Oak Grove Historical Society met Saturday, March 3rd at the Davis Center. Karen Findley presided, minutes were read and approved. Treasurer is accepting dues voted on in the February 10th meeting and a bank account will be opened. Becky Dyer made a motion to add as dues $150 for a couple lifetime membership. Motion seconded by Marge Morrison and approved unanimously.
Marge Morrison's committee offered a mission statement for approval. Wallace Johnson moved the statement be accepted, it was seconded by Jane Langevin and passed unanimously. Committee will continue to work on bylaws and both long and short term goals.
Bryan Hord, vice president and chair of finance committee reported that he has been in contact with Rep. Ike Skelton's office, the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Economic Development and the Missouri State Historical office and foundations. The general consensus is that while there are some grants available they are not usually given to start-up organizations. Suggestion is that the Historical Society write some applications to get name recognition and be in a better position for future years.
Truman Heartland Foundation recommended that historical society "partner" with them for a time to become eligible for grants. Suggestion was that the group focus on one aspect, such as preservation of documents. Bryan reported that there is an archivist available to speak to the group at a later date. Karen and Bryan will meet with representatives of the Heartland Foundation.
Bryan had also had contact with the Freedom Frontier National Heritage Program whose purpose is to promote and preserve the history of the Civil War in Missouri and Kansas. There are 41 counties included in this group. This group will meet Thursday, March 7 in Harrisonville. Society will try to send someone to the meeting.
President will contact Clay Barton about a federal application for a 501C 3, and contact Oak Grove Mid-Continent about a small display area in the library.
Barbara Griffith had spoken with Bryan Long and Mark Fulks about a space in the Davis Building for the historical society and their suggestion was that a letter be written to the City Council requesting a meeting room in the Davis Building. Officers will compose and send a formal request to the counsel.
A permanent meeting date was adopted unanimously on a motion by Marge Morrison, and a second by Becky Dyer. The date will be the 3rd Saturday of each month.
Wallace Johnson made a motion that the Oak Grove High School art students be asked to design a logo for the society and membership cards be printed. Motion was seconded by Jane Langevin and carried.
A membership committee was appointed and included Marge Morrison, Wallace Johnson, Joyce Macrander, CeCe Morgan. All members will actively seek new members and sponsors.
A general discussion was held concerning potential fund raising projects.
Carol Grote displayed an interesting collection of articles from the past that included the "going away" dress of Mrs. Ezra Williams, other clothing, musical instruments from her family, household items, quilts and newspapers. Wallace Johnson displayed the Oak Grove High School Class of 1935 graduation photo and numerous Johnson family photos of previous generations.
Motion to adjourn made by Jane Langevin, seconded by Evelyn Church.
Those in attendance were:
Floyd Evans
Barbara Lefholz
Becky Dyer
Mary Turner
Hollis Dyer
Carol Grote
Mark Fulks
Karen Findley
Bryan Hord
CeCe Morgan
Wallace Johnson
Jane Langevin
Barbara Griffith
Marge Morrison
Evelyn Church
Joyce McCrander