The meeting prominently featured discussions about the Mount House, with a substantial portion dedicated to exploring the possibility of achieving accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums. Adam Knight, the museum manager for the Mount House, introduced Dr. Scott Neil, a peer reviewer from the American Alliance of Museums. Knight emphasized the significance of accreditation, noting that fewer than 1% of museums attain this prestigious status. Dr. Neil provided insights into the assessment process, clarifying that it was designed to offer recommendations for improvement rather than a pass or fail evaluation.

Jim Atterholt, a liaison from the Town Council to the CCAB, contributed valuable insights into the governance framework of the Mount House. He explained that the Town Council acts as the legislative and policy-setting body, while the CCAB functions in an advisory capacity akin to a Board of Directors. Atterholt highlighted the collaborative relationship between the CCAB and the Town Council, noting that recommendations from the CCAB are consistently accepted without disputes. He described this dynamic as beneficial, particularly in light of past challenges, such as those posed by Hurricane Ian.

The conversation on the Mount House’s mission underscored its dual identity as both an archaeological site and a historic home, emphasizing the importance of preserving the rich cultural heritage associated with the site. Members expressed a unified vision for the museum’s future and its significance within the community, with a focus on collaborative governance, community relations, and enhancing the operational framework in alignment with best practices recognized by the American Alliance of Museums.

The discussion then delved into the strategic planning for the Mount House, with several participants advocating for a plan that spans 5 to 15 years. The idea of leveraging the Mount House as a site for destination weddings was proposed, highlighting its scenic view and potential to drive tourism and generate tax revenue. The need for a detailed strategic plan was emphasized, with a participant stating, “we’re going to be really going through our strategic plan with a fine-tooth comb that we haven’t done since 2017.” This plan would align with the town’s broader strategic goals.

Educational offerings at the Mount House, particularly regarding the underground archaeological features, were also a focal point. One participant highlighted the uniqueness of the underground shell mound, dating back 2,000 years, and the need for improved educational resources and audiovisual enhancements. The idea of incorporating a ferry service to alleviate traffic and attract more visitors was introduced.

The conversation touched on the significance of rotating exhibitions and collaborating with other museums for loaned exhibits to refresh the Mount House’s offerings. The importance of achieving accreditation was reiterated, as it would facilitate access to traveling exhibits from larger institutions like the Smithsonian. Concerns were raised regarding the storage and accessibility of collections, with a recommendation to house collections closer to the Mount House to enhance staff engagement and operational efficiency. One participant noted the need for proper security measures to prevent items from going missing.

Legal concerns regarding the Sunshine Law and potential conflicts of interest were addressed. The town attorney clarified that interactions among board members must comply with the Sunshine Law to avoid violations. The issue of dual office holding was also discussed, with suggestions to delineate roles and prevent individuals from serving simultaneously on multiple boards, which could lead to conflicts of interest.

The meeting also included discussions on enhancing community engagement and resource allocation. The potential for collaboration with local universities to involve graduate students and interns in creating exhibits was highlighted, as well as the importance of integrating diverse perspectives into the town’s historical narrative, particularly regarding Native American history. The need to operationalize an underground exhibit and obtain Council approval for budget adjustments was emphasized as an immediate priority.

The discussion concluded with a focus on improving signage to facilitate visitor access to the Mount House, which is located at the end of a residential street. The need for clearer and more prominent signage was highlighted to prevent confusion among visitors. Marketing strategies, including distributing flyers in local restaurants and utilizing advertising boards, were suggested to increase the museum’s visibility and engagement.