Historical Commission

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA HISTORICAL COMMISSION AUGUST 12, 2021 MINUTES Present: Deborah Sutherland, Chair, Gibson Hopper, Pam Gabriel, Bryan Blalock, Courtney Theis, William Hine, Danielle Cox. Staff: Kate Miller, Aaron Bennett, Josh Cato, Jane Yager-Baumrind Ms. Sutherland called the meeting to order at 8:02 am. I. Approval of Agenda Ms. Theis moved to approve the agenda. Ms. Cox seconded the motion. All in favor. II. Approval of Minutes – July 15, 2021 Meeting Ms. Theis moved for approval of the minutes. Ms. Cox seconded the motion. All in favor. III. Public Comment There being no public comment, Ms. Sutherland continued with the agenda. IV. Staff Update Ms. Miller reviewed the staff update with the Commission V. Committee Action Items A. Organization and Administration Committee 1. Discussion and Action on Committee Tasks Ms. Theis shared with the Commission the accomplishments over the last year. 2. Action and Update on Budget Ms. Theis reviewed the budget with the Commission. Bryan Blalock shared a charge for the French/Spanish history research. Mr. Hopper moved to approve the budget as presented. Mr. Bryn Blalock seconded the motion. All in favor. B. Historical Markers and Interpretation Committee 1. Update on Scanlonville Monument and Park Ms. Miller stated that the information on the results of the competition is provided in the hyperlinked article.  Historical Commission August 12, 2021 Page 2 of 3 2. Discuss Future Six Mile Historical Marker Ms. Gabriel reviewed her report with the Commission. 3. Discussion on location of the portion of the Grace Bridge and signage Ms. Gabriel suggested that an interpretative marker for the piece of the Grace bridge should be considered. She also suggested that the bridge section could be moved to a better location. Mr. Cato shared his suggestions with the Commission for the Grace bridge section. He suggested that there could be grant opportunities for the project as well. C. Special Collection and Research Committee 1. Discuss and Create Oral History Project Completion Plan Mr. Hopper shared his report with the Commission. He suggested that each Commission member should bring suggestions of people that can be interviewed. Ms. Sutherland stated that some oral histories have been scheduled, such as Mr. Sam Wilson. The Commission discussed transcription of the oral histories to have as well. The Commission discussed using portions of the oral histories for social media content and as part of Black History Month. The Commission agreed that there should be more discussion on this subject next month. Mr. Hopper stated that he has the ability to digitize taped histories. 2. Approval of funds for History Room materials Mr. Hopper suggested that the requested funds for the research should be deferred to next month. Ms. Miller stated that funds for the shadow box was included in the motion for the budget. 3. Discuss possibility of museum Ms. Gabriel discussed with the Commission the possibility of having a museum in the Town. The Commission agreed to work on a proposed budget, possible locations for consideration, and what the museum should encompass and bring back to the Commission for a final vote.  Historical Commission August 12, 2021 Page 3 of 3 D. Tourism and Community Outreach Committee 1. Discuss French/Spanish Invasion Project Mr. Blalock updated the Commission on the progress of the project. He stated that he should have additional information at the next meeting. Mr. Blalock stated that he would also like to discuss the military tour with the Commission at the next meeting. He asked that any military sites that should be included should be forwarded to him for inclusion. 2. Discuss involvement in Cultural, Arts, and Pride Commission sweetgrass basket stand project No update E. Marketing Committee Ms. Cox shared with the Commission the projected fee to promote items on social media. She asked for input on what events should be promoted with the additional funds. F. Black History Month Committee No Report VI. Discussion of Next Month’s Agenda Items The Commission agreed to discuss the following items at the next meeting: ➢ Update on Budget ➢ Six Mile Historical Marker ➢ Grace Bridge ➢ Oral Histories ➢ French/Spanish Invasion Project ➢ Military Tour There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:18 am. Submitted by, L. Lynes HistComsn08122021