The Society is at an important point in its
history at present. It has received
additional millage funding with demonstrated strong support from the entire Saginaw
electorate. The Board of Directors has recognized its responsibility to the voters. It has also recognized the need for strategic planning including a plan to diversify its funding sources.
In the ensuing months, the Society has embarked upon a number of important and ambitious projects with significant implications for the future.
We have taken important steps to safeguard the integrity of the splendid building for which we have responsibility, first by repairing the roof and second, by turning our attention to the interior repairs (plastering, painting, expansion of electrical capability).
Together the Board and staff embarked on the first steps toward a major strategic planning process by developing mission and vision statements in workshop settings.
We have launched a major strategic planning effort, examining every aspect of the Society's functions and responsibilities, working toward the goal of accreditation by the American Association of Museums. The resulting strategic plan will include action plans for all the Society's responsibilities, including an interpretive master plan, fundraising, collections management and administration.
We have launched several collaborative projects with our cultural "partners," including the Public Libraries of Saginaw, the Saginaw Branch of the NAACP, Saginaw Rotary Club and South Jefferson Avenue Corridor Improvement Committee.
Additionally, the Society acquired a portion of the former downtown Saginaw Jacobson's building at 200 Federal Avenue. This acquisition will allow the Society to better organize and preserve its collections, while allowing for sidewalk-level access of additional exhibitions and programs.
