Champlain Valley Heritage Network
Meeting Notes
September 26, 2012
Westport Heritage House
Present:
Dee Carroll, Jim Brangan, Sue Hoxie, Chris Maron, Elizabeth Lee, Morris Glen, Helen Nerska, Garrett Dague and Suzanne Maye
On the Trail of the USS MonitorCVHN Project Report
Morris Glenn gave a recap of the extensive effort that went into the creation of this self-guided tour brochure which focuses on the role of Crown Point’s iron industry during the Civil War. He pointed out that CVHN members endorsed this project roughly two years ago in an effort to recognize local Home Front contributions to the Civil War during its sesquicentennial. This brochure/guide is based upon a guided tour, sponsored by Adirondack Architectural Heritage, that he has given and has often sold out.
Morris told us that Joan Hunsdon, Crown Point Historian and President of the Penfield Homestead Museum, reported to him that Penfield has already hosted several visitors making use of this guide though it has only been in circulation for a couple of weeks. He shared that the most difficult aspect of this project was condensing the enormous amount of information, photographs and materials he has gathered doing his extensive research on this subject into one succinct tri-fold brochure. The professional text writing and graphic design skills of Maja Design were acknowledged and appreciated.
2500 brochures were printed and total project cost was $2200. Hard copies are available at the Lake Champlain Visitors Center. (digital version attached)
Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership; Emerging Issues and Opportunities:
Jim Brangan reviewed the CVNHP Budget Process noting that he has been meeting with the Regional Stakeholder Groups (RSGs) throughout the summer gathering input on Emerging Issues to be considered in the FY2013 CVNHP budget. The RSG coordinators meet with the Heritage Area Partnership Advisory Committee (HAPAC) on Monday, October 1, to convey their group’s input to the committee. The HAPAC then reviews issues and regional priorities for their Chair to convey to the LCBP Executive Committee in November. This process is geared for a strong grassroots voice giving opportunity for regional issues and priorities to surface and be recognized. He pointed out that the contract has just been signed with NPS to begin spending FY2012 funding, approximately 295,000. RFPs for FY2012 projects will be released soon. Hopes are for FY2013 funding to be around 400,000.
Jim walked members through the FY2013 Emerging Issues draft, (see attached) pointing out several of which are continuations from the FY 2012 list, i.e., the Wayside Exhibit Program, Regional Stakeholder Group Coordination, and the Annual International Heritage Summit. New recommendations for consideration are Youth Heritage Arts Performance Grants, Development and Studies for New Water Trails and Themed Itinerary Development, among others.
Members were advised to send Suzanne any input on these issues prior to close of day on Friday, September 28th.
Announcements & News:
Morris announced that he and Shirley LaForest have been doing extensive War of 1812 research county-wide and they will be giving a presentation on their findings entitled The War of 1812 Comes to Essex on Tuesday, October 9th, 7:30 PM at the Essex Community Church. (See Print & Post flyer attached.)
All members are encouraged to visit the new exhibit interpreting the iron industry in the Town of Chesterfield area at the Anderson Fall Historical Society.
The Schooner Lois McClure is concluding its 2012 Tour 1812 Commemorating the War, Celebrating the Peacewith a homecoming event in Vergennes on October 12th from 3 to 4:00 PM at Vergennes Falls Park.
The CVNHP will host meetings of the National Park Service and the Alliance of National Heritage Areas in Burlington on October 9, 10 and 11. Wednesday, October 10th will be a field workshop with stops at ECHO, Fort Ticonderoga, Crown Point State Historic Site and the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum.
Next Meeting:
Our next CVHN meeting date was set for Wednesday, October 24th with the location to be determined.
Suzanne Maye
CVHN Coordinator
