notes from a 3/16/09 meeting

VAHS Suggestions and Ideas
A “first round” for the future? …
notes from a 3/16/09 meeting

A diverse group of 30 local citizens met on 3/16 for a broad-based discussion of the future potential of the Van Alstyne Homestead Society.


In no particular order (though repeated ideas seem to indicate strong recognition of clear interest or need), a sampling of suggestions that came out of the 3/16 meeting is transcribed below – and, we hope some of these ideas will interest YOU!

Establish a real, interactive web site

Different levels of membership – much lower general and family memberships

Insert publicity in local papers (not ads, but articles)

Consider lecture series
Newsletter for members?

Return to volunteer docents, if enough people & interest

Have a clean-up day
& a Garden Day – involve the Garden Club? Scouts – tie into badges, traditions

Mohawk Valley Museums Consortium – explore shared services; headquartering

Digitalize all historic documents housed in the homestead. Protection of collections.

Needs:

Rental fee re-structuring
Grant writers
Fund raisers
New by-laws & dues structure

Tours – work with groups, bus tour companies, etc.

A useable/renovated kitchen would help rent the bldg.

1) expand user groups/and charge FEES for regular meetings: Fort Renss Club, Colonial Club, Tryon County Militia
2) Banks? Other private / corporate entities??
3) Open house – eg, with community house tours,
Christmas vendors (in conjunction with Arkell?)
In summer, coordinate with Tourist booth, staffed with knowledgeable retired volunteers, esp during the weekends
4) Have Spring/Fall maintenance & cleaning member weekends
5) Have Annual (Fall?) family/colonial weekend with Tryon Militia, Mohawk community, wood fire, cider, doughnuts etc, & advertise/charge small admission
6) Merchandise: Mugs, t-shirts, repro maps, etc.
sell to members, visitors, locally, other sites, online
7) Better signage – who to contact for info, access, etc.






Suggested rates : -- per Sue Everett
Students $ 5
Family $25
Senior $20
People volunteer time and talent for dues?

Set rate to rent facility for monthly meetings

Programs for community at low or no cost – Sell refreshments, and books, gifts

Partner with local schools –
Have classes meet at VAH
Teen organization
Invite Social Studies Teachers in Valley to meeting –
Ask, How can they utilize bldg??

Invite students to interview those who know history & use for school credit.


Have more meetings, various historical programs, etc, held in the building to encourage interest in it.
Educational programs – for schools and adults

Colonial history for kids, lectures,
Demonstrations and workshops in Colonial arts & crafts

Fundraising – antique appraisal day, Victorian Christmas party, auctions

Spring-cleaning day

Send out business plan

Merge with other organizations

Get schools involved – tour homesteadd, history classes, include other schools, get a real website

Need to be in compliance w NYS Pres & Hist (SPHO)

Schools – get involved with running historical games

Holiday celebrations (Carolling)

Family Gatherings for Arkell residents Hosted in VAH