visit-Thursday, October 3

Colorado Gives Day-December 10, donations can be scheduled beginning Nov. 1

Minturn History walking tour-Saturday, December 14

 Eagle County Historical Society

    Board Meeting Minutes

     Monday, July 1, 2019

 Present: Kathy Heicher, Cindy Jones, Marion Laughlin, Willy Powell, Sandy Van Campen, Joanne Cermak

New Business

Vice President Position-Cindy Jones has resigned as ECHS Vice President. Added responsibilities with her job in Clear Creek County is taking more of her time. Kathy thanked Cindy for her many accomplishments, including legal advice, museum work, involvement with the Penny Pinch machine and cemetery tours. ECHS will advertise the position among members.

ECHS Profit and Loss Statements-Kathy provided the board with profit and loss statements for September 2018 through May 2019 for the board to review.

Avon Store Staining-Willy presented a bid for power washing and staining the logs of the Avon store. A motion was made and passed to accept the bid. Work will commence after the museum closes this fall.

Hahnewald Barn Requests-The Avon Preservation Committee requested $1,000 from their collected donations for a video update about the dismantling of the Hahnewald Barn. The Sanitation District will be removing the barn from its property and efforts to move the barn to a new location failed. The Knapp Ranch is interested in salvaging the wood and needs to raise $30,000 to do so. They requested a donation from ECHS. The board voted against a donation since the project does not fit the mission of educating the public about the history of Eagle County. Salvaging the barn wood does not fit the definition of historic preservation and its new location is not open to the public.

Barn Roof Grant Pursuit-ECHS grant writer continues to pursue grants for reroofing the museum barn. She requested clarification of the role of the Town of Eagle. The town owns the building. Willy indicated the necessity of getting museum funding into the budget. Presently, any funding would come out of marketing events category, funding should come out of building and grounds. Willy will be meeting with town personnel and will bring up ECHS concerns, perhaps an extra donation for the roof project. The grant writer recommended a high visibility ECHS event to show public support. The board mentioned the two recent previous events, the wolf lecture and the Ute presentation, both highly supported by the public. Increase in the number of members and donations made to ECHS show public support as well. She also suggested the creation of a publicity campaign. Willy will talk with the Eagle Valley enterprise about writing a story about the museum barn’s history.

Ski Film Fundraiser-Film maker Roger Brown proposed showing his film ‘Ski the Outer Limits’ as a fund raising event. The board is considering the offer for this winter.

Continuing Business

Ute Exhibit-The Ute exhibit at the Edwards CMC needs to be taken down after the CMC art show in mid July.

Ranch History Display-A display of Eagle County ranching history is now at the Vail Library and will be on view through September.

History Photo Display at the Airport-Kathy attended a preview showing of the new airport terminal which houses large photos from ECHS’s historic photo collection on its walls.

Membership Update-Marion reported ECHS now has 115 members. Any new memberships in June, July, August will be grandfathered into next year. Marion will send renewal reminder letters to county towns in August and reminders to members in September.

Mark Your Calendars

Garden/History talk in Carbondale-Monday, July 8

Camp Hale History Hike with Walking Mountain-Saturday, September 14 or 21

The next ECHS Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 5, 8:15.

 Eagle County Historical Society

    Board Meeting Minutes

     Monday, June 3, 2019

Present: Kathy Heicher, Cindy Jones, Willy Powell, Lynn Albers, Sandy Van Campen, Joanne Cermak, Laura Thompson

New Business

Museum-The museum opened for the season on May 17. Visitors numbers are sporadic and down from last year’s numbers. Docents are doing well and will be reminded to use the artifact sheet when gifted with a new artifact so that the artifact can be tracked for additional information if necessary. Also, there are wooden nickels that can be handed out to children visiting the museum. Docents will be instructed to call the town if the bathrooms need attention. Charlynn Williams made new identification cards for her adopted cabinet and Lynn and Dennis hung pictures and completed a new exhibit. Since there is only one key for the caboose, Willy offered to get another two made. A fresh list for current book prices needs to be updated so that it matches the docent list. Sandy and Cindy will see that this happens.

            The new roof on the Avon store is weathering nicely but Willy noted that the logs are dried and bleached and in need of log oil. Spraying the logs would be the preferable  method but there is some question about whether the malleable chinking can be sprayed. Willy will look into this question and see about bids. There was a suggestion that perhaps this could be a boy scout project.

            ECHS continues to pursue possible grants for the painting of the barn. The Vail Board of Realtors recently bestowed ECHS with a $1,000 grant. Thank you Nancy Powell for helping us acquire this grant. The grant writer will meet with Kathy and Laura June 13 to discuss progress.

            A new brochure about ECHS’s many facets will be available on June 13 in the museum and handed out at the wolf talk that evening.

Upcoming events-

Ute Display-An exhibit on the Ute Indians will be on display at the CMC Edwards campus through the month of June. Metcalf Archeology is sponsoring this display. The display will be picked up in Glenwood and set up at the college in the afternoon of June 4.

Wolf talk-Fort Lewis College Professor Andrew Gulliford will speak on the history of wolves in Colorado and their potential future. Wolf populations in Colorado ended in the 1920s. This fund raising event will take place Thursday evening, June 13, 6:30 p.m. at the old Eagle County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall. Cost of the lecture is $5.00 for ECHS members and $10.00 for non-members. Accommodations for Professor Gulliford have been arranged. Kathy will take care of publishing a feature story and Laura will arrange for an ad in the Vail Daily. Volunteers are needed to help set up the exhibit building at 2:00 p.m., for the entrance table and for clean-up.

Ute Program-A talk on the Ute Indians will take place on Thursday, June 20, 6:30 p.m. at CMC Edwards. There will be a speaker from the Aspen Historical Society and traditional Ute Indian items on display. There is no charge for this event and CMC will provide refreshments.

Vail Library Ranch Display-A team from ECHS will set up display items for a ranching exhibit at the Vail Library in June.

Future Agenda-ECHS board is discussing the possibility of some future events and projects. The town of Minturn has requested a history walking tour of the town in conjunction with their town celebration this fall. Walking Mountain Science center is looking to team up for a Camp Hale walking tour in September. The airport has requested a history photo display for the new terminal and the Vail Board of Realtors would like another Eagle County history class in August.

The next ECHS Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 1 at the Eagle Town Hall.

 Eagle County Historical Society

    Board Meeting Minutes

     Monday, April 1, 2019

Present: Kathy Heicher, Cindy Jones, Marion Laughlin, Willy Powell, Lynn Albers, Joanne Cermak

New Business

Museum Opening-The museum will open for the season on Friday, May 17. Cindy will contact BluSky to schedule a spring cleaning and Friday, May 10 will be the work day for the Adopt-a-cabinet team beginning at 10:00 a.m. Docent orientation and luncheon will be held on May 6 at 11:00 a.m. at the museum. Lynn will be contacting the docents about schedules.

Nimon-Walker Award-Jaci Spuhler is the 2019 recipient of the Nimon-Walker Award. Jaci served as the local history librarian for the Eagle Public Library from 2006 until her retirement in 2015 and continues to volunteer for ECHS. The event will take place at the Avon Public library on Sunday, April 28, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and feature guest speaker ‘Doc Susie’ presented by Kathy Naples, Media Director and Literacy Intervention Librarian for the East Grand School District. Matthew Mickelson fro EVLD attended the meeting to request help from board members setting up and taking down the room before and after the event. Matthew also updated the board on the restoration procedures for ECHS’s materials damaged by the library basement flood.The damage was not as bad as at first suspected and the materials should be back at the library sometime in April. He spoke briefly about the progress of the library’s remodeling project  with respect to the history collection and he plans on holding a workshop in October on using the archives. He is also looking into a grant for monies for more digitization of historic records.

County Request-A request has been made for an airport history exhibit to be placed at the airport’s expanded new terminal. Kathy will meet with the assistant county manager on April 11 to discuss this project.

Minturn Request-The town of Minturn has inquired about a walking tour of downtown Minturn this fall. Kathy will find out more about what they might want.

Continuing Business

Re-roofing of Avon Store and Barn Museum-The board discussed at length the re-roofing projects. A motion passed to go ahead with re-roofing the Avon Store this year. A decision was made to use the rusting galvanized metal material. Re-roofing the barn museum will be set at a later date after funds can be acquired for this huge project. Grant writer Ellie Caryl led a discussion about possible grants and has been hired by ECHS to pursue such grants.

Mark Your Calendars

FRHA Meeting- Monday, April 15 at the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood

Docent Orientation and Luncheon-Monday, May 6 at the museum

VBR History Class and Horn Ranch Hike-Thursday, May 30

Ute Exhibit at CMC-Early June set up in Edwards

Andrew Gulliford Wolf History in Eagle County-Thursday, June 13, Eagle County Exhibit Hall

Ute Program-Thursday June 20 at CMC Edwards

The next ECHS Board Meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 6, 8:15 a.m. at the Eagle Town Hall.

 Eagle County Historical Society

    Board Meeting Minutes

     Monday, March 4, 2019

Present: Kathy Heicher, Cindy Jones, Marion Laughlin, Sandy Van Campen, Lynn Albers, Joanne Cermak

New Business

Nimon-Walker-Kathy will invite library archivist Matthew Mickelson to the April board meeting to see how we can assist him in setting up the Nimon-Walker Award event. This year’s event honors Jaci Spuhler and takes place at the Avon Library on Sunday, April 28. Guest speaker will be ‘Doc Susie’ presented by Kathy Naples.

Museum Roof Replacement-Cindy contacted several grant writers about obtaining a grant for the barn roof replacement. Cindy will contact one of the proposed writers so the process for searching out and applying for the grant can begin. It was also decided that the budget for hiring a grant writer should be increased.

Wolf History Talk-The ECHS fund raising event for this year, a talk by Fort Lewis College professor Andrew Gulliford on the history of wolves in Colorado, will take place on Thursday, June 13 at a yet to be determined place. Program costs were reviewed.

Ute Exhibit and Presentation-Kathy has arranged for the Aspen Historical Society’s exhibit on the Ute Indians to be set up at the CMC campus during the month of June. This exhibit will be accompanied by a presentation on Ute history, Thursday, June 20.

Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum-The board will tour the newly renovated Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum in Vail in March and discuss collaboration and cross-promotion between the two organizations.

Betty Ford Alpine Garden-Kathy will speak at a presentation in August at the Betty Ford Alpine Garden on the history of agriculture in Eagle County. BFAG also requested a display for the Vail Library on this topic during August. The board will develop a display for the display cases in the library’s entry.

Continuing Business

Museum-Opening day for the museum this year will be Friday, May 17. Lynn will be working on hiring and scheduling docents for the season, and will be contacting those on the docent list. Docent orientation will take place in early May. Cindy will contact Blue Sky about cleaning the museum before it opens. Look for some new exhibits and updates on existing ones.

Past Perfect Pursuit-The board is still waiting for the release of the new software and is ready to go when it becomes available.

Mark Your Calendars

Nimon-Walker Award-Sunday, April 28, Avon Library

Andrew Gulliford Wolf Talk-Thursday, June 13

Ute Indian Presentation-Thursday, June 20, Colorado Mountain College, Edwards

The next ECHS Board Meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 1, 8:15 a.m. at the Eagle Town Hall.

 Eagle County Historical Society

 Board Meeting Minutes

     Monday, February 4, 2019

Present: Kathy Heicher, Cindy Jones, Willy Powell, Marion Laughlin, Sandy Van Campen, Lynn Albers, Joanne Cermak

New Business

Nimon-Walker-The Nimon-Walker Award honoring Jaci Spuhler will take place on Sunday, April 28 at the Avon library. Guest speaker will be “Doc Susie” presented by Kathy Naples. Kathy and Lynn will make arrangements to meet with local history librarian Matthew Mickelson to see how ECHS can best assist the library with this program.

Library Archive Flood-Kathy reported on the damages to ECHS archives caused by a broken water pipe from construction work. Jeff Sandoval from SteamMaster responded with dehumidifiers and called Colorado Art Restoration in Denver. Action needed to be taken within 72 hours in order to prevent permanent water damage. Materials were taken to Denver where they will undergo restoration work. The contractor is responsible for costs incurred. Kathy met with the Library Board to inform them of the importance of the collection housed at the library and to thank them for the library staff’s efforts to rescue the materials. It was determined that it is time to review the agreement that ECHS has with the Eagle Valley Library District concerning historical materials.The board will take a look at the Memorandum of Understanding at the next board meeting.

Continuing Business

Barn Roof Replacement-The board reviewed bids for replacing the barn roof. Since the roof of the Avon Store is in worse condition, Willy is tasked with obtaining bids for the building. ECHS received a grant from the Eagle River Foundation which can be put toward the cost of a new roof for the store. After the bids are reviewed, the board will make a decision hopefully in March so that work can begin in April before the museum opens. Meanwhile, Cindy will contact the grant writer to look into a grant that might be obtained for the larger barn roof.

Hahnewald Barn-ECHS supports the Avon Historical Preservation Committee’s efforts in preserving the historical barn. Kathy attended the Avon Town Council’s meeting to speak of the historical significance of the barn.

Pursuit of PastPerfect-Membership in the American Association for State and Local History has been secured and this will enable ECHS to receive a discount for the new PastPerfect software when it becomes available.

Museum-Jaci continues to work on cataloging. New items received are Hume White’s top hat and Stanley’s Grocery thermometer. Some new volunteers have been added to the docent list for the 2019 season. The following people have committed to work on upgrades to exhibits: Lynn will work on the Ute exhibit, Cindy on the Horn Ranch exhibit and Kathy on Ice harvest.

Four Rivers Historical Alliance-The alliance is working on a new website.

Upcoming Events-Watch for two exciting events coming this spring. Andrew Guilliford, Fort Lewis College professor, will be scheduled to talk on the History of Wolves in Colorado at an ECHS fund raising event some time in late May. Location and fee not yet determined. The board also plans to rent a Ute Indian exhibit owned by Aspen Historical Society. This sizable exhibit is accompanied by a dramatic presentation on Ute history.

The next ECHS Board Meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 4 at 8:15 a.m. at the Eagle Town Hall.

Eagle County Historical Society

Annual Meeting Minutes

Monday, 7 Jan 2019

Present:  Kathy Heicher, Sandy Van Campen, Cindy Jones, Marion Laughlin, Lynn Albers

New Business:  The election of ECHS Officers for 2019 – 2021 was held.  Kathy Heicher and Cindy Jones continue as President and Vice-President, respectively.  Willie Powell and Marion Laughlin continue as Financial Officer and Membership Executive, respectively.  There were no nominees for Events Executive.

Programs for 2019 were discussed.  Possibilities include a late May program on the History of Wolves in Colorado by author and Fort Lewis College professor, Andrew Gulliford.  Cowboy poetry was another option discussed.  In lieu of Doris Daley and Doc Mehl (already booked in Feb at 4-Eagle Ranch), Lynn will contact Crestone rancher, Peggy Godfrey, about her cowboy poetry program.

Kathy noted that an outstanding Ute History exhibit (owned by the Aspen Historical Society) may be rented for $250.  Since the exhibit is somewhat sizable, CMC – Edwards campus academic building was considered as possible host.  An accompanying historical dramatic presentation on Ute history is also available.  Lynn will contact CMC Librarian, Katy Walker, about the possibility of CMC housing the exhibit in 2019.

Rancher Jim Yust (Trough Road in southwestern Grand County) would like ECHS to partner with him on a homestead tour of his ranch.  Yust mentioned to Kathy that Zane Grey wrote in Eagle County and Grand County.  A spring visit to the Yust ranch was discussed.

ECHS Museum exhibit and display upgrades were discussed.  Kathy mentioned moving the space-taking snow sleigh out, but storage is an issue.  Due to considerable interest, the enlarged photo of a Camp Hale snow trooper (and upgraded exhibit) will be returned.  Eagle County ice collection, including ice tongs and narrative, was another display discussed.  Cindy will offer some interpretation of the Horn Ranch, Leonard Horn and a camp kitchen display. Lynn will look into revamping the Ute exhibit.

Nimon-Walker Award candidates were discussed.  Jaci Spuhler was nominated.  The event will be held at the Avon Library and coordinated by EVLD Local History Librarian.

Other New Business:  Deb Earle will help with ECHS school programs at Eagle County schools.  In association with Betty Ford Alpine Garden, Kathy will offer a summer program on Eagle County agriculture.  Kathy mentioned that the Eagle Valley Art Guild and Vail Symposium programs also have agricultural and ranching themes in 2019.

ECHS received a $1200 grant from the Town of Eagle.  An $1100 donation to ECHS (via the Eagle Valley Rummage Sale) was given by David and Sue Mott.  There is a Colorado minimum wage increase (to $11.10 hr.) that will affect the ECHS Museum docents in summer 2019.

Continuing Business:  Kathy would like to create a historical blog on the ECHS website. The library district has a history blog, but it has not been particularly active since the retirement of Archivist Jaci Spuhler.  Marion reports that the museum database, PastPerfect, still being upgraded.  Marion also noted that ECHS memberships are down slightly from 2018.

The website PayPal feature needs upgrading (separation of taxable goods – namely book sales – versus non-taxable donations and memberships).  Lynn and Kathy will discuss the PayPal issues with Mick Bird, the website designer, and Justin Petersmeyer, the accountant.

 Eagle County Historical Society

    Board Meeting Minutes

     Monday, December 3, 2018

Present: Kathy Heicher, Willy Powell, Marion Laughlin, Sandy Van Campen, Laura Thompson, Lynn Albers, Joanne Cermak

New Business

New Positions-The board was introduced to Lynn Albers ECHS’s new administrator. A motion was made and passed to purchase a gift certificate for outgoing administrator Anne Kerrigan to thank her for her hard work. Kathy announced that Justin Petersmeyer of All Mountain Tax would serve as bookkeeper.

Library Archivist-The board was also introduced to the new library archivist Matthew Mickelson. Matthew works with ECHS navigating archives and is open to offering a class about the process to help individuals do this on their own. He spoke briefly about the library’s new addition and future plans to better protect stored documents. His first few months at the library have gone well and he looks forward to getting to better know Eagle County. The board took the opportunity to discuss preliminary plans for next year’s Nimon-Walker Award with Matthew.

Colorado Gives Day-Plans were made for December 4 Colorado Gives Day activities. Representatives of ECHS would attend the rally in Avon Monday evening and an ECHS crew will be at the Eagle Diner roundabout for the Honk and Wave Tuesday morning at 7:45. Marion will man a table at City Market Tuesday evening to hand out bags and remind people to donate.

Eagle County Support-Eagle County commissioners have made an annual commitment for a $7,500 ECHS membership and $2,500 research fee. ECHS works with the county to lead Horn Ranch hikes as well as offer support with other county projects.

Annual Meeting-ECHS will hold its annual meeting at the next board meeting on January 7, 8:15 a.m. at the Eagle Town Hall. Officer positions to be filled are Vice President, Financial Officer, Membership Executive and Events Executive. Nominations are welcomed.

2019 Programs-Possible programs for the coming year were discussed. Author and college professor Andrew Guillford is available in late May. He has programs on the history of wolves in Colorado and on the history of sheep and cattle rancher conflicts in Colorado. He charges $100 plus expenses. The Ute history display from the Aspen Historical Society could be coordinated with a talk on the Ute Indians by Nina from AHS. The large display could be set up at the Vail Hospital or the Shaw clinic and costs $250 plus speaker fees. The previously discussed Eagle Ranch bicycle tour is postponed to another year and it is an off year for a cemetery tour. ECHS is scheduled to work with Betty Ford Alpine Gardens for a summer program on agriculture in Eagle County.

Continuing Business

Membership-Marion reported ECHS has 55 memberships and 71 paid members. She requested permission to delete names from the Constant Contact list that have not been in touch with ECHS for longer than three years. The board passed a motion to delete the names.

Past Perfect-Jaci and Marion have sent in ECHS accession records and are waiting for the data conversion person to convert the records into the new Past Perfect software.

Brush Creek Schoolhouse-Americorp engineers have completed work on the Brush Creek Schoolhouse stabilization project. The project was made possible through a GOCO grant applied for by Sylvan Lake State Park and supported by ECHS.

Next meeting:The next ECHS Board Meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 7, 2019 at 8:15 a.m. at the Eagle Town Hall and will serve as the annual meeting election of officers.

 Eagle County Historical Society

    Board Meeting Minutes

     Monday, November 5, 2018

Present: Kathy Heicher, Cindy Jones, Willy Powell, Marion Laughlin, Sandy Van Campen, Joanne Cermak

New Business

New Administrator-Lynn Albers has accepted the administrator position. Lynn is a ECHS member and is familiar with the accession program Past Perfect. The bookkeeping position has not yet been filled. Some possible ideas for 2019 fund raising events were discussed including another antique show and tell, a bike rally around Eagle Ranch with stops at street corners with historic names, and a Mitchell Creek history hike.

2018-2019 Budget-The board approved the proposed budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. It was decided that the barn roof replacement project would be postponed for the year in order to allow time to apply for grants for this large capital improvement.

Colorado Gives Day-Colorado Gives Day this year is Tuesday, December 4. Promotional activities will lead up to the date. A proclamation will be given at the Eagle Town Council, November 13 at 5:50 p.m. and at the Gypsum Town Council at 6:50 p.m. An Eagle County Gives Rally will take place on Tuesday, November 27 and ECHS will man the Eagle Diner roundabout for the Honk and Wave on December 4 at 7:45 a.m. Kathy has already written a news release and members can sign up for additional activities such as putting up posters or manning store giveaway tables.

Continuing Business

Membership Drive-Marion reported ECHS currently has 57 members. Membership has changed to September through August to coincide with the fiscal year.

Past Perfect-ECHS will join the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) in preparation for the purchase of the new Past Perfect software in January. The membership will give ECHS a discount on the cost of the program. Data conversion of records from our current system to Past Perfect has not been scheduled.

Mileage Reimbursement Policy-The board approved a policy regarding speaker fees and mileage. A speaker may request a fee and receive mileage reimbursement. The fee will be a percentage of the fee paid to the Historical Society and mileage will be given at the standard rate. Requests must be submitted to the ECHS administrator within 60 days of the speaking event.

Highway Sign-A restroom sign will be placed under the highway’s Visitor Center sign. Hopefully, it will help attract visitors to the Visitor Center and to the museum. Visitor numbers were down this summer after the removal of the rest area sign.

Advertisement-Marion will put out an email reminding members of the great books ECHS has available for Christmas presents and Kathy will see about promoting Colorado Gives Day on the ECHS Facebook page.

The next ECHS Board Meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 3 at 8:15 a.m. at the Eagle Town Hall.

Eagle County Historical Society

Monthly Meeting Minutes

Monday, Oct. 8 – Eagle County Historical Museum

Present: Kathy Heicher (president), Cindy Jones (vice-president), Willy Powell (financial officer), Sandy Van Campen (publications officer), Marion Laughlin (membership officer), and Jaci Spuhler (member).

New Business

Meeting day change: In order to better accommodate the work schedules of Board members, the Board agreed to change the regular meeting date to the first Monday of every month, 8:15 a.m. at the Eagle Town Hall (unless otherwise noted).

Final Budget numbers 2017-2018 Fiscal Year: The Profit & Loss statement for the fiscal year shows a net income of $10,911.75. Kathy noted that part of that profit was carry-over from the approximate $3,000 that was budgeted for acquisition of PastPerfect, the accession records program.

Administrator position: The Board agreed to split the bookkeeper position from the administrator position. Kathy will work with Anne to determine the average number of hours per month are involved in bookkeeping, and then will seek cost quotes from some accountants. Willy will assist.

Annual report: The Board approved the annual report, which will be posted on the website. Marion will send out an e-mail directing members to the report.

Annual meeting: The Board agreed that the regular monthly meeting in December would be the annual meeting, with election of officers. It was decided to keep a history program separate from the annual meeting business. Kathy will look into bringing in a program in January. Possible programs include historian/author Andrew Gulliford or a program about the Utes from Aspen Historical Society.

Museum season summary: Cindy noted that museum visits were down from 9,910 in 2017 to 6,066 this year. The decrease is directly related to the removal of the “Rest Area” sign from I-70. Donations decreased from $4,700 in 2017 to $4,076. The Board agreed that the numbers will decrease even more next summer, unless the sign situation changes. Kathy said Roxie Deane has advised her that the town is working on correcting the sign situation. E-mail inquiries to the town have gone unanswered.

Continuing Business

Membership drive: Marion reported that 30 regular members and 4 government members have renewed memberships. She will send out monthly to the current membership.

Acquisition of PastPerfect: Marion reported that the PastPerfect people have indicated the program will be available in January or February. She has requested that the ECHS be placed in the queue for conversion of records from our current system. The Board agreed that a membership in the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) is worthy both for the significant discount in the PastPerfect services and for the expertise and help they can offer. Marion will communicate with the Past Perfect people regarding the right time to sign up.

Museum roof replacement: The Board agreed that replacement of the museum roof is a priority for 2019, however supplemental grant funds will be necessary. Grant write Kim Mitchell has agreed to help seek grants; the Board also suggested approaching the Town of Eagle and Eagle County.  Estimates gathered by Willy put the price of the project in the $40,000 – $60,000 range. Willy and Cindy will work with the grant writer and with the Board on seeking financial support for this project.

Mileage reimbursement policy: After consulting with Aspen Historical Society, the Board agreed to develop a policy allowing members doing official business to either seek mileage compensation at the standard mileage rate (not the non-profit rate), or to turn in the mileage as an in-kind donation at the accepted rate. Cindy will draw up the official policy.

Town of Eagle Master Plan Committee: Kathy will represent the Historical Society on this project, as time allows.

Four Rivers Historical Alliance: Kathy reported that the group is working with a consultant who can present a program on effective use of social media.

Colorado Gives Day: Tuesday, Dec. 4 (very likely the first miserable snow day of the year). Members will be asked to help with the various activities.

Work session: Board members put the museum to bed for the winter.

Next meeting: Monday, Nov. 5, 8:15 a.m. at the Eagle Town Hall.

 Eagle County Historical Society

    Board Meeting Minutes

     Thursday,  August 30, 2018 

Present: Kathy Heicher, Joanne Cermak, Sandy Van Campen, Marion Laughlin, Laura Thompson, Anne Kerrigan

New Business

Administator-Anne has resigned the administrator position, effective October 15. Thanks Anne for a wonderful job. She will be greatly missed.The board discussed next steps in finding a new administrator. It was suggested that the position be split into two postions, bookkeeper and administrator, since the positions seem to require different skill sets. Kathy will alert the Colorado Gives group that we are looking for a bookkeeper in the possibility another non-profit organization has a part time bookkeeper that we could share.

Red Cliff Cemetery Tour-Kathy reported that despite the early rain, the cemetery tour was a success. ECHS made $3,531 in profit for the day, $255 was from book sales

The Caboose-Some recent vandalism in the caboose prompted a discussion about whether or not to keep the caboose locked. It was decided to leave it open and to report any vandalism to the police.

Membership Drive-Marion has sent out government membership requests and will begin the new membership campaign. ECHS’s fiscal year has changed to September through August. She has had some difficulty obtaining addresses from the membership forms from the new website and will strive to work this out.

Honky-Tonk Night-The event will take place Friday, September 7 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the museum to unveil the newly refurbished player piano and recently donated antique whiskey still. Cost for the event is $5.00 for members and $10.00 non-members and western or honky-tonk attire is encouraged. Linda Carr will provide some patriotic music on the piano and there will be a presentation by Jere Debacher, the piano’s restorer, on player pianos and the restoration process. Kathy has arranged for a feature story in the Enterprise and Laura has arranged for ads in the Vail Daily. Marion will send out email reminders about the event to members. Popcorn, pretzels and other snacks will be provided along with a cash bar of wine and beer. Laura will contact 10th Mountain Distillery to arrange for some whiskey tasting. Sandy, Marion and Joanne will pick up supplies Friday afternoon and meet to set up the area at 4:00 p.m. Additional helpers are needed and Marion will send out requests.

2nd Grade Museum Tour-A request was made for a 2nd grade tour of the museum on October 6. ECHS is now requiring a $5.00/person fee with a minimum of $75.00

Old Business

Golf Pass-The donated golf pass to the Frost Creek Golf Course was autioned off for $250.00.

Artifact Accessioning-Jaci is progressing with the difficult job of accessioning artifacts. Thank you, Jaci!

Electrical Outlets-Bill Jones has agreed to work on the addition of electrical outlets upstairs in the museum in order to improve lighting in the barn loft. Thank you Bill!

Mark Your Calendars-

Community Rummage Sale-September 14 and 15

Mining Program at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens-Thursday, September 20

Walking Mountain History Hike at McCoy fossil beds-Tuesday, September 25

Possible Horn Ranch Hike-Saturday, October 6

Horn Ranch Hike-Thursday, October 11

Eagle County Historical Society

Board Meeting Minutes

Thursday,  July 5, 2018

Present: Kathy Heicher, Cindy Jones, Joanne Cermak, Willy Powell, Marion Laughlin, Laura Thompson

New Business

Player Piano-This month the board meeting was held at the museum in order to introduce the board to the newly refurbished player piano. After instruction on how to operate, several board members took a turn playing the piano. A policy will be developed determining when it is to be played and Cindy will offer docents training in its operation. A motion was made and passed to send the final adjusted payment to repairman Jere Debacher, and to invite him to speak at a celebration event at the museum. It was decided the event would be held on September 7 and revolve around the acquisition of the antique still and the return of the piano.

New Website-The new ECHS website is up and working. Final details, such as transfer of the domain, getting email to work and posting on the site, should be complete soon. ECHS wants to get the word out and to invite the public to check it out. Kathy will write a news release, and as well as posting it on Facebook, we are asking the libraries, towns and Walking Mountain Science Center to announce it in their newsletters.

Rummage Sale-ECHS has been informed that a new rummage sale event has been planned and will take place this fall.

Colorado Gives Day-December 4, 2018 has been designated as this year’s Colorado Gives Day.

GOCO Grant-A GOCO grant has been awarded for the stabilization of the Brush Creek School House at Sylvan Lake State Park. The project was granted $20,000, and work will be handled by Historicorps. Last winter, ECHS held a public interest event at the school house and pledged $1,000 toward the project.

Hannewald Barn-A group hoping to move the Hannewald Barn in Avon to Nottingham Park, for use as a local pavilion, has asked for support from ECHS. Anne will consult an accountant for some questions about 501c3 status. ECHS expresses a willingness to help the project and will pledge a donation to the group.

New Roof-The barn’s roof is in need of repair. Various roofing materials were debated. Willy will inquire about costs and obtain some bids.

Continuing Business

Museum Operation-Cindy reported that 3500 visitors have already been through the museum this season. Comments have been complimentary.

Interim Curator-Jaci has volunteered to serve as interim curator archiving recently donated artifacts.

Red Cliff Cemetery Tour-Tickets for the August 18 cemetery tour were set at $20 for advanced sale and $25 day of event. ECHS members can purchase advanced sale tickets for $17, but all tickets purchased on the day of the event will be $25. Purchased tickets must be printed out and brought to the event as there is limited cell coverage at the venue. The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude by 4;00 p.m. and tours will last about 90 minutes. Laura Thompson will work on getting sponsors for the event.

Mark Your Calendars-

Walking Mountain Science Center History Hikes-

Sweetwater Indian Cave-Tuesday, July 31

McCoy Fossil Beds-Tuesday, September 25

Horn Ranch Hikes with Eagle Valley Land Trust-

Saturday, August 25

Thursday, October 11

Vail Board of Realtors Local History Class-

Thursday, August 11

Red Cliff Town Board Cemetery Tour Update-Tuesday, August 7

Red Cliff Cemetery Tour-Saturday, August 18

The next ECHS Board Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 2 at 4:00 p.m.

    Eagle County Historical Society

    Board Meeting Minutes

    Thursday,  May 31, 2018

Present: Kathy Heicher, Cindy Jones, Sandy Van Campen, Joanne Cermak, Anne Kerrigan, Willy Powell, Jaci Spuhler

New Business

Eagle Library Expansion-Linda Tillson, EVLD Director, and Diane Levin, Head of Technical Services, reported to the EVHS board on the progress of the Eagle Library Expansion Project, scheduled to break ground this fall, and on the status of the archivist position. Thirty-two applicants applied for the position and Skype interviews would begin this week leading to personal interviews.

Eagle Ranch Social Hour-Eagle Ranch homeowners are scheduled to hold their social hour at the museum on Friday, June 8, 4-6 p.m. Attendees will tour the museum.

Vail DAR Meeting-ECHS will present to the newly formed chapter of the DAR on Thursday, June 14, 6 p.m., informing the group of its mission and programs.

New Donation-The Eagle Valley Community Fund closed its account and made its final donations. ECHS received a $1,500.

New Website-The new website is ready to go as soon as some last minute details regarding PayPal are resolved.

Continuing Business

Museum Operations-A big thank you goes out to BluSky! Once again the company donated cleaning services to get the museum spic and span and ready for opening day. And, thank you to our own Sandy Van Campen who cleaned the caboose. One-thousand visitors have already viewed the museum. The board would like to add the names of a few more people to the list of docents, those willing to serve as back-up docents when a need arises.

Player Piano-The repaired player piano is scheduled to return to the museum the week of June 18. The board is planning to hold a celebration party and to invite piano repairman, Jere DeBacher, to deliver an instruction program. Details are in the works.

Red Cliff Cemetery Tour-The Red Cliff Cemetery tour will take place Saturday, August 18. Character actors, docents and helpers are being recruited. The event is planned for 10:00-3:00 and each tour would take approximately 90 minutes. Jaci Spuhler will man the Red Cliff museum and sell ECHS books during tour hours. Ticket costs and transportation needs are being discussed.

Administrator Report-Anne updated the board on current financial business and reported that the Colorado Gives Report necessary for 2018 has been completed.

Mark Your Calendars

Eagle Ranch social group museum tour-Friday, June 8, 4-6 p.m.

Walking Mountain Science Center History Hikes-

Sweetwater Indian Cave-Tuesday, July 31

McCoy Fossil Beds-Tuesday, September 25

Red Cliff Cemetery Tour-Saturday, August 18

Horn Ranch Hikes with Eagle Valley Land Trust-

Saturday, August 25

Thursday, October11

Vail Board of Realtors Local History Class-

Thursday, August 11

The next ECHS Board Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 5 at 4:00 p.m.