Historical Commission

HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING October 12, 2017 8:00 a.m. Town Hall 100 Ann Edwards Lane Committee Room, 3rd Floor ****************** MINUTES Members Present: Rick Gutowski, Chairman; Patrick Morrissey, Vice Chairman; Robert Macdonald, Josh Kelley, Heidi Schless and Trey Harrell Absent: Ken Shortridge Staff Present: Chris Luly, Planner; Christiane Farrell, Assistant Town Administrator; Lauren Sims, Executive Programs Manager Also Present: Walter Brown, Advisor Mr. Gutowski called the meeting to order at 8:02 a.m. I. Approval of Minutes Mr. Morrissey stated that on page #5, under his section, where it reads, “desk area that has plugs for consoles”, instead of consoles, it should read, “charging”. Mr. Macdonald moved for approval of the minutes, as amended; seconded by Mr. Kelley. All present voted in favor. II. Public Comment Mr. Brown introduced Dr. Lisa Brock, Director of the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership at Kalamazoo College and she is currently at the Avery Research center for a short period of time. He said that she made a presentation before the Avery Institute Board. He asked if she  Historical Commission October 12, 2017 Page 2 of 12 would come and share some information with the Commission as to what she is doing in Kalamazoo and how it interfaces with what is happening at the College of Charleston Avery Research Center. He stated that she is accompanied by her husband, Mr. Cunningham. Dr. Lisa Brock, stated that she is bi-coastal and lives on both sides of Lake Michigan. She stated that she has a home in Chicago and an apartment in Kalamazoo. She stated that being a historian, she is loving Charleston. She has her PhD in African History at Northwestern University and is from a small town in Ohio. She stated that she is currently in Charleston on sabbatical doing research. She said she is the Academic Director of the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership at Kalamazoo College, which is a relatively new center that started in 2009/2010. She stated that they are an endowed center and have a brand new building that was designed by Jeanne Gang, Architect, of Gang Studios in Chicago. She was a McArthur Genius awardee and their building was a part of why she received the award. She stated that Ms. Gang advised her that this building was the first she could find that was built solely in the United States with Social Justice in mind so it is environmentally sound and sustainable with a lot of glass and transparency, which are a lot of the values of Social Justice. She stated that while she is there, her job is to train students, faculty and staff in thinking about Social Justice and all that they do. She said they have discovered that everyone becomes better if they have a sense of justice for everyone. She said they found that their students are absorbing the information and have made a contribution. She shared a success story with the Commission. She stated that they have conferences, Social Justice Leadership prize. She stated that she went to Kalamazoo from Chicago, because they received a great endowment which is highly unusual for work in Social Justice. Dr. Brock stated that she is a historian by training and what she is doing here in Charleston is looking at researching early Charleston during the Antebellum period and look at what she is referring to as the Black Port Culture of Charleston, how the wharfs and working on the docks helped  Historical Commission October 12, 2017 Page 3 of 12 shape Charleston history for African Americans. She said that she is very excited about it and has read so much about early Charleston history and when Europeans would come into the docks, what they would normally see was all black people. She said they thought they had landed in Africa. She said she is really interested in seeing what the culture was like and how it was shaped. She said that Black history is so important and interesting. She said since the 1960’s there has been so much more research on black history that has been silenced and/or erased prior to the 1960’s. She said that she has looked at the South Carolina Gazette from the 1730’s forward and said that all the information is there. She said that it is in the ordinances and laws to show the African American history here and the resistance to slavery and oppression. She said it is important to tell these stories and many scholars are discovering so much which are seen in these documents. She stated that Africans did not come here as unskilled laborers and in fact, many of the slave advertisements advertised them with skills. She said that the historians know that the Africans brought these skills with them. She shared a story about her granddaughter, who felt that her history was not as important and silenced, but knows there are a number of Blacks in history that are not in the history books. She said you are able to see the beginnings of what often happens in society. She said the same thing can be said for men and women. Women in history are there, but they have not been studied. She said they are learning more and more. She said there are many things in history that have not yet been uncovered and need to be. Mr. Gutowski stated that he and Mr. Brown have asked Dr. Brock to participate in Black History Month in February; however, she will be out of the country. He said that if the Commission would like to have an event to kick off Black History Month, something would have to be put together quickly, where Dr. Brock could share her findings in Charleston. Dr. Brock said that she would be willing to do this and mentioned that she will be back in March, 2018.  Historical Commission October 12, 2017 Page 4 of 12 Mr. Brown stated that Dr. Brock mentioned the waterfront and said that she must research George German, who organized ILA-1422, and lives in the Ten Mile Community. He said that he can take Dr. Brock to all of his descendants and said it would be an interesting story. He stated that there would not be a union had it not been for George German, who was an illiterate black man. Dr. Brock introduced her husband, Otis, who recently retired and works as Dr. Brock’s research assistant. Mr. Macdonald stated that he would like to send Dr. Brock a paper he wrote on Gadsden’s Wharf which is the site of the International African American Museum. He stated that he has been an advisor for almost fifteen years on the project. III. Discussion on Involvement with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan Mr. Gutowski stated that Mr. Kelley applied and was not accepted. He said that there is a meeting on October 17th and stated that he is unable to attend; however, would like to ask anyone on the Commission to attend and report back. He stated that the Commission has an advisory role. Ms. Schless asked if there would be an issue if more than four Commission members attended. Mr. Gutowski stated that he would like for the Commission to think about their role, so that if one of the Commission members does voice an opinion that they do so as a Commission member or resident of the Town. Ms. Schless asked if members should email their thoughts to the Chair and have one list. Mr. Gutowski stated that there is not a lot of time to do this, but Commission members should be attending these meetings and would like input on what the Commission’s role should be. Mr. Morrissey said from a conservation standpoint, he believes that the Commission’s general position should be that if you are identifying  Historical Commission October 12, 2017 Page 5 of 12 areas for development, steering development or limiting development, that the Commission should have a thoughtful process that allows time for examination of specific areas of land. He stated that bringing a highlight to cultural areas that should not be significantly modified by density or a change in land purpose from what the Town perceives as their historical import. Ms. Schless suggested an impact analysis. Mr. Morrissey stated that he is hesitant to limiting it to an impact analysis, because he has seen impact analysis that does not have a focus on the historical or cultural impact awareness study. Mr. Macdonald stated that the only action this Commission has taken is the letter to the Mayor asking for a moratorium on actions or zoning variances that impact the Sweetgrass Basket Overlay District. He said that formal action has been taken and the Comprehensive Plan needs to take into consideration the Town’s Cultural Historical Assets. Ms. Schless asked if it would be appropriate to bring a copy of the letter to the meeting and have it received in that context. She stated that the Commission has never received a response from the Mayor. Mr. Gutowski stated that he did discuss with the Mayor at the Planning Commission meeting that a letter was sent to her. He said that he is not sure if the Planning Commission ever saw the letter. Mr. Macdonald made a motion to present the Chairman’s letter addressed to the Mayor, to the Comprehensive Planning Committee as part of the record; seconded by Ms. Schless. All present voted in favor. IV. Staff Update Mr. Luly stated that the Cresco Award medallion has been ordered and should be delivered by November 6th, which is ample time to get it to the engraver prior to the December Town Council meeting. Mr. Macdonald asked for copies of the nominees. Mr. Luly stated that he would forward to Commission members, as he has received a second nomination. He suggested having a vote at the  Historical Commission October 12, 2017 Page 6 of 12 November meeting. He said that regarding the Abby Monroe papers, he followed up with the South Carolina Library and they confirmed that the Town has paid the invoice in full. He said that they are still working on the papers and the Commission should receive a zip drive or electronic copy of the papers fairly soon. Mr. Morrissey stated that the documents are online at the South Caroliniana Library so the public will be able to access. Mr. Luly stated that the Commission also put in the order to preserve the 1913 to 1933 minute book for $830.00. He said they are backlogged and said that they were told that it would be done in 2018. Mr. Luly said in reference to the Archive Room here at Town Hall that he believes they have finalized their suggestions. He said the architect was designing renderings and as soon as he receives anything, he will circulate to Commission members. Mr. Luly stated that in reference to website errors, he is still working on this with the Communications Department. He said they received training on how to edit the website, but is waiting on access now. Mr. Luly stated that he provided Ms. Schless with the updated budget. He stated that the Cresco award has been encumbered in the amount of $1,300 and website hosting and Abby Monroe Papers total $502.00 that have been spent or encumbered. He said that he is concerned, because the Commission has not been charged by Avery or paid for oral histories. He said what he is relatively concerned with the fact that the Town has not been charged or paid out any oral histories last year and likely not the year prior. He stated that the intern, Kate, was researching it and had difficulties with communications with Avery and securing some of the oral histories and getting general information as to what had been completed. He stated that Kate was able to obtain some of the audio files, but they were not transcribed. He stated that Kate did the transcription herself. He stated that he has not reviewed the contract with Avery to see if they are supposed to do this. He said that it needs to be rectified. He said that Kate transcribed Dorothy Eddings,  Historical Commission October 12, 2017 Page 7 of 12 Maryann Jefferson, Mary-Julia Royall and Thomasena Stokes-Marshall which were all done this year. He said that Kate created a file and he did not find anything else. He said he found some that were dated on the server from 2015, but they were done well before 2015. He said that he has not done a lengthy research. He said his concern is that Avery may send a large bill, because they have not been paid; however, he is not sure if they have done anything recently. Mr. Gutowski said that he and Mr. Brown will look into this at Avery before one of the prime contacts at Avery retires soon. Mr. Brown stated that he will set up an appointment. Ms. Schless suggested that Mr. Shortridge be included since he is the Committee Chair of oral histories so that he has the information. Mr. Macdonald stated Mr. Luly reported that the boxes with Cari Goetcheus’ research on the unincorporated communities of Mount Pleasant were discovered and will eventually go into the Archive Room. He said that Professor Grant Gilmore, who is head of the Historic Preservation and Community Planning Department at the College of Charleston, indicated that he would be inclined to assign a graduate student to go through the material. He said to let him know if this can be arranged. He stated that he will send Mr. Luly his email address and let him know that Mr. Luly will be contacting him. Mr. Luly stated that they are currently stored at the Six Mile facility and the intent was to bring them to Town Hall once there was more adequate storage. He stated that there are several boxes. He stated that they are within a metal cage; however, there is no desk or area to work. Mr. Macdonald stated that he will contact them to send a graduate student to inventory or organize them. Mr. Luly stated approximately 18 to 24 months ago, someone came and scanned a number of the documents. He said there was a young lady that was there for approximately a week. He said that he will do some research to see if she has it available on a digital drive.  Historical Commission October 12, 2017 Page 8 of 12 Mr. Macdonald asked what the room at Town Hall will be called. Mr. Luly stated that he believes it is the Archive and History Room. He said the sign has been ordered. Mr. Gutowski stated that he and Patrick Morrissey did have a good meeting with the design group from Brockington. He said it was a very positive meeting. He said the rendering will be coming back and believes the Commissioners will be pleased with the progress. Mr. Luly stated that Ms. Poplin and her assistant printed off a large floor plan and had cutouts to scale of the quilt, the ferry doors, cabinets, etc. Mr. Gutowski asked if the windows would protect the quilt from the sun. Mr. Macdonald stated that the architect advised that the windows are filtered; however, the consensus was that the quilt should be exhibited behind filtered plexiglass, so it is a double protection. Mr. Morrissey stated that the end result of what they were going to put in the renderings is the quilt on the far wall with protection, one wall would be shelving with closed cabinet space and the other wall would be a pull-out file cabinet-type with a broken short desk work space area in the middle. He said the center of the room is going to be a large document storage facility that had overhangs for stools. He said that Ms. Poplin would like to see the doors before making a determination to display them. He said that they were going to bracket them on the wall where the door is located and/or store them on the sides of the cabinets until they are restored, and a different location is found. He stated that there was discussion of kiosks outside of the room. Mr. Luly stated that the kiosks will be Phase II. He stated that they really want to move forward with the room “ASAP”. Mr. Gutowski stated that he does not want to lose sight of the importance of the kiosks. He said that Mayor Page did say there were funds available for these going forward. Mr. Luly said it was a very productive meeting.  Historical Commission October 12, 2017 Page 9 of 12 V. Committee Reports Cresco Award Mr. Gutowski made a recommendation to add another individual to the Committee for the Cresco Award in order to review the application first. Mr. Macdonald stated that it is small enough to send to everyone and have a consensus. Quick Fact Fridays Ms. Schless stated that Mr. Harrell is producing the QFF’s this month on Natural Disasters. She stated that one will come out tomorrow and he will send her the remaining two. She said that she has received Mr. Kelley’s QFF’s for November, which is on significant people in Mount Pleasant’s past. She said before the next meeting, she will come up with some potential topics for next year. Mr. Gutowski stated that he believes the QFFs have worked great and asked Mr. Brown to work with him for Black History Month in February next year. Mr. Brown stated that he is interested in what Mr. Kelley has produced, because he has been in the Town 53 years and he has a wealth of history on outstanding Afro Americans and Caucasians that may not be on his list. Ms. Schless stated that Mr. Kelley has focused on the Founding Fathers and said that Mr. Brown’s idea could be incorporated into a second month, which would be on more contemporary individuals. Ms. Schless asked Mr. Brown if he would be interested in doing a QFF month, because he has that knowledge. She said that she will work with him on this. Mr. Macdonald asked if Mr. Brown has been interviewed for the Oral History project. Mr. Brown said that it was set up; however, no one came. He said this is four years ago.  Historical Commission October 12, 2017 Page 10 of 12 Mr. Macdonald asked to speak to someone at Avery, because the project has stalled. He said he would like to put Mr. Brown at the top of the list of who needs to be interviewed. Black History Month Mr. Brown stated that BHM 2018 is coming along fine and is down to approximately 5 generals. He stated that he is going to settle on the five generals he has, because some of the others are not well. He said that Claflin University Choir performed for Calvary Baptist Church’s 150th Anniversary and said that it was a first-class program. He said that he sent all the paperwork to Claflin, certified, and is waiting for the receipt to come back to ensure that it was received by Dr. McGee. He said that next month, he will have a draft for the Commission members to review regarding the publication and getting information out to the community. Mr. Gutowski asked if all the churches are confirmed. Mr. Brown stated that he was responsible for Friendship AME and Hibben and they are confirmed. Mr. Gutowski stated that he has already confirmed with Christ Church and asked if there was one church left. Mr. Brown stated that the Greater Goodwill Church was the last one for the generals. He said that he would like for Mr. Gutowski to go with him to talk to them. He said that he has a backup if they are not able to secure Greater Goodwill. He said that he has already been in contact with St. Andrews Episcopal Church and they are available if Greater Goodwill is not available. Mr. MacDonald stated that if Avery is not available to interview Mr. Brown in a timely manner, he would be happy to do the interview. He said that he is not able to transcribe them; however, he can digitize the interview. He would like to make sure that Mr. Brown’s knowledge of this town is preserved.  Historical Commission October 12, 2017 Page 11 of 12 Archive Room Mr. Morrissey said that regarding the archive room, because the meeting was last week there was not enough time for Carol Poplin to display some schematics for the Commission but she may try to get on the November agenda. Mr. Morrissey asked if someone could reach out to Ms. Poplin to see if she has anything to be presented, or schematics to send over to staff for viewing. Mr. Gutowski suggested she could also set up the archive room the way she is proposing, and the Commission members could go and view it. Mr. Luly said they are finalizing the design before they order anything. He said he misunderstood thinking they would be doing cardboard cutouts, but it was more of a paper exercise. Communications Mr. Kelley said he would like to receive an agenda for Black History Month programming so he can work on getting the events advertised. He also said there is a gentleman named Quintin Washington who has a You Tube channel called Quintin’s Close-Ups and has interviewed many local people from politicians to historians and is recognized by the State House. Mr. Kelley suggested contacting Mr. Washington to film some of the Black History Month events and put it on his You Tube channel. He also suggested having Mr. Washington set up something for Dr. Brock when she returns in March. Mr. Gutowski asked to keep those channels open so that we can follow- up. VI. General Discussion – Items of Interest Mr. Gutowski asked if there were any other items to discuss. There being no further business, he asked for a motion to adjourn. VII. Adjourn Mr. MacDonald moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Kelley. All present voted in favor and the meeting was adjourned at 8:53 a.m.  Historical Commission October 12, 2017 Page 12 of 12 Respectfully submitted, Barbara Ashe Executive Secretary October 12, 2017