Ontario County Historical Museum
historical society
strategic
plan
2008
– 2012
Edward
Varno, Executive Director
Francis
Gersbach, President
October
2007
Institute
for Library and Museum Services
Upstate
History
and
Membership
of the
Anne
Ackerson, Consultant
Strategic
Plan 2008 – 2012
Pillars
of our History
Vision
and
VISION - The Ontario County Historical Society museum and
research library will be an information resource and center of learning that
engages the public in discovery of the county’s history and its relationship to
western New York today and tomorrow.
MISSION - Recognizing that Ontario County was the
original political and geographic entity that is now all of Western New York
State, the Ontario County Historical Society preserves and promotes the history
of the county in the broader context from its origins to the present to help
people gain perspective from the past and find purpose for the future.
This will be
accomplished by:
§
Collecting,
conserving, preserving and studying collections of physical objects pertaining
to the County’s past.
§
Presenting exhibits
that will stimulate an interest in the County’s geographic and social
development using various media, technologies and partnerships.
§
Developing and
implementing programs and publications that will engage and educate diverse
audiences on subjects pertaining to the county’s past using various media,
technologies and partnerships.
§
Maintaining a
quality library on the county’s history and making research opportunities
available to the public using various media, technologies and partnerships.
§
Managing and caring
for the
The
6 functional areas of the Plan
Goal I: PEOPLE AND COMMUNITY – To better define
and understand who our audiences are and our approaches toward meeting their
needs.
Goal II. TECHNOLOGY – To routinely employ a variety of
information technologies in our program offerings for the purpose of reaching
the greatest number of people effectively and efficiently.
Goal III: COLLECTION – To
reinforce the value we place on our collections and the role collections play
in meeting our
Goal IV: TEACHING OUR
LOCAL HISTORY – To develop and
implement relevant, engaging, and immersive educational programming to broad
audiences that help people gain perspective from the past and find purpose for
the future.
Goal V: ADMINISTRATION – To employ professionally accepted internal procedures
and processes that will accomplish the Society’s Goals, objectives and to
implement the strategies.
Goal VI: FINANCE – To
provide, maintain and expand a solid foundation for resource management and
financial growth that allows the Society to meet its mission and achieve its
vision.
Strategic Plan Objectives, 2008 – 2012
Priorities indicated
in RED A =
Immediate B= 2-3 years C= 3+ years
Goal I: PEOPLE AND COMMUNITY – To serve more diverse audiences and their
needs.
Objectives to achieve this goal
- Enhance relationships with educational institutions.
§ 2008 – 2011 Expand attendance at FL Regional History Day to add additional school districts. A
§
2008 –
2011 Re-establish relationships with
local school districts within
§ 2008 - 2011 Develop new relationships Regional Post Secondary educational institution History Departments promoting use of the Society’s research library. B
§ 2008 - 2011 Consult with educators with the purpose of incorporating relevant NYS Regents curriculum into the planning of all Society’s exhibitions. A
§ 2008- 2011 Promote attendance at R-Stuff programs through the school districts A
- Partner
with other not-for-profits and educational institutions in
§ 2008 - 2011 Continue our collaborative relationship with Wood Library on humanities programming. A
§ 2008 Work with Senior Living institutions and hold afternoon programming specifically geared for the aged. B
§
2009 Develop an exhibit on the
county’s agriculture history for the Wine and
§ 2009 -2011 Select one or two NFP partners to explore future educational programming. B
§
2009
-2011 Study feasibility of a
cooperative
- Offer the community and visitors a new and unique interactive learning venue at the Museum.
§ 2009 Develop a plan for construction of the new basement venue to be designed in conjunction with the existing Colonial Kitchen that replicates an early 1800s tavern. C
§ 2008 Develop concept plans and research funding sources, NEH and others, for the tavern venue. B
§ 2009 Incorporate the project into the Society’s Capital Project B
§ 2008 Seek NEH funding for the planning of the tavern venue B
§ 2012 Construct the new Venue; Have Dedication/ Opening C
Priorities indicated in RED A = Immediate B= 2-3 years C= 3+ years
Goal II. TECHNOLOGY – To incorporate information
and computer technologies into programming related to the
- Redesign museum web site.
·
2008 Re-Design and
Present new web site; keep current URL www.ochs.org. A
- Incorporate the Society’s education functions into www.ochs.org
· 2008 Integrate local history learning theme throughout the web site redesign. A
· 2008 Develop a new educational web page as a portal for western New York History learning that appeals to a broad base of audiences. A
· 2009- 2010 Present internet Pod Casts on local history Themes. B
- Using the Internet, broaden public access to the Society’s genealogical resources and promote research programs and services.
· 2008-9 Promote OCHS research services by placing OCHS Genealogical Indexes on the Internet for public access. A
·
2008 Use MARC software for presenting OCHS
library holdings on the Web at
World CAT. A
· 2008 Use internet to promote a Research Assistance program. A
- Employ the Internet as outreach for museum promotion.
· 2008 Redesign and launch a new Web “What’s Happening Calendar” A
· 2008 Update and revise OCHS on-line Book shop. A
·
2008 Integrate OCHS promotions into
the
- Employ the Internet to increase public access to the society’s collections.
· 2008 Develop a program to learn new exhibiting techniques to present information, display artifacts and present ephemera in exhibitions. B
·
2009 -
1011 Integrate new technologies
into the planning and construction of the exhibit on the history of
· 2010 - 2011 - Use Past Perfect software to offer on-line exhibits of Society holdings. B
- Continue to incorporate and integrate computer technology into the Administrative of the Society.
· 2008 - 2012 Continue staff culture of keeping informed on computer related technological developments such as new hardware and software; and, when cost effective, incorporate into Society web based programs and administrative processes. A
Strategic Plan Objectives Draft, 2008-2011
Priorities indicated
in RED A =
Immediate B= 2-3 years C= 3+ years
Goal III: COLLECTION – To reinforce the value we place on our collections and the role collections
play in pursuing our
Objectives to achieve
this goal
1. Enhance, preserve and conserve the Society’s
collections.
§ 2008 Enhance – revisit & redefine statements about what we collect . A
§
2008 Preserve – Study archival equipment available to house selected parts of
collections. A
§ 2009 Preserve – inventory and evaluate selected sections of collection to remove what is
not relevant. B
§ 2009 Preserve – have volunteers conduct more extensive research on selected parts of collection based upon sections being inventoried and for upcoming exhibits. B
§ 2010 Conserve – create a conservation plan that will prioritize conservation needs. B
§ 2008 - 12 Apply for multiple year NYS Library Grants for conservation treatment of
Oliver Phelps Collection. A
2. Offer exhibits
that present and interpret the history of
§ 2008 Reevaluate current exhibit plan and its interface with educational programming A
§ 2008 Convene a meeting with educators, historians, tourism officials and
historical societies on needs and desires in an exhibit on the origins of WNY A
§ 2009 - 10 Research, plan and install history of WNY exhibit in South Gallery C
§ 2009 Replace exhibit lighting in South Gallery (Capital Project) C
§ 2010- 11 Replace all exhibit lighting – North Gallery (Capital Project) C
- Increase museum’s collection storage capacity.
§ 2010 Pursue feasibility study for an addition to the museum building to add additional
storage, open storage and exhibit preparation. C
§ 20010 - 11 Reduce size of 3-D collections by removing what is not relevant. B
§ 2009 Remove to off-site storage all non-collection items, all deaccessioned items. B
§
2009 - 10
Place collections items least affected
by heat and humidity in the
Deaccessioning
Room B.
4. Pursue outreach to other museums’ collections for exhibitions
2008 -1011 Continue building relationships and collaborative ventures with town and regional historical societies, museums, and historic sites for upcoming exhibits A
Strategic Plan Objectives Draft, 2008-2011
Priorities indicated in RED A = Immediate B= 2-3 years C= 3+ years
Goal IV: TEACHING OUR LOCAL HISTORY – To
develop and implement a variety of engaging educational programming designed to
connect with our target audiences and help them learn about local subjects that
are consistent our
Objectives to achieve
this goal
1. Continue to build relationships with school districts coordinating with educators on NYS Regents requirements and increasing participation in New York State History Day.
§ 2008 Reinforce enrichment curricula developed in 2007 in corroboration with Canandaigua Central Schools. Work with the middle school again this year. A
§ 2008 Develop a flier for the purpose of presenting OCHS School programs to additional school districts; Distribute A
§
2008 –
2011 Continue to serve as Finger
Lakes Regional Coordinator for NYS History Day (NYSHD) Seek referrals to other
§ 2009 & 2011 Hold a focus group with educators to discuss trends and needs of history education. B
§ 2008 – 2011 Seek a larger venue for History Day as participation levels warrant. A
2. Target
educational program off
§ 2007 - 2009 Continue to offer “R Stuff” program promoting the museum’s collections. A
§ 2008 - 2009 Corroborate with Wood Library on grant funded, history related humanities programs with venues shared between the Library and the Museum. A
§ 2008 - 2010 Have one annual program on a subject pertaining to the history of Western New York State at a venue other than the museum presented by a regional or nationally recognized lecturer. C
3. Enhance the museum’s public exhibit experiences with education programming.
§ 2008- 2011 Have one noted expert as a speaker on subjects presented in our exhibits. B
§ 2008 - 2009 Use artifacts from our exhibits or extras from the collection in planning R-Stuff topics. B
§ 2009 Train staff in interpretative techniques for exhibits. B
§ 2010 Train Staff in understanding multi-age interactive techniques related to
exhibits. C
§ 2010 - 2011 Integrate hands-on activities and/or related off site experiences into exhibit related programming. C
4. Publish
and promote books on subjects relevant to the history of
§ 2008 - 2011 Use the OCHS Publication Fund to publish local history books. A
§ 2009 Host an author gathering to educate historical writers on publishing and to
encourage local historians to write books specifically on the subject of Western
§
2010 Host a regional history book fair
featuring
5. Optimize use of our Research Library to offer research opportunities for teachers, students, historians, and genealogists.
§ 2008 - Create a committee on the future of the Research Room; develop goal and objectives to implement. A
§ 2008 Identify people who will volunteer to help in the Research Room and develop
a new training program. A
§ 2008 Present research and resource information/indexes on ochs.org organized by surname, subject and topical headings. B
§ 2009 Promote the OCHS Research facility to area colleges B
§ 2009 - 2010 Organize printed and electronic indexes for holdings and resource
materials available in our Research Room by a cross referenced subject
index that will include subjects on the
history of
and curriculum themes for grade 6 through undergraduate. C
§ 2010 -2011 Recruit students from local colleges as Summer research interns to assist
in our education, public and exhibit development needs. B
6. Provide
heritage tourism off
2008 Interface
and integrate ochs.org with the web sites of the
2008 Gather printed materials from regional historical agencies and
offer information to visitors on regional history attractions. B
2008 - 2009 Offer and promote “Close-by History” programs such as our Historic Boat Tours of Canandaigua Lake; coordinate with other historical agencies in the Finger Lakes Region to enhance these offerings from a marketing perspective. B
2008 -2009 Adopt and
promote using new theme The Ontario County Historical Society is the place to
begin your exploration of
2008 - 2011 Continue to communicate with regional tourism agencies to determine
needs and opportunities for new programming, printed materials and web
site enhancements on historical themes of interest to visitors. C
Strategic Plan Objectives Draft, 2008-2011
Priorities indicated in RED A = Immediate B= 2-3 years C= 3+ years
Goal VI: FINANCE – To provide, maintain and expand a solid foundation for resource
management and financial growth that allows the Society to meet its mission and
achieve its vision.
Objectives to achieve this goal
1.
Continue
the prudent management of Society assets and follow the recommendations and
comments offered in the Annual Audit.
§ 2008 – 2012 – Follow recommendations of Auditors in Management Letter A
§ 2008 – Review the investment policy of Society; make changes as determined needed. A
- Maintain diversified revenues sources and to improve cash flows to meet monthly needs through the year, specifically in the traditional deficit months of June, July and August.
§ 2009, 2011 – Tour of Homes as principal fund raiser B
§ 2008 – Hold Membership campaign Family Memberships April/May A
§ 2009 – Hold Membership Campaign for Senior Memberships April/May B
- Focus on obtaining revenue increases for operations from governments, memberships and with programs that produce earned income. Reduce dependence on unreliable sources of donations.
§ 2008 – 2012 – Increase Business Memberships A
§ 2009 - Solicitation Campaign for annual Donations from Municipalities in July-August B
- Increasing Board Managed Investments (Endowment).
§ 2010 Hold a capital campaign to increase endowment funds C
§ 2008 – 12 Continue to have quarterly meetings Finance Committee and CNB Investment manager to assess quality of investment decisions. Make adjustments as needed A
- Seek funding for museum renovations and capital equipment needs from a county wide capital campaign supplemented with funds acquired from federal and state granting agencies.
§ 2008 – Establish Need and plan for Capital Campaign for Museum Improvements A
§ 2010 – 2012 – Hold 3 year Capital Campaign for Museum Improvements C
Priorities indicated in RED A = Immediate B= 2-3 years C= 3+ years
Goal V: ADMINISTRATION – To employ professionally accepted internal procedures and processes
that will accomplish the Society’s Goals, objectives and to implement the
strategies.
Objectives to achieve this goal
- Employ a system of input and internal checks that will result in high quality output.
- 2008 - 2012 – Every external communication will be reviewed by at least one other staff person for accuracy, understanding and content. Review program effectiveness annually. A
- Improve organizational communications between staff, Board and Volunteers to keep all informed on appropriate matters in a timely fashion.
- 2008 - 2012 - All external public communications, media releases and advertisements will be distributed to staff volunteers and Board of Trustees. A
- 2008 – Hold regular meetings with Volunteers to improve Research Room output. A
- 2009 - Increase number of telephones for staff use C
- 2010 – Begin an e-volunteer news section on the OCHS Web site. It will have volunteer jobs, organizational updates and “News to Use When Volunteering” C
- 2009 - Revisit the possibility of having a telephone answering system for the Society. C
- Gather information on community affairs to better coordinate and promote Society activities.
- 2008 - 12- Have regular attendance at Chamber of Commerce’s Tourism Committee and distributes the committee’s minutes to all staff. A
- 2008- Create e-mail address lists and groupings for PR and revise fax speed dial information. A
- 2008 – Establish staff culture of bringing in news clips on matters of interest for distribution. A
- 2009 – Create and fill a volunteer position for community events monitoring and reporting. B
- 2009 – Establish a direct information link with all historical organizations in region to gather and post events and news of regional historical organizations. B
- 2008
– Coordinate with the
- 2009 – Host a gathering of all regional historical agencies to discuss program and event planning. C
- Improve the processing of feedback from all sources and use the information to improve all aspects of this Society Strategic Plan.
- 2008 - 2012 Encourage membership, Board, staff and volunteers to let Director know if external errors have been made. A
- 2008 Institute a OCHS Suggestion Box. A
- 2010 – Survey the community on public programming and membership on quality of Society activities. C
- Promote
the Society and its programs by creating a Brand for the Society based on
its Vision and
- 2008 – Hold discussions with a Public Relations counsel to brand the society in its role in promoting western New York History A
- 2008 – Develop web based promotion and fliers for physical distribution. Print them for 2009 Visitor season. Develop a plan for physical and electronic distribution. B
2008 – 2012 Strategic Plan
Summary of Functional Elements
VISION - The Ontario County
Historical Society museum and research library will be an information resource
and center of learning that engages the public in discovery of the county’s
history and its relationship to western
Audiences to be pursued:
- Local and Regional Colleges
- Visitors – out of town and local
- Other Not-for-profits
Use of Information Technology and Internet
- Redesign OCHS.ORG – Update design for promotion
- Redesign OCHS.ORG to have history education resources for school aged children & teachers
- Use Internet to promote OCHS Services -Genealogy and Research by increasing the amount of information offered on the web to on-line researchers
- Provide new web pages to increase public information on museum’s collections
- Continue to increase productivity of museum administration with technology
Collections Management
- Continue policies to enhance, preserve and conserve the Society’s collections.
- Study and develop plans to construct additional building space for museum and administrative functions.
- Increase the museum’s collections storage capacity
- Present
exhibitions on subjects pertaining to early western
- Increase outreach and loans from other museums to enhance exhibits.
Teaching our Local History
§
Continue regional
§
Continue to offer public education programming
including the “Our Stuff” programs, collaborative history programs with Wood
Library and periodic professional lectures on the history of
§ Enhance OCHS Exhibitions with public programs on subject related to current exhibits
§ Continue the current OCHS Publishing Program
§ Improve Research Room access by the public and grow the volunteer base of research assistants.
§ Provide Heritage Tourism Offerings as OCHS programs and in conjunction with local tourism
agencies.
