The Oliver and District Heritage Society held its annual general meeting last week, celebrating its 36th anniversary. From left are Dave Mattes, Linda Gergely, Vance Potter, Julianna Weisgarber, Dave Janzen, Bruce Hamilton, new executive director Manda Maggs, Larry Schwartzenberger, Sue Morhun, Area C director Terry Schafer, and Carolyn Bowering. Photo by Lyonel Doherty
It takes a lot of work to preserve Oliver’s heritage, but the “positive outcomes” are what make it all worthwhile.
That’s what Sue Morhun would agree with as she looks back 12 months leading up to the Oliver and District Heritage Society’s annual general meeting . . . and 36th anniversary
The president said much of their work isn’t particularly glamorous or exciting, but is definitely necessary.
Last week’s annual general meeting at Quail’s Nest Arts Centre outlined the society’s accomplishments in 2015 and strategic plan for the future.
Morhun started by introducing the society’s new executive director Manda Maggs, who will start her position May 16.
Maggs, who previously worked for Tourism Alberta as a geo-tourism researcher, spent the last four years as museum assistant at the Penticton Museum and Archives.
With a Bachelor of Science degree, she is also a certified raptor handler.
Morhun said Maggs brings a widely diversified skill set to her new position that will serve the community well in the days ahead.
Morhun noted that the society managed to negotiate a budget increase (of $13,500) from the regional district, and recently received a surprise $15,000 grant from the provincial government (MLA Linda Larson) for information technology upgrades.
Morhun also mentioned a sizable bequest (nearly $39,000) from longtime member Edith Reinhardt. The society was both surprised and honoured that Reinhardt remembered them in this way.
In talking about the facilities, Morhun said they improved the insulation in the museum, and mentioned the need to replace the cedar shake roof.
In terms of staff, she noted the unexpected resignation of former manager Pam Woolner, who had to return to Ontario for family reasons. Morhun said the society is grateful for the considerable legacy she left behind.
Morhun was proud to state that membership increased 13 per cent, and attendance was also up. Last year visitors to the archives totaled 765, an increase of 226 guests. And visitors to the museum tripled to 1,187, largely due to last summer’s Species at Risk camp.
Morhun said a huge part of this success belongs to the society’s 43 volunteers, who logged 311 workdays. This is the equivalent to more than one full-time staff person, she pointed out.
Collections manager Julianna Weisgarber reported one of the biggest successes in 2015 was the creation of the collection revitalization plans to guide staff in documenting every artifact and improving their long-term storage.
It was reported there were 22 donations in 2015, with more than 150 individual items.
Treasurer Linda Gergely said revenues totalled $150,616, up nearly $11,000 from the previous year. But expenses totalled $160,720 due to an increase in maintenance costs and summer student wages. Therefore, a deficit of $10,300 exists, she pointed out. However, the society put $4,500 into a reserve fund, she said.
A new board was elected with new members including Vance Potter, Dick Cleave and Rocky Lundy. Returning members are Dave Janzen and Carolyn Bowering. Retiring from the board is Bruce Fuller.
By Lyonel Doherty
