Rebecca Ayres

The meeting included a roll call and recognition of outgoing board members. The nominating committee presented a report with a slate of candidates for officers and new/returning board members. Individual reports were given, including a financial report which addressed the impact of the pandemic on the budget, with cuts in both revenues and expenses. Discussions covered earned revenues, program fees, facility rentals, and budget reductions, including holding positions vacant.

The meeting included updates on the strategic plan and a report from the Kentucky Oral History Commission. The commission approved reappointments and discussed grant approvals for various projects, including documenting community stories and experiences. There were discussions around budget requests, including funding for the Kentucky citrus centennial and historic marker program, and maintenance for the Old State Capitol.

The meeting included discussions on adjusting operations due to quarantine, ensuring visitor and staff safety, and shifting staff to telecommuting. There was a focus on supporting the processing of collections and addressing backlogs. The board also discussed raising the profile of the Kentucky Historical Society through strategic approaches, including partnerships with media outlets to broadcast Kentucky history treasures.

The meeting included recognition of outgoing board members and a report from the 2021 nominating committee. The committee presented its slate of officers and board member class for 2022-2025, emphasizing the effort to achieve diversity. There was discussion about the process for bylaw revisions and the possibility of statutory changes to the charter, including adding the immediate past president to the nominating committee and formally recognizing the state historian. An update on historical markers was also provided.

The meeting included recognizing outgoing governing board members and KHS foundation board members. The director reported on digital outreach efforts, including YouTube followers and nominations for video work. The KHS completed the purchase of new freezers, installed loading dock shelving units, purchased oral history program equipment, and upgraded research equipment in the library. They also partnered with the American Alliance of Museums and Wilkin Consulting for a national survey. Priorities for the upcoming year include the American Semiquincentennial, markers and community outreach programs, the Old State Capitol, and campus improvements.