HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Resolution 8829 (Cultural Center Long Range Plans 1992-95)RESOLUTION NO. 8829
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF THE LONG RANGE PLANS FOR THE CITY OF
SAN RAFAEL'S CULTURAL CENTERS 1992-1995.
WHEREAS, the Multicultural Planning Committee, the Cultural Affairs
Commission and the Long Range Plan Review Committee, wish to recognize the cultural
centers of San Rafael as the Falkirk Cultural Center and the Boyd Gate House; and
WHEREAS, these same citizens and staff wish to renew a commitment to these
cultural focal points for San Rafael and the Bay Area; and
WHEREAS, with this plan the City of San Rafael takes a leadership role in
developing a planned approach to diversity in programming, operations, audience
development, and community service.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of San
Rafael hereby authorizes acceptance of the Long Range Plans for the City of San Rafael's
Cultural Centers 1992-1995.
I, JEANNE M. LEONCINI, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the
foregoing resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a Reaular meeting
of the City Council of said City held on Tuesdav the 16th day of February, 1993 by the
following vote to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner, Shippey, Thayer & Mayor Boio
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen
JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
ORIGINAL
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DRAFT 2/9/93
Long Range Plans
fo r
City of San Rafael's Cultural Centers
1992-1995
Serving a culturally inclusive community
Multicultural Planning Committee
Stephen Gong, Planning Consultant
Lionel Ashcroft, Cultural Affairs Commission
Beatriz Manzo, Cultural Affairs Commission
Virginia F. Pabst, Cultural Affairs Commission
Carol Adney, Falkirk Director
Carrie Lederer, Falkirk Curator of Exhibitions and Programs
Lisa M. Launer, Falkirk Arts Coordinator
Elise Meyers, Falkirk Rental and Marketing Coordinator
Review Committee
Albert J. Boro, Mayor City of San Rafael
Dorothy Breiner, Vice Mayor City of San Rafael
James Boughey, Chairman, Cultural Affairs Commission
Lynn Finkelstein, Vice -Chairman, Cultural Affairs Commission
Lionel Ashcroft, Cultural Affairs Commission
Vaughn Stratford, Director Library/Cultural Affairs
Carol Adney, Falkirk Director
Carrie Lederer, Falkirk Curator of Exhibitions and Programs
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF SAN RAFAEL'S CULTURAL CENTERS
Falkirk Cultural Center
Falkirk was founded in 1974 as a multi -use facility focused on the concept of a cultural
center. Falkirk is owned and operated by the City of San Rafael; it was purchased from
the Robert Dollar family by the City of San Rafael taxpayers in 1974 after City voters
approved a bond measure to save it from demolition. With a commitment to adaptive
use, Falkirk was charged with the dual responsibility of overseeing ongoing restoration
of the facility and providing cultural programs including exhibitions, classes,
performances, docent tours and other community activities. Falkirk fulfills its mission
through a variety of arts, historic and interpretive programs, with emphasis upon
participation from the diverse community in all of Falkirk's activities and operations.
Museum at Bovd Gate House
The Boyd Gate House is owned by the City of San Rafael, and is operated by agreement
to the Marin County Historical Society in exchange for the commitment to provide a
museum and other historical resources to the community. The Boyd Gate House was
built by Adam Murray for Ira Cook in 1879 and donated to the City of San Rafael in
1905. It was listed by the Department of the Interior as a National Historic Place in
1963. The house has been the home of the Marin County Historical Society Museum
since 1955 under an agreement with the City of San Rafael. The Museum has been
closed for 3 years for seismic strengthening work and will be reopened in early 1993.
The exhibits shown in the past will be updated to offer a fresh perspective of Marin's
rich and historical heritage.
GOVERNANCE
The City Council is the governing authority of Falkirk Cultural Center.
Organizationally, Falkirk is part of the City's Library/ Cultural Affairs Department
under the direction of the Director Library/Cultural Affairs who reports to the City
Manager and City Council. Day-to-day management of the Cultural Affairs Division
and Falkirk Cultural Center is the responsibility of the Falkirk Director/ Cultural Affairs
Supervisor. City staff is assigned by the City Manager to furnish certain staff services to
the Commission such as preparation of Commission agenda materials and general
review of department programs and activities. The Cultural Affairs Commission is
concerned with the grounds and the exterior of both buildings, along with the
programming at Falkirk. The role of the Marin County Historical Society is in regards
to programming inside and outside of the Boyd Gate House.
The primary role of the San Rafael Cultural Affairs Commission is to increase public
input and participation in the determination of City policies and operating procedures
with regard to Cultural Arts in the City, including activities and uses of Falkirk Cultural
Center and the Boyd Gate House, and to advise City Council on historical preservation.
(See City Code 2.16.200 - 2.20.020) 2
The specific role of the Commission is to review and make recommendations to the City
Council on matters within its scope of responsibilities as defined in the Municipal Code.
The Commission is basically a citizen's advisory arm of the City Council. The
Commission serves as a vehicle for public input into City cultural and historical
policies: reviewing issues brought to its attention by the City Council, staff or citizens
to reduce the evaluation of these matters by the City Council. On these specific matters
referred to it by the City Council, the Commission serves as the principal reviewing
body of the City.
Both Cultural Centers serve San Rafael, the County of Marin and the greater Bay Area,
drawing audience and visitors from: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, and
Sonoma. Over half of Falkirk's visitors come from these outlying counties, as do many
of the artists whose work is presented. These counties, with a combined population of
over three million people are some of the most ethnically diverse in the country.
Despite the fact that San Rafael is located Marin, one of the wealthiest counties in
California, it has experienced a significant demographic shift towards ethnic diversity
in the last ten years. Among the most significant demographic trends for San Rafael
are:
- 11% increase in population in the last five years
- Tripling of the City's Hispanic population, now 14% of total population
- Increase in ethnic diversity among the young, 40% of San Rafael's primary
school children are now ethnic minorities
- San Rafael's multicultural breakdown: 83% White, 9% Hispanic, 5% Asian,
3% Afro-American
This Long Range Plan was undertaken with support from the Marin Community
Foundation. They recognized the opportunity for the City of San Rafael to take a
leadership role in developing a planned approach to diversity in programming,
operations, audience development, and community service. What emerged from the
planning process was a renewed commitment to make the Falkirk Cultural Center and
the Boyd Gate House Museum a cultural focal point for San Rafael and the Bay Area.
Although the Boyd Gate House Museum and Falkirk Cultural Center comprise the
City's cultural complex, we have formulated separate Long Range Plans for each entity.
3
DRAFT 2/9/93
Falkirk Cultural Center
Long Range Plan
1992-1995
Serving a culturally inclusive community
Background
Falkirk Cultural Center, a community resource for almost twenty years, owes its very
existence to a grassroots action of the community. Falkirk was saved from the
wrecker's ball by an ad-hoc group of concerned citizens, purchased by a self-imposed
tax voted by the residents of San Rafael, and placed on the National Register of Historic
Places by local historic preservationists. Owned and operated by the City of San Rafael,
Falkirk offers diverse and challenging cultural programs including exhibitions, classes,
performances, and docent tours. As a National Historic Place it provides the
community with a connection to its past. Its eleven acres of grounds provide a quiet
and secluded green space in the center of the downtown. Most importantly, it is a
symbol of community values, a gathering place, and the site of over 200 public and
private celebrations and events every year.
Falkirk receives an annual operating budget from the City of San Rafael, approximately
$166,000 in fiscal year 1991-92. There are also many foundations, corporations and
individuals who help support the center financially. Those outside contributions
account for 65% of Falkirk's total budget. Some of the nationally recognized
contributors to Falkirk's exhibition programs include:
Birkenstock Footprint Sandals Cowell Foundation
WestAmerica Bank Wells Fargo Foundation
California Arts Council Fireman's Fund Foundation
California Council for the Humanities Fleishhacker Foundation
LucasArts Entertainment National Endowment for the Arts
Marin Community Foundation Andy Warhol Foundation for Visual Arts
LEF Foundation
The State Office of Historic Preservation has contributed generously to the preservation
of Falkirk as a historic estate.
Falkirk has a special relationship with the youth of the community. Art classes are
offered to 100 children a week, including a scholarship program for multicultural
students. An internship program brings local high school and college students to work
at the center for wages or academic credit. Falkirk also maintains individual and
institutional ties with artists and arts organizations to further appreciation,
performance, display and creation of art. In its relationship with individual artists,
Falkirk provides an important highly-accesible forum through major exhibitions and
more informal Salon Nights and poetry readings. Falkirk also provides office and
programming space to arts organizations. The Marin Poetry Center has been located at
Falkirk for ten years. Public Art Works, an organization which funds sculpture and
performance art in temporary and permanent locations throughout the Bay Area, has its
offices at Falkirk Cultural Center.
Falkirk serves a very large and diverse community. The Center is a focal point, a place
where the community has decided to clear away the clutter of the everyday and let
expression flourish. 5
MISSION
Falkirk Cultural Center, preserved as a National Historic
Place, serves as a cultural focal point for the
contemporary arts and historic exhibitions for San
Rafael and the Greater Bay Area. Its programs explore
issues and ideas about our past, present and future -
attracting the diverse cultures of our community.
GOALS:
1. To continue to restore and maintain Falkirk Mansion, Boyd Gate
House and grounds as historic sites under adaptive use as a cultural
centers.
To present high quality cultural and historical programs and
exhibits which offer diversity, accessibility, challenging and
educational opportunities and relevance to our diverse community.
2. To continue to broaden and build Falkirk's financial base on a
long-range basis.
3. To maintain and strengthen Falkirk Cultural Center as an effective
and efficient organization.
4. To restore, enhance, and maintain Falkirk's buildings and grounds.
G
Goal 1: Site and Programming
To continue to restore and maintain Falkirk Mansion. To present high quality
cultural and historical programs and exhibits which offer diversity, accessibility,
challenging educational opportunities and relevance to our diverse community.
Objectives
1.1 TO INCREASE THE AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF
FALKIRK'S HISTORIC PRESERVATION, PROGRAMS AND HISTORY.
Strategies:
1.1.1 Continue the newsletter as a resource guide for Falkirk's programs.
1.1.2 Explore other ways of presenting Falkirk's history, including self -guided audio
tours and exhibits.
1.1.3 Strive to improve and maintain good relationships with local press and the
community.
1.2 TO CONTINUE TO OFFER RELEVANT CULTURAL PROGRAMS AND
CHALLENGING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES.
Strategies:
1.2.1 Develop a network of resources with community groups (Appendix A) to ensure
appropriate presentation of diverse cultures. (Recognizing that "relevance" in
programs and workshops may require expertise beyond Falkirk staff, especially
with respect to non -Western cultures.)
1.2.2 Curator to attend local and Bay Area galleries once a month to keep up to date.
1.2.3 Continue to sponsor internships offering special educational experiences.
1.2.4 Continue educational programs in conjunction with art exhibitions, including
lectures and guided tours as funding permits.
1.2.5 Offer year round children's art classes that are self-supporting.
1.3 TO CONTINUE TO INITIATE AND PRESENT AT LEAST FIVE HIGH
QUALITY EXHIBITIONS A YEAR INCLUDING ONE OR TWO WITH
NATIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL INVOLVEMENT.
7
Strategies:
1.3.1 Assess overall impact and quality measured by media attention, critical reviews,
foundation and governmental funding response.
1.3.2 Continue an exhibition schedule developed a minimum of six months in advance
to allow sufficient lead time for fund raising and public relations.
1.3.3 Enlist a volunteer for fund development in 1992.
1.4 TO CONTINUE TO BE A RESOURCE TO ARTS AND COMMUNITY
GROUPS IN SAN RAFAEL AND THE BAY AREA.
Strategies:
1.4.1 Maintain the reading room as a literary resource in conjunction with the Marin
Poetry Center.
1.4.2 Expand mailing list to include schools throughout the country.
1.4.3 Continue Salon S1ideNights, presenting artists from the community, on a
bimonthly basis.
1.4.4 Continue to pursue tenantry to organizations which are cultural resources to the
community.
1.5 TO INCREASE AND EXPAND AUDIENCES FOR FALKIRK'S PROGRAMS
TO BETTER SERVE AND REFLECT THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY.
Strategies:
1.5.1 Develop a marketing plan that includes a strategy for audience diversification,
including a priority of broadening participation during the period of this plan:
- consider holding events off-site, within the community;
- provide bilingual signs, informational text and promotional material;
- identify key individuals and organizational partners within the targeted
community with whom to work;
- develop an ongoing advisory council for outreach;
- target low income participation.
- target Latino community
1.5.2 Secure additional funding to provide scholarships for art classes, youth and
school activities.
E:1
1.5.3 Continue to present culturally inclusive programs, including Salon SlideNights,
with guests who represent diverse communities. Continue to increase the
number of programs co-sponsored with multi -cultural organizations.
1.5.4 Continue to expand the docent program and speakers bureau.
IN
Goal 2: Finance
To continue to broaden and build Falkirk's financial base on a long-range basis.
Falkirk receives more than half of its support from the City of San Rafael. Additional
support comes from earned income and grants from public, private and corporate
sources (see Appendix A), including the Koret Foundation, Fireman's Fund Foundation,
Cowell Foundation, the Marin Arts Council, the California Arts Council, the National
Endowment for the Arts, the Marin Community Foundation. Past funders for
exhibitions have included the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts,
Fleishhacker Foundation, LEF Foundation, and the California Council for the
Humanities.
Objectives
2.1 TO STABILIZE FUNDING FOR FALKIRK BY DEVELOPING A LONG-
RANGE FUND DEVELOPMENT PLAN THAT INCLUDES:
a. an increase in the membership base and an annual giving campaign
b. a grants plan for programming support coordinated with City
Council
c. an endowment and planned giving program
d. a capital campaign coordinated with a Capital Campaign Committee
with City staff representation
e. an increase in City appropriations
f. financial strategies that promote participation by all income levels
Strategies:
2.1.1 Explore the establishment of a fund raising committee to help raise outside funds
for Falkirk.
2.1.2 Receive endorsement of Cultural Affairs Commission and City Council for
capital campaign plan in 1993.
2.1.3 Outline a grants plan, including previous funders and likely prospects, with a
schedule of deadlines.
2.1.4 Continue the annual membership campaign.
- increase memberships annually
- recommend creation of a Commission committee to assist in generating
additional memberships
2.1.5 Increase civic awareness of Falkirk's need for sustained support, including
corporate and community leaders, building trades and local foundations.
10
2.2 TO GENERATE ADDITIONAL REVENUES FROM MONTHLY RENTAL OF
OFFICE SPACE.
Strategies:
2.2.1 Review office leases as they expire. Adjust rents to adequately cover Falkirk's
direct and indirect expenses for such spaces.
2.2.2 Devise marketing strategy to attract cultural organizations and potential
temporary rental revenues.
2.3 TO CONTINUE TO OFFER THE BUILDING FOR USE BY THE
COMMUNITY AS A RENTAL FACILITY.
2.3.1 Review rental service offerings, revise rates as necessary, to maximize cost
efficiency.
2.3.2 Evaluate cost benefit ratio for special event rental use.
11
Goal 3: Infrastructure
To maintain and strengthen Falkirk Cultural Center as an effective and efficient
organization.
Falkirk's institutional infrastructure includes the City Council, the Cultural Affairs
Commission of the City of San Rafael, its professional staff and volunteers. The Curator
is responsible for programming and the Director has management responsibility for
operations.
Objectives
3.1 TO IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CULTURAL AFFAIRS
COMMISSION IN ITS SUPPORT OF FALKIRK, AND TO CLARIFY THE
ROLE OF THE CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION VIS-A-VIS CITY
COUNCIL, FALKIRK, ITS PROFESSIONAL STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS IN
ORDER.
Strategies:
3.1.1 Develop a governance document for the Cultural Affairs Commission which
outlines its role and responsibilities for Falkirk.
3.1.2 Through the Commission, establish and maintain contacts with community and
professional groups who can provide leadership/ advocacy for Falkirk.
3.1.3 Recommend development of Commission sub -committees to assist in program
areas such as Gala, Membership and Facility Rental.
3.2 TO INCREASE THE DIVERSITY OF THE CULTURAL AFFAIRS
COMMISSION, AND ITS COMMITTEES.
Strategies:
3.2.1 Recommend to the City Council a process to identify prospective Commission
members. Cultural diversity is to be a formal consideration of such a process.
3.3 TO IMPROVE PROCEDURES IN CARRYING OUT GOALS.
Strategies:
3.3.1 Review staff, office, computer, and program procedures to achieve maximum
efficiency.
3.3.2 Undertake a review of computer utilization.
12
3.4 TO MAINTAIN NECESSARY STAFF LEVELS.
Strategies:
3.4.1 Maintain staffing levels consistent with community needs and program
priorities.
3.4.2 Institute an annual review of program needs to prioritize staff work loads and
hires.
3.4.3 Actively seek a diversity of qualified applicants to all positions utilizing, but not
limited to, Community and Arts Resource Network.
3.5 TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION ABOUT FALKIRK'S PROGRAMS TO
THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY COUNCIL.
Strategies:
3.5.1 Initiate "State of Falkirk" report at least annually, for City Council, Mayor and
Commission.
3.5.2 Institute monthly reports from the Director.
3.5.3 Provide advance notice of special events.
3.6 TO FORMALIZE THE ROLE OF VOLUNTEERS FOR FALKIRK AND
INCREASE THEIR EFFECTIVENESS.
Strategies:
3.6.1 Provide basic orientation information to all new volunteers and interns.
3.6.2 Provide job descriptions for volunteers and interns.
3.6.3 Develop volunteer and intern recognition opportunities and training.
3.6.4 Develop a strategy to ensure a diverse group of volunteers and interns.
13
Goal 4: Facility
To restore, enhance, and maintain Falkirk's buildings and grounds.
Falkirk comprises three primary buildings (the main house, carriage house and
greenhouse on grounds totaling eleven acres) and various additional structures:
reflecting pool gardeners cottage, amphitheater and outdoor kitchen.
Objectives:
4.1 ENSURE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF FALKIRK'S BUILDINGS.
4.1.1 Implement (as resources permit) the capital improvement plan and review at the
annual State of Falkirk review.
4.1.2 Paint exterior of house in 1994. Address the critical needs of exterior repairs and
painting as it remains the highest priority within the cultural affairs complex.
4.1.3 Renovate the third floor of house by 1996.
4.1.4 Establish a technical subcommittee to participate as a preventative maintenance
advocate to City Council.
4.2 TO CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN THE RESTORED GREENHOUSE AND
PROMOTE ITS APPROPRIATE USE.
Strategies:
4.2.1 Re -Paint greenhouse by 1993.
4.2.2 Explore use of community service hours.
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Appendix A
Community and Arts Resource Network
An expandittg and evolving list of resources which are assisting Falkirk in its move
toward multi -cultural diversity.
Bomani Gallery (Asake Bomani)
California College of Arts and Crafts (Suzanne Lacy)
Canal Community Alliance (Beatriz Manzo)
Center for Independent Living (Berkeley)
Dominican College
Ft. Mason Center
Galleria de la Rasa (Victoria Plata)
Headlands Center for the Arts (Jennifer Dowley, Ann Chamberlain)
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Korean Presbyterian Church of San Rafael
La Familia Center of Marin (Lydia Ramirez)
Miwok Museum (Kathy Volts)
Marin Arts Council
Spectrum (formerly Ministry of Light) (Jane Spahr)
Marin Community Foundation
Mexican Museum (Gloria Jaramillo)
Mills College (Moira Roth, Hung Lui)
Mission Cultural Center
New Langton Arts
Richmond Arts Center
San Francisco Art Institute (Katherine Reasoner, Carlos Villa)
Senior Coordinating Council
Southeast Asian Resettlement Center
Southern Exposure (Jon Winet)
University Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive (Larry Rinder, Stephen Gong)
Yerba Buena Gardens and Center for the Arts (Renny Pritikin)
Carrie Mae Weems (artist)
Yolanda Lopez (artist)
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FALKIRK MULTI -CULTURAL PLAN COMMITTEE
Stephen Gong, Manger Pacific Film Archive, Planning Consultant
Lionel Ashcroft, Consultant, Cultural Affairs Commission
Beatriz Manzo, Employment Division, Canal Community Alliance; Cultural Affairs
Commission
Virginia F. Pabst, Executive Director, College of Marin Educational Foundation,
Cultural Affairs Commission
Carol Adney, Falkirk Director
Carrie J. Lederer, Falkirk Curator
Lisa M. Launer, Falkirk Arts Coordinator
Elise Meyers, Falkirk Rental and Marketing Coordinator
MEETING DATES:
July - organizational meeting
August 18,1991
September 18,1991
October 16,1991
November 20, 1991
December 18, 1991
January 9, 1992
January 24, 1992
February 7,1992
February 21, 1992
March 13,1992
REVIEW COMMITTEE
Albert J. Boro, Mayor City of San Rafael
Dorothy Breiner, Vice Mayor City of San Rafael
James Boughey, Chairman, Cultural Affairs Commission
Lynn Finkelstein, Vice -Chairman, Cultural Affairs Commission
Vaughn Stratford, Director Library/Cultural Affairs
MEETING DATES:
February 7,1992
March 5,1992
March 27,1992
April 28, 1992
August 8,1992
September 8,1992
October 26,1992
December 8,1992
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DRAFT 2/9/93
BOYD GATE HOUSE
Marin County Historical Society's
Plan for Use of the Boyd Gate
House as a Historical Museum.
Long Range Plan
1992-1995
Background
This plan was prepared as a set of Goals and Objectives to be considered as
guidelines in the use of Boyd Gate House as a museum. Recognizing that the Boyd
House is a building that is an integral part of the Cultural Affairs Complex owned
by the City of San Rafael it is considered an essential part to any Capital Funding
Plan that would be developed.
The Goals and Objectives represent a sincere effort to develop the maximum
potential of the museum as a community asset. Surveys, support of the Marin
County Historical Society by its members, and the extent of citizen involvement in
preservation issues clearly demonstrate the interest of the community in its local
history.
This Plan will lead to a partnership between the City of San Rafael and the Marin
County Historical Society to develop a vital and active focal point for historic
interest in the community through the operation of the museum.
The final goal is to have a facility that is a restored architectural treasure of San
Rafael and one that houses many fascinating reminders of the colorful and rich
history of the area.
The following goals and strategies are to identify the specific actions required to
meet the needs of the community in preserving its history.
Since any long term plan must be flexible, the following strategies are open to input,
improvement and change.
These ideas are part of the dedicated interests of the Marin County Historical
Society. As stated in its original aims "the Society is dedicated to the collection,
preservation and distribution of historic information".
2
MISSION
The Boyd Gate House, owned by the City of San
Rafael and identified as a National Historic Place by
the United States Department of the Interior, serves as
a Museum resource with historic exhibits for San
Rafael and Marin County.
The museum at the Boyd Gate House complements
the Falkirk Cultural Center, and offers programs that
explore the diverse heritage of Marin County for the
benefit of the community.
GOALS:
1. To continue to restore and maintain the Boyd House and
grounds as historic sites for use as a museum resource center. To
present high quality historical programs and exhibits, and
provide access to the researcher of the rich collection of historic
documents and memorabilia that pertain to Marin's heritage.
2. To continue to broaden and build the financial base of the
Marin County Historical Society on a long-range basis.
3. To maintain and strengthen Boyd House as an effective and
efficient organization.
4. To restore, enhance, and maintain Boyd Gate House.
k3
Goal 1: Site and Programming
To continue to restore and maintain the Boyd House and grounds as historic sites
for use as a museum resource center. To present high quality historical programs
and exhibits, and provide access to the researcher of the rich collection of historic
documents and memorabilia that pertain to Marin's heritage.
Objectives
1.1 TO INCREASE THE AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE
MUSEUM'S HISTORIC PRESERVATION, PROGRAMS AND HISTORIC
EXHIBITIONS.
Strategies:
1.1.1 Continue the newsletter and bulletins as resource guides for the museum's
programs.
1.1.2 Explore other ways of presenting Marin's history, including self -guided audio
tours and changing exhibits.
1.1.3 Continue to publish the Society Magazine, which dedicates each issue to a
significant event in the history of Marin County.
1.1.4 Consider joint exhibit opportunities with Falkirk Cultural Center.
1.1.5 Continue to collect, archive and display Marin County historic photographs.
Establish the photographic collection as the major county source of early
images of Marin available for the benefit of the community.
1.2 TO OFFER CHANGING, RELEVANT HISTORIC EXHIBITS THAT
HAVE COMMON ELEMENTS TO CURRENT ISSUES, I.E.
TRANSPORTATION OR DOWNTOWN SAN RAFAEL DEVELOPMENT.
Strategies:
1.2.1 Develop a network of volunteers to research and develop exhibits that are of
special interest to Marin.
1.2.2 Seek out and solicit donations of artifacts or memorabilia that would lend
themselves to diverse backgrounds in Marin.
1.2.3 Seek out and solicit items that would strengthen existing important
collections, so as to increase the research resources for all groups of interested
ci tizens.
1.2.4 Expand exhibits of Hispanic and native cultures of historic significance to
Marin.
1.3 TO TAKE ACTIVE STEPS IN RAISING THE AWARENESS OF ALL
CLASSES OF STUDENTS WITHIN THE SAN RAFAEL AREA ON THE
HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF MARIN.
Strategies:
1.3.1 Sponsor and encourage internships to students at the high school and
community college level offering a special educational experience within the
museum.
1.3.2 Encourage school trips to the museum by contacting all the schools in the
area.
1.3.3 Provide talks and presentations to school classes on the heritage of their
community.
1.3.4 Expand mailing list to include schools throughout the county.
1.3.5 Continue to sponsor, through grant funding, cash prizes to students engaging
in research and writing individual projects on Marin history.
1.3.6 Develop exhibits that will have relevance and interest to students in the
museum.
1.4 TO CONTINUE TO BE A RESOURCE FOR HISTORICAL
INFORMATION TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC IN SAN RAFAEL AND
THE BAY AREA.
Strategies:
1.4.1 Provide a research study facility, available to the public, in the Museum.
1.4.2 Participate in preparing a low cost history of the county for non- scholarly
general and student use.
1.4.3 Prepare a small complimentary Story of Marin for issuance to local schools
and students from the Bay Area.
1.4.4 Make available low-cost videotapes of local historic photographic collections.
1.4.5. Continue to provide a free service in presenting slide shows of interesting
historic material to service or community groups within Marin.
1.4.6 Develop a speaker resource from knowledgeable members in the community.
Goal 2: Finance
To continue to broaden and build the financial base of Marin County Historical
Society on a long-range basis.
The Boyd Gate House is made available for museum use by the City of San Rafael.
The goals in this plan are in agreement with the concepts of the Marin County
Historical Society which operates the museum.
The museum operates with funds provided through members of the Marin County
Historical Society. All of its activities are provided by volunteers. The Society pays
for the services of a professional part- time curator/librarian to catalog and
inventory its collections. Volunteer Docents will provide visitor services when the
museum opens.
In addition the Society, will seek and apply for grants, to help both operating costs
and certain Capital Improvements. Normal maintenance, service and upkeep of the
building is currently provided by the City of San Rafael.
Objectives
2.1 TO STABILIZE FUNDING FOR THE MUSEUM BY DEVELOPING A
LONG-RANGE FUND DEVELOPMENT PLAN THAT INCLUDES:
a. an increase in the membership base and an annual giving
campaign coordinated with City Council
b. a grants plan for program support
c. an endowment and planned giving program
d. support for a campaign to raise funds for major
renovations of Boyd house
e. a capital campaign coordinated with a Capital Campaign
Committee with staff representation
f. development of financial strategies that promote participation by
people of all income levels
Strategies:
2.1.1 Participate in Capital Funding campaigns as appropriate.
2.1.2 Increase memberships by 20% in the twelve month period following the re-
opening of the museum.
2.1.3 Establish an ongoing goal of 10% increase in membership each following
year.
Goal 3: Infrastructure
To continue to maintain and strengthen the museum as an effective and efficient
organization.
The museum's institutional infrastructure includes the Marin County Historical
Society Board of Directors, Area Representatives for each district in the county,
Society members and volunteers. A liaison will be maintained between the Board
and the Cultural Affairs Commission. Professional staff includes one part-time
Curator/ Librarian. The formal liaison with the City of San Rafael is maintained
through the Director of the Cultural Affairs Department.
Objectives
3.1 TO DEVELOP THE PARTNERSHIP CONCEPT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
SAN RAFAEL, WHICH OWNS AND MAINTAINS THE BOYD GATE
HOUSE, AND THE MARIN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY WHICH
OPERATES THE MUSEUM.
Strategies:
3.1.1 Maintain a liaison with the Cultural Affairs Commission.
3.1.2 Representatives of the Board of the Marin County Historical Society will
participate in meetings with City Council Members, staff of the Cultural
Affairs Department and the Cultural Affairs Commission, to exchange views
and discuss Museum development and programs as appropriate.
3.2 TO IMPROVE PROCEDURES IN CARRYING OUT PROGRAM GOALS.
Strategies:
3.2.1 Implement established museum procedures for cataloging
and inventory of artifacts.
3.2.2 Continue to develop and utilize computerized database recording of museum
inventory and information.
3.2.3 Continue in the process of seeking a grant under the Museum Assessment
Program.
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3.3 MAINTAIN NECESSARY VOLUNTEER LEVELS TO IMPLEMENT THE
OPERATION OF THE MUSEUM AND ITS RELATED GOALS.
Strategies:
3.3.1 Seek out individuals with an interest in Marin history and provide them with
the opportunity to improve the value of the museum to the community.
3.3.2 Provide motivation to volunteers to utilize their unique interests in a friendly
receptive setting.
3.3.3 Encourage involvement by holding Open Houses with a theme and
refreshments.
3.3.4 Solicit volunteers at Special Events, County Fairs, Exhibits, Gala openings,
etc.
E[C
Goal 4: Facility
To restore, enhance, and maintain Boyd Gate House.
Obj ectives:
4.1 ENSURE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE MUSEUM
BUILDING.
4.1.1 Implement (as resources permit) the capital improvement plan:
- Repair cracks and broken plaster in some of the rooms.
- Paint interior rooms to provide a suitable environment for exhibits.
- Restore Flower Gardens and shrubbery around the house.
- Investigate the use of nightly exterior lighting to showcase the
building and discourage overnight use of the porches.
4.1.2 Provide a complete exterior restoration of the Boyd Gate House to its 1976
level.
- Explore community interest in donations of labor or financial
assistance.
- Participate in coordinated fund raising campaigns to support the City
of San Rafael's Cultural Affairs facilities.
- Obtain qualified up to date costs on painting Boyd House and a
professional view of its current condition. Determine potential effect
of delaying repairs.
- Consider use of interim funds from Marin County Historical Society
as determined by the Board of Directors for emergency purposes.