A standout topic was the introduction of Briana Vicero, an archaeologist now working with the Moundhouse team. Vicero shared her enthusiasm for her role. Her educational background in anthropology and history, coupled with her experience at significant historical sites, underscored the importance of her contributions to Moundhouse’s archaeological endeavors. She emphasized the responsibility of safeguarding artifacts, stating, “We are held in the public trust which means we are legally responsible for these artifacts and these historical documents.” Her arrival marked a renewed focus on archaeology, a domain previously underdeveloped at Moundhouse, and her presence was recognized as vital for advancing both collection management and educational programming.

In conjunction with Vicero’s introduction, the board discussed the upcoming “Archaeology and Archives” tour, designed to educate visitors about the Kousa occupation and the archaeological work at Moundhouse. This tour aims to offer behind-the-scenes insights into collections management, which the board hoped would enhance public engagement and understanding of the site’s historical significance. The board expressed eagerness for Vicero’s involvement in public programming, seeing it as an opportunity to elevate the educational offerings at Moundhouse.

The meeting also featured a robust dialogue on the integration of AI technology, inspired by the Shoah Foundation’s use of AI to preserve historical voices. The potential for AI to enhance visitor experiences by enabling interactive storytelling was explored, as well as the risks associated with voice mimicry technology. Concerns were voiced about the ethical implications, with a member cautioning, “Just be careful,” while acknowledging the dual potential of AI for both beneficial and harmful purposes. The board recognized the need for further research to effectively harness AI within their operations, especially given the budget constraints and the investment required for such technologies.

In terms of community recognition, the board tackled the complexities of establishing a policy to honor contributions from individuals and organizations. The challenges of creating a fair and inclusive recognition system were discussed, noting the potential complications of naming rights and the importance of having a structured policy to guide decisions. The board considered looking into practices from municipalities and universities to inform their approach, emphasizing the necessity of formal guidelines. There was a consensus that any recognition system should align with broader town council policies.

Furthermore, the board reviewed the collections management policy, developed with significant input from members and outside agencies. The policy was praised for its detail and comprehensiveness, with the board recognizing the importance of moving forward with its approval to facilitate council consideration. Discussion also revolved around minor revisions to improve clarity and streamline the accessioning and deaccessioning processes.

Landscaping projects at the Moundhouse, funded by the Tourist Development Council, were another focal point of the meeting. Efforts to enhance the landscape using native species were underway, with careful consideration of past damage and future flooding potential. The board explored the possibility of reintroducing fruit and medicinal gardens, balancing historical authenticity with practical considerations.

The meeting concluded with a look ahead to community events and fundraising initiatives. The Friends of the Moundhouse announced a January 31st fundraiser—a murder mystery dinner themed around 1980s Miami. Ticket sales and promotional strategies were discussed, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and support for Moundhouse’s ongoing projects.