News: Neillsville 1897  Jail Museum (Feb. Mtg. - 2014)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Roberts, Erpenbach

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co, WI) 3/05/2014

1897 Clark County Jail Museum (Feb Monthly Meeting - 2014)

In spite of the cold weather, the officers and members of the 1897 Clark County Jail Museum (museum) met for the February monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 4. This was the first time the group had met in 2014, since the weather was so uncooperative in January. There was a full agenda of items to discuss and approve, beginning with secretary and treasurer reports and followed by President Steve Roberts’ report, which focused on plans for 2014.

Roberts reported that the office computer is in need of replacement and that steps would be taken to provide price and options for the next meeting. Special attention will be given of the needs for the Internet/wireless environment, as well as the specific needs of collection management software, “Past Perfect”. To make the best use of the old system, discussion was held on how it could be used to view digital photographs or for visitor research use.

It was also noted the March meeting agenda would focus on any cleaning or repairs that might need to be done in preparation for the 2014 tour season, as well as any revisions or relocation of current exhibits and displays. The group also discussed recruiting additional tour guides for the summer season and workshops and training that would be necessary.

Natalie Erpenbach provided the board of directors with the draft application for funds that will be sent to the city of Neillsville by March 1. The application will request money for Internet, website and advertising cost from the city room tax/tourism funds available.

Additionally, Erpenbach provided a draft of the new Jail Museum brochure that will be printed. The funds for this project were received as a grant from the city of Neillsville - City Room Tax Grant/Tourism Fund in 2013. The new brochure will feature updated contact information (website, e-mail, phone number) and current Museum tour details and descriptions of the exhibits in the residence and jail building.

Roberts also updated the group on the museum’s plans to participate in the Neillsville Winter Carnival activities. The Museum will be open (at no charge) Saturday, Feb. 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for an “Old Photo Day.” Guests can view photos and items from collections and reminisce about the people, places and events they bring to mind. New photos that add to the Museum’s collection will be welcomed.
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If anyone has photos they would like to donate or share with the Museum, they can bring those photos to the Museum Feb. 22. Photo donations can be accepted or scanned to use in Museum programs and displays here at the Jail taken during the 1940s, 50s, 60s and 70s. As buildings are sold, remodeled or town (torn) down, pictures can no longer be taken for future generations to enjoy. So if anyone has family, business, school, church or other pictures they are willing to donate or share, they can contact the Museum at 715-743-2150 or e-mail 1897ccjm@tds.net.

Board and member meetings are always held on the first Tuesday of each month, at 7 p.m. at 215 E. 5th St. Neillsville. Anyone interested in volunteering their time or talents, take a tour, or are interested in doing some local history or family research, call or e-mail the Museum for more information. Visit the Museum’s website at www.1897clarkcountyjailmuseum.com or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/1897CCJM