Wilson Museum Bulletin Winter 2008
Vol. 5, No. 1
Looking Forward Strategically
Mission Building on the legacy of its founding family, the Wilson Museum uses its diverse collections and learning experiences to stimulate exploration of the natural history and cultures of the Penobscot Bay region and the world.
Wilson Museum P.O. Box 196 120 Perkins Street Castine, ME 04421 (207) 326-9247
[email protected] www.wilsonmuseum.org © 2009
he Wilson Museum undertook strategic planning in the summer of 2008. Working with Laura B. Roberts, of Roberts Consulting, Cambridge, MA, a committee comprised of board members, staff members, and knowledgeable members of the community, reviewed the Museum’s operations and challenges. Together they developed an agenda for the next five years. Although the Museum is 87 years old, it is, in many ways, a young museum, having just completed the transition from active oversight by the founder’s daughter, Ellenore Doudiet, to independent governance. In the five years since Mrs. Doudiet’s death, the board and staff completed an initial series of discussions to articulate a vision for the Museum and a governance assessment through the American Association of Museums. This strategic planning process drew on those conversations and decisions. It also drew on the legacy of Dr. Wilson and Mrs. Doudiet. Father and daughter were both hands-on learners; their curiosity and creativity found tangible expression in the Museum. When the work of this plan is completed, the Museum will meet professional standards of collections management and care, exhibitions and interpretation, and management and governance. But simultaneously, the intent is to keep alive the spirit of exploration and discovery that is at the heart of the Wilson Museum. It will take the strong and distinctive foundation created by Dr. Wilson and Mrs. Doudiet and create an organization for the 21st century that serves the local communities and visitors with exhibitions, programs and services that realize the restated mission (see side bar to the left). History The main purpose of the Wilson Museum, founded in 1921 by J. Howard Wilson as the Castine Scientific Society, was “to show the antiquity of man and his cultural stages from the earliest geologic times that furnish any evidence of his existence, down to our own historical and colonial times.” In addition to Dr. Wilson’s own collections, a Historical Committee was formed for the purpose of collecting, exhibiting and researching the rich history of the local area.
Dedication
Trustees LouAnna Perkins President James P. Modisette Vice-President Harry Kaiserian Treasurer Janice Zenter Secretary Patricia Bixel Joceline Boucher Candice Bray Amy Gutow Barbara Jackson Brian Robinson Lucy Jane Webster Pauline A. Hutchins Honorary Trustee
Staff Patricia Hutchins Executive Director Debbie Morehouse Administrative Assistant Bulletin Editor Brian Adams Collections/Tech Manager Paula Dunfee Program Support Sherman Hutchins Building & Grounds Manager
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We dedicate this newsletter to Ellenore Doudiet, who, beginning in the 1950s nurtured the Museum from a family museum toward becoming a public museum. Ellenore worked tirelessly to institute by-laws, create the Bulletin, install new exhibits, foster friendships, collaborations, and establish membership, all with the knowledge and understanding that like a fledgling, the Museum would eventually need to fly on its own. It seems fitting in this year of revitalization and planning that we honor the woman who foresaw the need for professional standards and through her endowment has made our progress possible.
Dr. Wilson died in 1936. His daughter, Ellenore W. Doudiet, became involved in the Museum in the 1950s. The museum was in a state which, in her words, would have distressed a good housekeeper, archivist or administrator – the steel window frames were rusty, so too were the water pipes and furnace; glass and cases were dusty; labels faded, curled and laced by bugs. There was neither water nor heat in the building. ...also there was no filing system and each artifact had to be kept with its own tattered label until returned safely to its place with that, or with a new label. Under Mrs. Doudiet’s direction, the Museum expanded by first creating storage, office and exhibit spaces in the lower rooms. In the 1960s she gave a piece of property to the Museum for the relocation of the historic John Perkins House, which was otherwise scheduled to be demolished. An operating blacksmith shop and small building to house Castine’s two horse-drawn hearses were built on the Museum grounds. At Mrs. Doudiet’s death she bequeathed the open lot adjacent to the John Perkins House and the Doudiet House now used as the administrative offices. Since her death, Patricia Hutchins, who has worked at the Museum in various capacities since 1975, has been the Executive Director. In the last four years, the Board has gradually evolved and expanded so that currently, only one of the eleven active members served during Mrs. Doudiet’s lifetime. Exhibitions While the main floor of the Wilson Museum retains the overall appearance of the Museum as it was created in the 1920s, the actual installations are largely the work of Ellenore Doudiet, often following her father’s notes and plans. The planning committee values the historical appearance of the Museum and both Dr. Wilson and Mrs. Doudiet’s vision for the exhibitions, but recognizes that they need to be refreshed and, in many cases, updated with more complete or accurate interpretive labels. An exhibition advisory committee will be created to help staff plan and implement the reinstallation of the permanent exhibitions. The lower level of the Museum is divided roughly in half with one side used as archival storage while the other is devoted to exhibitions which were created under the directorship of Mrs. Doudiet. They include an exhibition of rocks and minerals and galleries with historical tools and farm equipment, a kitchen c. 1805, and a Victorian parlor. There is also an exhibit featuring Castine’s antique fire pump/alarm which is on loan. These galleries offer hands-on learning and are popular, particularly with young visitors. The long term vision will relocate the collections stored in the basement allowing reinstallation of the entire the lower level to augment the interpretation in the Museum and John Perkins House.
Wilson Museum Bulletin
Director’s Report As reported in our lead story, the strategic planning process undertaken this summer and early fall was time well-spent in defining goals and objectives as well as in laying out a course of actions to move the Museum into the 21st century. One such action you will have already noticed is the redesign of the Wilson Museum Bulletin. While we have featured the strategic planning process in this edition, in the coming semi-annual issues we will feature the scholarly articles for which the Bulletin is known. However, we are excited to be adding news and information to keep our members and community informed of our progress. Though we are taking the opportunity to look back over the past year’s programs in this issue, we fully intend to use this publication as a means of moving forward. We hope the plans and activities you find in our Bulletin will inspire you to volunteer your time and talents to making the Wilson Museum an extraordinary place of discovery, knowledge and experience. Patricia Hutchins Executive Director
Collections The Museum collections were classified by Mrs. Doudiet into two broad categories: cultural and historical. She maintained a card file of these collection records; staff is in the process of completing an inventory of the collections and transferring the data to a computerized database. There are also significant natural history collections (approximately 2,000 rocks, minerals and shells), which have never been inventoried, and about 100 works of art. There are 13,725 objects or lots identified in the cultural collections, primarily from North American native peoples and prehistoric Europe. The largest and most significant collections are from Maine Native Americans (34%) and prehistoric materials from France (12%). There are smaller ethnographic collections from Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. More than half the collections are stone tools; the majority of the remainder are tools in other materials. The historical collections include 4,366 objects/lots. The largest group of historical materials is tools (45%), followed by textiles (22%) and toys, games and other amusements (20%). As part of the inventory process, collections will be identified for formal transfer to a hands-on, teaching or use collection. All objects remaining in the museum collection will be numbered and catalogued. Similarly, the library contains books that should be considered part of the collection (Dr. Wilson and Mrs. Doudiet’s reference books, other books of historical value) and others that can be transferred to a reference library for use by staff, volunteers, and researchers. That process of inventorying and sorting is underway. There are also archival collections that complement the historical collections (diaries, letters, log books) as well as Mrs. Doudiet’s papers. Some archival materials are being transcribed; Mrs. Doudiet’s papers are being sorted and inventoried. The inventory process is time-consuming; the strategic plan calls for devoting more resources to that effort so that it is completed fairly quickly. Cataloguing, which requires more in-depth knowledge of these diverse collections, will require subject area specialists. The Museum is currently working with a consulting textile curator, which is a good model for completing the rest of the catalogue. Collection IN MEMORIAM cataloguing could also be done in conjunction with exhibition planning and reinstallation. Donald Radovich The intent is to create a single searchable catalogue of the museum, library and 1952-2008 archival collections and to make selections of the catalogue, with images, available online, either on the Museum’s own website, the Maine Memory Network, or Trustees and Staff were sadother appropriate websites. Education In 2006, the board and staff created a “visioning task force,” responsible for deliberating on the future of the Museum and, specifically, to develop programming ideas. From those discussions came a clear consensus that the Museum should play a significant role in supporting life-long learning in the region, beginning with a strong educational program for school children, and continuing through internships and adult programming. Because the Museum is closed for much of the school year, the planning committee envisions a school program that combines resources for teachers to use in the classroom and teacher training along with visits to the Museum. An educational advisory committee will help staff identity the topics and services most needed by schools in the region.
Wilson Museum Bulletin
dened to learn of the untimely passing of our co-worker, Don Radovich, on October 5, 2008.
Don and his wife, Paige Lilly were working to organize and inventory the archival documents of the Wilson/Doudiet family for the Museum. His quiet presence and good cheer will be sorely missed.
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At present, when the entire complex is open or when programs are scheduled, the Museum is an especially vibrant place. Such lively activities include costumed tours and fireside cooking demonstrations in the John Perkins House, blacksmithing demonstrations at the forge, painting classes by the shore, pottery workshops in the yard and other participatory programs for both adults and children. The strategic plan envisions more such activities - more opportunities for visitors of all ages to learn by doing, either in the hands-on galleries or in workshops.
Treasure of the Past Trilobite Having existed over 300 million years ago in the Earth's ancient seas, trilobites are remarkable, hardshelled, segmented creatures that became extinct before dinosaurs came into existence. Although dinosaurs are the most well-known fossil life forms, trilobites are the single most diverse group of extinct organisms and a favorite among those familiar with the study of the development of life on earth or paleontologists. Found in the rocks of all continents, trilobites are one of the signature creatures of the Paleozoic era living roughly between 542-300 million years ago. Trilobite fossils are made up of three main body parts: a cephalon or head, a segmented thorax or middle, and a pygidium or tail piece. They were among the early anthropods, a phylum of 20,000 species with multiple body segments and jointed legs. The name "trilobite" actually refers to "three lobes" running from the head to the tail longitudinally, as opposed to the horizontal divisions of head, middle, and tail. From the amazing variety of trilobites, this one can be identified as a Calymenidae Calymene. Other “Treasures of the Past” may be explored on our web site at www.wilsonmuseum.org. *
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Facilities Currently, the Museum occupies five structures in a campus along Perkins Street. Wilson Museum, with exhibits on the main floor and exhibits, hands-on space, and collections storage on the lower level John Perkins House, restored to 1763/83, furnished to approximately 1830 Blacksmith shop, with a working forge Hearse building, housing two horse-drawn hearses Doudiet House, housing offices, work spaces, collections storage, guest room and a modern kitchen As planning progressed, a private residence, directly across Perkins Street from the Museum, became available. Just as planning was concluding, the Museum entered into an agreement to purchase the property at 112 Perkins Street. The Museum has significant facilities needs which will be partially, or perhaps temporarily, relieved by the addition of this new property. It includes a large room that can be used for programs and meetings, a clean unheated barn, and several other rooms suitable for offices or storage. It will not resolve the immediate need for accessible visitor rest rooms or long term need for climate controlled, fire proof, secure storage. In the next five years, the Museum will undertake the significant task of completing an inventory of the museum and archival collections, reinstalling the cases in the Museum, and then reinstalling the exhibits and hands-on areas on the lower level. As that work progresses and the buildings at 112 Perkins Street are put to use, the staff and board will develop a better understanding of its utility and limitations. In the next strategic plan, four or five years from now, the Museum will be in a better position to address the place 112 Perkins Street will occupy in the Museum’s future. Governance The Museum completed the Governance Assessment from the American Association of Museum’s Museum Assessment Program in 2007 and 2008. That self-study and site visit generated an agenda for work on the part of board and staff, some of it beyond the strict definitions of “governance” and touching on collections management, exhibitions, and interpretation. Many of the action items identified by the site reviewers were undertaken immediately, the remainder have been incorporated into the strategic plan. In Conclusion The result of the strategic planning process was a chart outlining five general goals with correlating objectives for each, as well as very specific action items by year. Using the strategic plan as a guideline, the board and staff of the Wilson Museum look forward to meeting the challenges of the future with renewed enthusiasm. *
Wilson Museum Bulletin
EXHIBITS & PROGRAMS 2008 rogramming and special summer exhibits at the Wilson Museum are areas noted in the strategic plan where the Museum already excels. In 2008 our summer events reflected the same wide variety of content, spanning time and cultures, as the Museum’s exhibits and collections. Dr. Randall White, a noted professor of Anthropology and Director of the Center for the Study of Human Origins at New York University, spoke on "Images of Women in European Ice Age Art: From the French Caves to the Russian Plains." This was a program that tied in extremely well with the reopening of our Paleolithic exhibit, guest-curated by Dr. Riva Berleant. After Riva’s introductory remarks at our members opening reception, attendees were given the opportunity to hold ancient artifacts. Oscar Mokeme of the Museum of African Culture entertained visitors as he brought a series of colorful masks to life while highlighting their significance in African culture. Joanna Sweet, recently returned from a trip to Uganda, mesmerized her audience with tales of her travels, the wildlife and folk stories. Closer to home, Dr. William Haviland lectured on the original inhabitants of the Penobscot Bay region; Native American, Hawk Henries, enthralled the audience with his music and presence; and everyone got down and dirty in Charles Paquin’s northeast prehistoric pottery workshop trying their hands at pot building, fire starting, atlatl throwing and so much more. Coin enthusiasts flocked to the Museum to hear Dr. Philip Mossman lecture on colonial coins and the mysteries of the Castine hoard as well as to view the coins on loan from the Maine Historical Society in our exhibit on Dr. Joseph Stevens, Castine doctor for over 60 years, who donated the hoard. A two-part exhibit of Elizabeth O’Malley’s art work was highlighted with a visit from the artist herself. Thanks go to Barbara Mallonee for her volunteer efforts in helping to set up the O’Malley exhibit. Barbara also led several handson Plein-Aire painting classes at the Museum. While more tummys-on than hands-on, everyone enjoyed sampling goodies from the Tarr family’s fireside cooking, the Davis family’s eighteenth century encampment, and Sandy Oliver’s “Pickles & Preserves” demonstrations. Some of our programs served the dual purpose of teaching the staff as well as the general public in aspects of care and conservation of artifacts. Lynne Bassett, a textile consultant from Massachusetts, not only cataloged a portion of the Museum’s textile collections, but shared highlights of the collection and tips on handling and storage in a delightful presentation. Julia Clark, Collections Manager at the Abbe Museum, led a hands-on demonstration on the care of fur and leather articles. And, “Monumental Mason” Jon Appell led an all-day workshop at the Castine Cemetery on the care and repair of gravestones. The Museum joined with other organizations to either host or co-sponsor events throughout the community. Beginning in January, the community was invited to participate in a panel discussion on “Hunting, Harvesting and Homecooking on the Bagaduce Way Back When” cosponsored with the Bagaduce Watershed Association. The Museum complex extended its hours of operation to participate in the community-wide “Celebrate Castine” in July. The Castine Town Band and the Yankee Brass Band were invited to play for the community’s enjoyment. Meetings of several community groups were hosted by the Museum. The alumni of Eastern State Normal School and the Women’s Club enjoyed the music of Ellacappella at their respective annual meetings; and the Castine Garden Club enjoyed a talk by Steven Tanguay and Anna Kessler who are involved with the Troy Howard Middle School Garden Project. As you can see, our programs cut across disciplines to touch all the senses and enrich the minds of our friends and visitors. We anticipate continuing in the variety and quality of our programming next year. Keep an eye on our calendar as it develops in 2009 at www.wilsonmuseum.org/calendar.html. * Wilson Museum Bulletin
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Board Members Elected at 2008 Annual Meeting n October 6, 2008, the Board of Trustees voted and installed a new slate of officers for the coming year (see the side bar on page 2 for the complete list). One Trustee was reelected for a second term and four others were elected increasing the Board size from 9 to 11. We are pleased to introduce our newly elected Board members below: Patricia Bixel is an Associate Professor of History at Maine Maritime Academy in Castine with special interests in natural disasters and maritime history. She has a background in exhibition development as well as experience as President and Board member of the Bangor Museum and Center for History. She resides in Bangor. Dr. Joceline Boucher is a Professor of Marine Chemistry at Maine Maritime Academy in Castine with research interests in our local estuaries. She has served the Maine School of Science and Mathematics since its inception both as a trustee and a Foundation Board member. She resides in Penobscot. Candice Bray is an educator in the University of Maine system and Emerson College specializing in assessment and methods of literacy development as well as heading her own educational consulting business. She divides her time between Camden and Sedgwick. Amy Gutow – is the Director of Conferences at Maine Maritime Academy and is co-owner of The Castine Inn. She has a background in law and serves on the boards of Castine Community Health Corporation, and Castine Community Child Development Center. She resides in Castine. Barbara Jackson – is an Associate Dean and Professor of Anthropology Emerita from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) with a specialty in Mexican and Native American cultures. She has been a consultant to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and served a previous term on the Wilson Museum’s Board of Trustees. She divides her time between Maine and Indiana. Page 6
VOLUNTEERS
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n 2008 many hands made light work in a number of areas. We are pleased to recognize Abby Dunham who worked with the LaTène collection; Donna Sawyer who keyed catalog cards into the computer; Mary Ellen Hunt, Tanner Hunt, Barbara Cooper and Carol Bonini who stuffed brochures and envelopes. Jamie Hamilton addressed invitations and gardened. Eva, Samuel and Esther Reed wrapped hangers for our clothing collection. And, Barbara Cooper, Jean Miller, Mary Ellen Hunt and Donna Sawyer greeted visitors at the Museum on Mondays in September. Their assistance was very much appreciated. Council Beginning in 1965 a Council of “persons interested in the growth and development of the Wilson Museum” was created. During 2006/2007 no council was appointed pending the discussions of the GMAP process and strategic planning. The strategic planning committee recommended the Council be dissolved and a “friends” group of former and potential board members, community leaders and loyal volunteers be instituted during the course of the five-year plan. Two new advisory committees will also be recruited to advise the staff. These will be comprised of subject area specialists and professionals in exhibitions and education, respectively. We take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the members of the Council: Elizabeth Ballou, Leon Ballou, Deborah Belyea, Riva Berleant, Paul Brouillard, Barbara Cooper, James Hamilton, Mary Ellen Hunt, Sherman Hutchins, Shelley McVicker, Jean Miller, Joyce Tarr and Rosemary Wyman. Also, special thanks go to honorary members: Jean Baker, John Baker and Hildegarde Perkins. We are grateful for all of their efforts in the past and trust that many will be instrumental in forming the new group in the next few years. In the interim between the Council and a new Friends group, volunteer help is needed more than ever. As we dive into the projects put forth within the strategic plan, we will need our friends, old and new, to lend their time and expertise. Needed Immediately We are specifically looking for four people who would be willing to commit to one afternoon a week to work on our inventory project. This work might include handling, photographing, or measuring objects, recording information on the computer or a combination of these or other tasks as needed during the inventorying process. During the summer months aspects of this project may take place in public view at the Museum. If you have specific skills and interest in any of the areas above and can commit to one afternoon a week, please contact Patricia Hutchins, Director. µ One of our Volunteer Heroes ¸ Donna Sawyer is one of our volunteer heroes. She began volunteering for the Wilson Museum in June and has faithfully come in several times a month since then. Donna is keying into the computer the information on the catalog cards first started by Mrs. Doudiet. With the purchase of a new collections management program in the near future, it will only be a matter of “cutting & pasting” rather than starting from scratch to get this information up and running. This is a huge task and we thank Donna for her continuing efforts! * Wilson Museum Bulletin
LINCOLN COMES TO CASTINE
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astine has been selected as one of only 40 sites to host an exhibit recognizing the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. “Abraham Lincoln: SelfMade in America” features reproduction artifacts from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum located in Springfield, Illinois.
The exhibit will be on display at a site to be selected in Castine for the entire month of November 2009 and the Wilson Museum will partner with other Castine organizations to conduct a number of varied programs with the exhibit as their centerpiece. Under consideration are movies, talks, plays and other related programs. Look for more information on times and places as 2009 unfolds. *
From the President’s Desk
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he Wilson Museum is well poised to move into the future — we have an energetic and diverse board, a very committed staff and a new, comprehensive strategic plan. I hope to use my experience with non-profit boards to help guide the Trustees, in concert with the Executive Director, in implementing the goals of the strategic plan. This plan will be our roadmap, to serve as a tool to guide our course and to be tweaked and adapted as necessary along the way. The challenges of working with a group of dedicated individuals toward common goals, of adapting to new realities over time, and of serving the public through a mission as important as that of the Museum — these are the things that make involvement with an organization very rewarding and fulfilling. I am honored to head the Wilson Museum Board of Trustees at this exciting time. LouAnna Perkins President, Board of Trustees
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Treasurer’s Report
he Wilson Museum has not been immune from impact of our nation’s current economic situation. As of the end of November our endowment is down to $10 million from a high of $16 million. A chunk of that difference is due to a cash outlay for the purchase of the 112 Perkins Street property. The results might have been worse were it not for the fact that much of our trust is in the money market and other cash assets. Despite all this, our overall return on investments since inception is 5.5% and our operating costs are covered without having to dip into principle. Our financial advisor and overall administrator is Acadia Trust with investments being managed by the following: Boston Private for large cap investments, Alliance Bernstein for international investments and Columbia Partners for small and mid-cap investments. Oversight of finances is under the purview of the Finance Committee consisting of Harry Kaiserian, Treasurer, and Amy Gutow, Trustee along with two members from the community at large, John Parish and Michael Morrison. The Committee meets quarterly with Acadia Trust representatives. * Wilson Museum Bulletin
AWARDS In the last two years the New England Museum Association has recognized the Wilson Museum for its publication excellence. In the category “Calendars of Events and Programs,” the Museum’s Chautauqua Days Castine Celebrates the 1920s booklet received a Third Place Publications Design Award. Last year saw an Honorable Mention in the category of “Invitations – Exhibitions” for our Members’ Reception invitation to the special summer exhibit on paper dolls. The inside of the card featured two paper dolls and a sheet of clothing. *
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WILSON MUSEUM P.O. Box 196 Castine, ME 04421
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Wilson Museum May 27-September 30 Daily 2-5 p.m.
John Perkins House, Blacksmith Shop, Hearse House July & August Wednesdays & Sundays 2-5 p.m.
*
Individual $25
Life $500 (Memberships must be renewed annually – except for Life members) NAME _____________________________________________________ WINTER ADDRESS____________________________________________ CITY ____________________________STATE _______ ZIP__________
SUMMER ADDRESS___________________________________________ CITY ____________________________STATE _______ ZIP__________ EMAIL ADDRESS_____________________________________________ TELEPHONE_________________________________
I would like to volunteer – please contact me.
