08-20-19 Conrad Mansion Board of Directors MinutesConrad Mansion
Board of Directors Meeting
August 20, 2019
Kalispell City Hall, 4:00
Members Present: Sue Corrigan, Katherine King, Chris Vick, Mark Schickendantz, Everit Sliter, Mark
Norley, Tia Robbin, Diane Medler, Cate Webber, Beth Collier, Rita Fitzsimmons, Courtenay Sprunger,
Carrie Nelson, and Brit Clark (Interim Manager)
Staff/Volunteer Party: Will be held September 3rd at Bibler's (4:00-6:00 pm). Board members are asked
to bring two bottles of wine (One for the party and one for a prize) as well as either a dessert or salad.
Guest Presenter: Matt Lautzenheiser
Matt Lautzenheiser, the Executive Director of Fort Missoula and President of the Montana Association
of Museums (MAM) spent a few hours at the Mansion visiting with Brit and also with the Board. Matt
also has many years of experience at a historic house museum in Ohio.
Here are some points offered by Matt:
• You do really need someone with a background in museums and best practices. Preserving and
protecting the Museum is always the primary responsibility. Want someone who understands
collections and museum administration.
• Acknowledged that it is getting harder to be an independent nonprofit due the changes in tax
deduction incentives and more competition for grants.
• Some successful events he has experienced include: Experiential tours- living history tour from
the maid, stable boy or kitchen help. Offered for a limited time. Behind the scenes tours are a
hit. Their paper newsletter focuses on historical content. Social media is biggest source of ticket
sales for events, but direct mailings offer first opportunity for special events. Multiple staff
members contribute social media posts.
• Cautioned that even though there are many great ideas, make sure you have capacity (staff and
resources).
• Trust staff to handle day to day activities. Hire the right person and trust them to do the work on
the ground. Board looks at the big picture. Don't restrict yourself when advertising position -
advertise out of area and make them meet everyone. Get to know them as much as you can,
even if it's a % day interview, lunch reception. $40,000-$65,000 is a typical salary.
• Fort Missoula has an appointed Board of Trustees and Friends group. They also receive some tax
revenue.
• MAM Conference will be in Missoula at the end of March next year. Encouraged resources like
Association for State and Local History (ASLH).
Meeting Adjourned: 5:35
Next Meeting: Annual Board Retreat Sept. 26t", 2019. 4:00-7:00. Flathead Electric Conference Room.