Historical Commission Agenda and Packet 2016 08 03 SP

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o Work to increase ADA access on the Museum campus. o Add more photos and information to the online collection, and provide access to more historic building reports and past Louisville Historian issues online. o Plan exhibits, including online exhibits, using artifacts and photos from the Museum's collections. o Work to increase easy access to the physical collections for purposes of programs, exhibits, and public and City requests. 5. With a collaborative outlook, partner with and support other organizations. Strategies: o Work collaboratively with the Historic Preservation Commission, particularly with respect to the 2015 Preservation Master Plan. o Work collaboratively with other City boards and commissions, particularly the Cultural Council, on common goals and interests. o Continue to provide needed historical information to other City departments. o Work collaboratively with business organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Association, and with arts and cultural organizations such as the Louisville Art Association, and Louisville Arts District. o Support, and highlight the histories of, Louisville organizations and businesses. III. Introduction Before the current planning process began, the 2004 Conservation Assessment Program (CAP) Report first identified issues and goals for the Museum.' The City has implemented many of that Report's recommendations, including the installation of a fire protection system and a security system. The Report also recommended that the City construct a "new, purpose-built facility on site" in the location between the Jacoe Store and Tomeo House in order to create a "viable collections center" with "excellent exhibit spaces and rooms for offices and programs." The process to develop this Master Plan document came out of the 2013 City Comprehensive Plan, which included the following principle: "City policies should encourage a livable community with a strong sense of history." Under this Comprehensive Plan principle was the policy that the City should adopt a "Historical Museum Campus Master Plan." Next, the City arranged to have museum experts conduct a needs assessment of the Museum activities and campus. Following a request for proposals, and with financial support from the Louisville History Foundation, the City engaged Metcalfe Architecture & Design ("Metcalfe") to conduct a needs assessment and issue a report for the Museum. Metcalfe representatives visited the site and obtained input from the public and stakeholders at public sessions, and finalized its report in December 2014. The Needs Assessment Report expanded on the CAP Report by proposing a new Visitor Center building, to be called "the Community House," that will address many of the Museum's current limitations and will allow the Museum to provide ADA access, and more effectively preserve 1 As noted in the Executive Summary, museum experts assessed the Museum and wrote the Report pursuant to a grant to the City from the Institute of Library and Museum Services.