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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMuseum Update_2025_City Council ARCHIVING UPDATE Friday, March 28, 2025 6115 items have been archived 3366 artifacts packed in boxes Roughly 70% of collection archived and packed Artifacts that have a clear donation tied to them have been given a tag of with either Rexburg, Sugar City, or Madison County. The tags are based on the addresses of the donors at the time of donation. If the donor is from Rexburg or Sugar City, it is tagged with the respective tag. If the donor is from outside with Rexburg or Sugar City limits, it is given a Madison County tag. Cataloging software will generate reports for each tag. Tov o.de T.xr.n rara.n....' we...rtuwrrro: • .a+�e+.a4Fo�'v4awros.....e�r.r...mw.ewoFa�.a+ •wP w�Wna wrb.•.rt w..•e•.1 ub.o.+ OF n....w.waaro..a.+.arawn,.air.r.w..,-,»•oro..er�ne•wemFa..nwr.r.�a Y41(A mwrv�w wwera reify w �row.o.c $lak 6rI V u,.u+meerr.rr....•..�e.�a�n�.w�sw.rrt,,..�..ra,r..Fewe+nt�r:._•��,t.®t. Madison County Tag 'IPlr9 ra11 iM�RICYw V4ftl N Tf xxw•FMr[4 9wneNL i Rex• • • • SMr Aq Combination Madison - �x 7YI'7w i AlMY4r� f�T�MfY . IMIT}Yetl C ^M N rccua�d ws4Ne Yy o!!`F.91 SA!'MSR`e f 9��P uk9N14.9 MrVF Trevrl perrnle Inre Ffeed Area aa,,;..-..,... r9ter«u: �ygno,co-nnTw ■sr..araww,r �TRn.wm.rwea; r } �. � Y � � A WptF Po�a xarH[K+'°e/1[8 F#.A�N TMtytrPa-krt M1A.id aaH lat Tnmrl l%fTFbAb cr.t. AU1&I`AN C6l1:VTY «� �4'!h^8ss�0a�� � �r as•n I[Wx•r ounty ■e xburg Tag e..r..Ry n .i -� F[aM Jrw.mry�f 4 IMMEDIATE NEEDS & QUESTIONS Storage for artifacts until new location can be found Should the collection be divided up? Space for Flood Exhibit What should the museum do once the collection is packed? What is the future of the Historical Society? STORAGE/EXHIBIT NEEDS Storage 2000-3000 square feet Exhibit 3000-4000 = _ Needs to be accessible Ability to access collection to do _ �;�11 r �� �.;- - _ —s• —` __"'' p. a �i, displays or exhibits 3 t y w — .n z a Large Items Packed Boxes POSSIBLE EXHIBIT IDEAS DAY ITV' LIFE OT t2RONTIER WOME \ This exhibit could be used to tell the story of early women in our community and the impact that they had in the development of Rexburg. Many helped run farms and ranches alongside their homes, while others ran businesses such as Nettie Garnerwho managed the Rexburg Standard newspaper for several years. Some were midwives that delivered over 2000 babies in the area. They were the early doctors because there were no other doctors. They were schoolteachers and helped push for the establishment of Bannack Academy that would become BYU-Idaho. Some were postmasters and filled other roles that were uncommon at the time. REXBURG MILITARY HISTORY This would include the USS Rexburg bell and other items that were loaned to us from the Navy. We would include a World War II Navy uniform and a World War II Army uniform. We would supplement the exhibit with photos of soldiers from both world wars, the helmet worn by Terre[Wood ma nsee, an US Canteen napkin, metals and badges, other helmets, and maybe a Civil War coat worn by a family member of Mike Walker. We would also like to include a world map that shows where members of the community have served. We would get the information from the VFW. WHAT'S IN A NAME? This exhibit is tilted "What's in a Name" and is about when the name of Rexburg was changed to Kaintuck for the space of about five years. Members of the Church were not allowed to vote unless they signed a test oath saying that they were no longer members. We have a digital copy of one of those test oaths with an early settler's name on it. We also have a map that shows Rexburg named Kaintuck. The settlers were not allowed to hire their own teachers or be in positions of government. A teacher was hired that wrote letters that were addressed from Kaintuck and we would put up photocopies of those. We would tell the story of the settlement of Rexburg as well and would use several of the artifacts that represent frontier days. We would tell the story of the starting of Bannack Academy and a small history of the university. We could also include stories about the polygamist raids and stories of Fred Dubious and Harvey Walker Smith who were the main proponents behind the persecution of the settlers. JUST ADD WATER- CHILDREN'S EXHIBIT Just Add Water tells the history of water in our area through an interactive children's exhibit.We would tell the story of John Poole 4 who talked with the church leadership in Utah about the fertile land ` in the area and encouraged them to start a large settlement.The settlers spent the first two years digging ditches and canals to bring ` water to the crops.They later implemented dry farming techniques that helped the area to be among the top producing farms in the state and nation.Later the Teton Dam was built to help with "�- irrigation.The Teton Dam Flood happened shortly after the completion of the dam.We would include in our display items that were used for agriculture and farming. We would also include � }•• information about the pumphouse.We would also tell the story of the gold rush that happened when a well was dug,and a gold nugget was found.It was later proved to be fake gold,but it did cause a small rush for about a week. A water/sand table would be part of the exhibit as well as other interactive displays such as panning for gold,irrigation piping wall display,smell and touch display,puzzles, and a craft area. WHAT DO MUSEUMS DO FOR COMMUNITY? Preservation of History and Culture:Museums preserve and share the history,art,and cultural heritage of a community,providing future generations with a sense of identity and continuity.They allow people to connect with their past,helping them understand their roots and the broader world around them. Education and Learning:Museums serve as centers of education for all ages.They provide engaging learning experiences through exhibits,workshops,and special programs.Schools often collaborate with museums to enhance the curriculum, offering students hands-on opportunities to learn about history,science, art,and culture. Cultural Enrichment:Museums often provide access to a wide range of art,artifacts, and cultural experiences that might not be available elsewhere in a community.This contributes to the intellectual and emotional enrichment of the people who visit,fostering a deeper appreciation for diversity and creativity. Community Engagement and Dialogue:Museums can spark conversations and create spaces for community dialogue,helping people to discuss important issues,whether historical,social,or contemporary.This helps build understanding and empathy among different groups within the community. Public Programs and Events:Museums frequently host special events,exhibitions,performances,and community outreach programs.These events often bring people together from various walks of life,creating opportunities for socializing,networking,and collective experiences. Inclusive Spaces:Museums are increasingly embracing diversity and inclusion,making their spaces accessible and welcoming to people from all walks of life. This inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging and gives marginalized communities the opportunity to share their stories. Economic Impact:Many museums contribute to the local economy by attracting tourists,creating jobs,and supporting local businesses.Visitors often stay in nearby hotels,eat at local restaurants,and shop in the area,which boosts the community's economy.2023 Longwoods report which highlights trip main purpose Overnight trips activities engaged in.Museums rank at 13% but they could also be included in sightseeing,landmark/historical sites and some people taking the survey might even include them in shopping if they are looking for souvenirs.Overall takeaway,is that museums directly contribute to the state's/local tourism revenues and are attractions that people choose to visit when in an area. 23 1daho Ovarr i ht Trips - Activities IL Ce�•� I I P �•_ bn LY I I I I v ti 1 ey�S•a j b p I_ rIr f a PEOPLE ASKING ABOUT MUSEUM Started making a contact log of those that have emailed, messaged, or called the museum asking about various questions about the museum. 9 phone calls (started counting in December 2024) 7 voice mails 7 direct social media messages 17 emails 6 in person contacts (started counting in December 2024) 46 total conversations logged Number of Times Asked Local Out of Town Is the museum still closed? 16 10 2 What is happening to the tabernacle where the museum is currently located? 2 2 Where is the museum moving? 19 12 When are you opening? 6 Where are the artifacts being stored? 6 4 Can we still watch the video? 6 1 Do you have any kind of flood exhibit? 4 Can you still do a field trip or tour? 5 2 Can you use the Kmart Buiding? 1 Can you use the district buidling? 3 3 Use the semniary building 3 3 FUTURE VISION Current Mission Statement: We strive to connect the present with the past, through preserving and protecting the collections of artifacts and stories that are reflected in Rexburg's history and the story of the Teton Dam Flood Space needed Ideal New Museum Space 5000-7000 square feet 2000-3000 square feet storage 3000-4000 square feet exhibit space NEW POSSIBLY MUSEUM EXPERIENCES Summer Camps Survival skills camp: teach kids how to build shelters, start a fire, navigate with compass, forage World Explorers: teach about cultures that came to Rexburg through cooking, dancing, and storytelling Archaeology camp: mock digs, artifact identification Living History camp: live in different time periods in Rexburg history with themed games, cooking Polar Express Day/ Christmas in July: set up a historical train exhibit: Set up a mini "train car" or display featuring historical models of trains. Learn about how trains changed society and their role in the economy, travel, and culture. Have a tour of the Tabernacle or Romance. Workshops/classes: learn skills such as sewing, caning, butter making, knitting, crocheting,wood working, etc. Founders Day/Rexburg's birthday: host a birthday party for the city Movie Night: outdoors or indoors- show classic movies Cemetery walks or tours Scavenger hunt with clues to historical buildings or about artifacts. Have to figure out clues for prize? Mystery Night- can you solve this mystery from Rexburg's past? Trivia night- Are you Smarter Than a Rexburg Fifth Grader Night? LINKS TO MORE INFORMATION • https://www.aam-us.org/programs/about-museums/museum-facts-data/ • https://www.museumsassociation.org/campaigns/museums-change- lives/measuring-socially-engaged-practice/ • https://www.museumnext.com/article/why-we-need-museums-now-more- than- ever/#:—:text=Museums%20Bring%20Communities%20Together&text=Loc al%20museums%20can%20provide%20a,history%20of%20a%20particular %20area.