The Murfreesboro Historical Association met in regular session at Hertford Academy at 7:15 pm and was called to order by the President. Roll was called by the Secretary and the minutes of the June 21st and July 17th meetings were approved as submitted.

Treasurer John Sullin said the RBC Centura Money Market funds of $7,614.77 will probably be changed to a CD of inactivity on the account. The net proceeds for Shabby Chic are $1,099.16. The deficit for Income & Expenses -Special Projects is due to the painting at the Wheeler House. There was $25.00 left from the wine/liquor cabinet restoration, so the name of this line item is changed to Furniture Repair/Restoration and the money reserved for future projects.

Dale Neighbors asked about getting minutes in advance of the meeting. Susan Alston said she could send them to those with email accounts. For those that do not have email, copies could be mailed or available for pick up in the office.

Administrator Susan Alston said there are three (3) activities during the Watermelon Festival. Karen Lackey will chair the Hot Fudge Cake booth. She encouraged volunteers to sign up and support Karen. Flea Market will be open from 8 am until on Friday and Saturday. Bingo will be in the Murfree Center on Saturday from 5-8 pm. Tours scheduled are Aug. 18th for the Conway Cub Scouts and Sept. 21st for the NC Conference United Methodist Church. Susan asked that all site managers be available on those days. She can list committee meetings on the Calendar of Events if she gets the information in time. MHA will participate in “Museum Day” on September 29th. This event sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution allows people with “Museum Day” cards to go in any participating museum free of charge. Participating museums will be listed in the September issue of the Smithsonian magazine. Cards will be in the magazine and online at www.museumday.com.

Tour Director Kay Thomas said Watermelon Festival T-Shirts are available. MHA will have an information tent. A new section “Home and Garden” has been added to the Festival and Alan Harris is in charge. Several dignitaries will be on hand. They are NC State Senator Ed Jones; Northampton County State Representative Michael Wray, Roanoke Rapids radio personality Charlie Beaver and Chief Deputy Commissioner NC Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services N. David Smith will be Grand Marshall. Kay said she recently attended a Fire Protection seminar given by Reid Thomas. She wants to have him look over all MHA buildings to get his advice on fire prevention measures. Kay handed out a survey of possible lecture series that could begin in the fall and asked that everyone indicate their preference.

Committees:

Properties Committee: Norman Buskill said the Hertford Academy door is fixed; the porch at the rental gift shop is being repaired; painting on the Wheeler House is not yet finished because a lift is needed and the wireless door bell for Roberts-Vaughan is not yet installed.

Collections: Carole Farnham said she had received offers of gifts to the Association, but sometimes offers are made to site managers or others. She prepared an outline for all members of the Board of the procedure that should be used when someone offers a gift. Liz Brown suggested that all potential gifts be viewed with regard of how it can be of use to MHA either as an item for exhibit or for the Shabby Chic sale.
Carole said the Russian Dolls, oil lamps and doll ornaments have been added to MHA’s collections along with the display case made for the dolls and the Christmas tree used for the ornaments. These items will be displayed in the Home Economics building at Jefcoat.

Fundraising: Liz Brown said when the Watermelon Festival is over the focus would be on the Lafayette Ball.

Landscaping: No report.

Membership: Lynette Bunch had no report. Susan Alston said she got positive response when she called people who were behind in paying dues.

Planning and Development: Brenda Watson said Dale Neighbors and Carol Lassiter were new members of the committee. She asked that the committee meet briefly after the board meeting.

Public Relations: No report.

Publications: Gertrude Revelle said books will be delivered to the Peanut Patch and Hope Plantation. The museum in Raleigh and Albemarle Regional Library will be getting books. She said several people noticed the website has last year’s information on it and she would like the information updated. Kay said the site had problem earlier but it should be fixed by now.

King’s Landing: Norman Buskill said the Board agreed to sell the King’s Landing property with certain conditions. He checked with an attorney and found that MHA could put whatever restrictions it wanted on the property.

Site Managers:

Agriculture & Transportation: S. T. said he had a good Teacher’s Tour on Monday. He is concerned about the lock on the exhibits building. It is difficult to get it to lock securely and his saw is missing.

Blacksmith Shop: No report.

Print Shop: No report.

Hertford Academy: Mary Etta Flowers had no report. Gertrude Revelle said there were chipped plates and goblets that needed to be replaced. Norman Buskill moved that the site manager be allowed to get rid of chipped items and purchase enough plates and glasses to serve one hundred (100). Seconded by Brenda Watson, the motion carried. Lynn Warren said the freezers need cleaning out and possibly replaced. Mary Etta will look into this after the Watermelon Festival.

Jefcoat: No report

Gift Shop: Brenda Watson said she appreciated the member’s support. Sales have been going well. She has added jewelry made from grits that is rather unique. At 2 pm on Saturday, Aug. 4th, member of the Southeast Virginia Spinners and the Tidewater Weaver’s Guild will do a demonstration at the shop. Shirley Billups will do a basket weaving demonstration at the same time. Sue Helsel has become a new volunteer and Brenda’s brother will be working out of the basement Monday through Friday.

Rea Museum: No report.

Roberts-Vaughan House: No report.

Cemeteries: No report.

Tinsmith Shop: No report.

Wheeler House: No report. Gertrude Revelle said she noticed carpenter bees on the upstairs outside. Norman Buskill said the Properties Committee had the house sprayed for the bees. Elizabeth Phillips said a key was left in the door, the alarm turned off, air conditioner and humidifiers turned off. She cautioned everyone to make sure the house is secure before leaving it and to leave the environmental controls on to protect the furnishings.

Winborne Country Store: No report.


Old Business: The President reminded new directors to sign up for two (2) committees.

No further business appearing, the meeting was adjourned by the President.


SuEllen Askew
Secretary
Murfreesboro Historical Association, Inc.
July 26, 2007