HomeMy WebLinkAboutUpdate re Historical Society JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Carolyn Gallaway,Clerk of the Board
DATE: July 8,2024
SUBJECT: UPDATE re: Jefferson County Historical Society& Museum of Art+History
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
Executive Director of the Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS) Tara McCauley will provide the
Commissioners with an update regarding the large-scale renovation project at the Museum of Art+ History,
one of three sites operated by JCHS. The renovation includes building modifications for ADA accessibility,
new exhibits and exhibit infrastructure, and a new approach to annual county-wide research, collecting, and
programs.
ANALYSIS:
The JCHS is reimagining the Museum of Art+History by transforming the space and visitor experience,
with a focus on prioritizing the sharing of deeper, more diverse stories, enhancing accessibility, and
integrating art and history.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact at this time.
RECOMMENDATION:
None.
REVIEWED BY:
Mark McCauley, unty Administrator Date
SUPPORT A REIMAGINED EXPERIENCE AT THE
MUSEUM OF ART i HISTORY
JCHS is reimagining the Museum of Art + History. We're
transforming the space, our practice, and the visitor experience.
Inspired by community feedback, we're prioritizing:
(41;!! ENHANCING ACCESSIBILITY
JOIN US IN REIMAGINING THE MUSEUM OF ART + HISTORY, DONATE TODAY
THE VISION Now, as we bring these plans to life,
Every year, we will focus our exhibitions it's clear: this museum is an
around one main topic, exploring that important space for everyone.
theme through new art exhibitions and
installations, newly researched or Our Capital Campaign is Rooted in
curated archives and historic collections, Change-we are embracing change
and annual programming. We're in how we think about art and
starting with the concept of"Home", history, how we approach
delving into what it means, how it varies, exhibitions, and how we work in our
and how it connects us all. community.
In addition to this exciting new WHY NOW
approach to our exhibitions, we are According to a 2023 study by the
making our spaces accessible for American Alliance of Museums:
everyone, designing interpretive text for
the historic City Hall building, and S6% are experiencing significant
deepening our connection with the financial difficulties.
community. 30% risk permanent closure
within two years without
THE NEED innovation and new funding
Our history exhibits have not been strategies.
significantly refreshed in decades, and
we want to share new objects, stories,
understandings, and perspectives.
For the past three years, we've gathered
insight and ideas from partners, - ;
residents, and visitors.
Our transformation is a necessary BE THE CHANGE
evolution to meet contemporary needs Join us and become an integral part
and expectations. of this innovative project!
This moment calls for bold action and Your support helps us create
visionary support from donors like you, dynamic exhibits, explore the
to ensure that we continue to preserve intersections of art and history,
and celebrate Jefferson County's arts make our spaces accessible, and
and heritage in a meaningful, enjoyable, ensure a sustainable community
and sustainable way. resource for years to come.
WHAT TO EXPECT Visit jchsmuseum.org/rooted to
Over the next few years, we will utilize learn more and donate today to
the funds raised in the Rooted in help bring our vision to life.
Change campaign to achieve goals
including:
• renovating our historic building to
be fully ADA accessible
• installing updated, multisensory DONATE HERE
exhibition infrastructure
• refreshing exhibit spaces annually
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