Historical Commission

Sterling Heights Historical Commission December 3, 2020 6:00 p.m. Meeting held via conference call MINUTES I Call to Order Meeting was called to order at 6:02pm by Mott. II Roll Call Present: Cynthia Appleton (Sterling Heights), Nicholas Cavalli (Sterling Heights), John Connor (Sterling Heights), Douglas J. Harvey (Sterling Heights), Meghan Mott (Sterling Heights), Mark Schell (Sterling Heights), Bryan Wojciechowski (Sterling Heights), Tammy Turgeon (Troy), Karen Turk (Royal Oak) Excused: none III Approval of Agenda Moved item VII. A. to V. A. Motion to approve the agenda as amended was made by Cavalli, supported by Connor. Motion carried. IV Minutes of October 1 , 2020 Motion to approve the minutes of October 1, 2020 was made by Appleton, supported by Connor. Motion carried. V Communications/Reports/ Correspondance A. Introduce Karen Turk, PT Local History / Archives Librarian Turk provided information about her educational background and relevant experience. She indicated that she has been working on the inventory of the Upton House Museum, organizing the office, getting supplies and technology that is needed, and learning about Sterling Heights. Turk would appreciate any information that the commissioners could provide about items in the house as well as record any notes of significant things that she should point out on a tour of the museum. VI Unfinished Business A. Historical Marker Program There have been no new applications.  B. Sterling Heights History Traveling Box Mott took items to organize them. Will have ready for schools to use in the spring. C. Park and Canal Markers Turgeon will contact Kyle to pick up the sign. Appleton will write up an inventory sheet about the one we are keeping at the museum. D. Cataloging Intake /inventory forms are looking very good. Karen and Garrett are working on completing them for all items in the house. Turgeon needs to fill out forms and find receipts for items that were purchased for the renovation. E. Funeral Customs Program There have been 544 views on Facebook and 55 views on YouTube. Thanks to Appleton, Mott, Cavalli, Wojciechowski, and SHTV staff for creating this excellent program. Mott will research if it is possible to nominate it for a Michigan history award. F. History is Happening Now program There have been no submissions. The program flyer was sent to UCS and WCS. Turgeon will ask Jason to put in the city news to promote with new longer date as well as putting the flyer in the library’s curbside deliveries and a social media post. The new deadline will be March 1st. Schell will send to Stevenson. G. Upton House Museum Winter Hours Upton House Museum hours will start in January, if the Library is also open, on Wednesdays from 1-4pm for 30 minute appointments at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm with up to four members of the same household. Registrations will be available on the Library’s website. Sunday hours for January and February will be cancelled and this will be reevaluated at the February meeting. H. Online Trivia Program This program is scheduled for February 10th. The trivia questions are on the google drive and we need answers to some of them. The winner will get a copy of the Sterling Heights city book as well as a $25gift card. 2nd and 3rd place will get a copy of the city book. Jason will promote on Facebook. Wojciechowski will create short videos to promote it by January 25th. I. City Summer Magazine article Turgeon will ask Karen to write this one (introduce herself and background and answer questions like an interview: What’s weirdest thing found? Most difficult thing to catalog? What we wish had at upton house?). Garrett, Library Intern, will be tasked with writing the fall magazine article. VII New Business A. Introduce Karen Turk, PT Local History / Archives Librarian Moved to V.A.  B. Upton House Tours Commission would like to have a QR code tour that includes recordings if possible. Commissioners should send audio files or write ups to Karen to help her craft the tour. Commissioners should email Karen with ideas of what things she should specifically make sure to mention. Items mentioned at meeting include: architecture of house, family history, toys, etc. Commissioners suggested using the history video that was already created in whole or part. She should also mention the lamp that we have which is the only item that was owned by the Uptons that we have, as well as the recent remodeling of the house. The new bus tour script beginning has information about the house as well. Information about Sarah’s Heirloom (art piece outside) should be available from Community Relations department. The cupola should also be mentioned – maybe take pictures/video out of the windows up there so visitors can see the view. VIII Communications from Citizens There were none. IX Adjourn Motion to adjourn was made by Cavalli at 7:32 p.m, supported by Schell. Motion carried. Next meeting February 4, 2021 "The City of Sterling Heights will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the meeting upon seven days notice to the Community Relations Office at 586-446-CITY (2489)."