A significant announcement during the meeting was the resignation of a key staff member, Adam, effective October 1st, due to a new job opportunity in California. Adam’s departure marks a notable change for the Mount House, where he was praised for his professionalism and contributions to programming and community outreach. His resignation leaves a gap in leadership, with the board acknowledging the challenge of finding a suitable replacement. The position has already been posted to attract applicants who can continue the progress achieved during Adam’s tenure.

In addition to staffing changes, the Mount House is also grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which caused notable structural damage. A design firm has submitted a scope of work for necessary repairs, revealing internal structural issues, particularly with failing joists attributed to the storm’s impact. An assessment by K2M Designs is scheduled for early October to further evaluate the damage. The estimated cost of $26,000 pertains only to design work, not actual repairs, raising budgetary concerns. The board discussed potential funding sources, including FEMA or insurance, to cover the repair expenses.

Budget constraints were a recurring theme throughout the meeting, impacting both staffing and programming at the Mount House. Due to budget cuts, the second education coordinator position will remain unfilled, leaving Emily as the sole education coordinator. This decision requires a reduction in programming, limiting kayak tours to once per week and guided tours to select days. Despite these cuts, field trips and group tours will continue, with staff rotating responsibilities to manage educational programs. The board emphasized the need for volunteer support to assist with these events, highlighting the critical role volunteers play in maintaining outreach efforts.

The Mount House’s budget challenges extend to its collections and artifact preservation efforts. Discussions focused on the need to reclassify the museum’s collections as cultural assets, distinct from financial assets, to prevent potential liquidation during financial distress. Additionally, the board acknowledged the importance of properly cataloging artifacts, many of which are inadequately stored. Efforts are underway to rebag and organize these items, with plans to recruit volunteers to assist in this preservation work.

In response to these various challenges, the board discussed several strategic initiatives, including the development of a new strategic plan aligned with the town’s broader planning process. This initiative aims to address specific needs related to museum operations while ensuring alignment with community goals. Furthermore, a revised collection management plan is necessary to secure comprehensive insurance coverage for the Mount House’s artifacts, as the current policy only covers the building itself.

The meeting also addressed the museum’s visitor experience, with plans to improve wayfinding and signage to assist visitors in locating the Mount House. A new “brown historical sign” has been ordered to enhance visibility, addressing confusion caused by inaccurate GPS directions and dense vegetation. The board emphasized the importance of reorienting the entrance to facilitate better navigation and proposed additional measures, such as a yearly walkthrough with emergency services to improve preparedness.

Board members expressed a commitment to ongoing improvements and collaboration with community partners to address these challenges. The board also acknowledged the efforts of the Friends organization in supporting the Mount House, particularly through fundraising initiatives and transparency measures. Despite financial constraints, the board remains focused on achieving best practices and ensuring the Mount House’s continued success as a cultural and educational institution.