12/3/2008

Minutes:

Welcome
Shelley Perkins opened the first meeting of the Touchet Historical Society at approximately 6:30 PM on Wednesday, December 3, 2008. She welcomed all present with special acknowledgement to Mr. & Mrs. Bussell, Evonne Edwards and Donnetta Elsasser. Let the minutes reflect that the following people were also in attendance: Mr. & Mrs. Don Adams, Marilyn Hines, Alvin Adams, Darla Nolan, Mr. & Mrs. Vernon Elsasser and Leslie Cain. Dinner was prepared by Shelley Perkins and dessert was made by Darla Nolan.

Vision for the Touchet Historical Society
Shelley Perkins outlined the following vision for the THS. The THS would be online & interactive; focused on the story of the community and its people not just physical artifacts; that all folks involved with the society can contribute with a prescribed and uniform format; and that all of this be accomplished with minimal capital outlay. She later showed the group the website that is now up at www.TouchetHistory.org

Interface with Community
Donnetta Elsasser, social studies & English teacher at Touchet High School spoke to the group about how the Touchet Historical Society could work with students to continue their oral history projects and provide a way to preserve and share these student projects beyond the classroom. She also shared how the Learn & Serve Grant is providing funding for the THS start-up.

Shelley Perkins illustrated how James Payne, Executive Director of Ft. Walla Walla had offered an opportunity to work in conjunction with the Museum. They would afford the THS archival and exhibit space, use of their offices and meeting space. The group had discussion on the pros & cons of an association with Ft. Walla Walla and it was decided that an association would be most beneficial.

Immediate Needs
The first order of business for the THS is to elect a Board of Directors and Executive Officers. It was decided that we would invite other members of the community to a meeting on Wednesday, January 7th at 6PM in the HomeEc Room of Touchet High School. Linda Adams graciously volunteered to make dinner for the event. At that time we would nominate and elect directors and officers. We would also at that time identify committees to accomplish the following tasks:
Finalization of Incorporation and Bylaws
Establish Collection Procedures
Identify First Projects

I would like to thank everyone who attended the first meeting and all of those who could not make it but have expressed an interest in joining in. It was a real joy to see this dream start to come to fruition. I look forward to working with all of you and the community at large in telling our story for future generations.

Items for the calendar
Next meeting: Wednesday, January 7, 2009, 6PM
Future Events:
April 15-18, 2009 Pacific Northwest History & Heritage Extravaganza