Tuesday, September 7, 2004.

The president called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with 10 members present.

The secretary read the minutes from the last meeting.

The treasurer's report was given.

A note from the librarian in the Genealogy Room stated that the copy of "Spencer County Miscellaneous Records, Vol. 2" was missing from the room. They had also searched the rest of the library and it was not found. She was able to obtain another copy of the book and wanted us to pay for the replacement of the book. A motion was made and seconded to pay for the replacement. It was voted to replace the book.

This was the second voting on the revised bylaws. A motion was made and seconded to approve the bylaws. It was voted to approve them. They will be voted on for the final time at the next meeting.

A member mentioned the 40^th anniversary of the South Spencer County School Corporation and how research on this was being done using the local newspapers that had been microfilmed. In talking with a volunteer in the Genealogy Room, it was found that there was a lapse in the microfilming of the Democrat from 1971-1980. It was mentioned that previously newspapers were sent to the State Historical Society to be microfilmed. The latest newspaper that had been put on microfilm was the 2003 Journal and Democrat. The Spencer County Leader hasn't been done yet. The volunteer was to check into the cost. In the past, the library had helped pay part of the cost..

A suggestion was made to get a logo for the Historical Society other than the one being used now of the outline of Spencer County with a star for Rockport. A discussion followed. Several suggestions were mentioned -- "spreading tree" for genealogy, county courthouse, and goals of the Historical Society. A motion was made and seconded to table this suggestion until next meeting to see if members can come up with a logo. If not, next month we will contact the schools to see if the art students can design a logo.

A letter was read concerning what to do with items that are of historic value and the possibility of creating a County Museum to house items that families may want to donate. The second part of the letter was asking for help in maintaining the Santa Claus statue on the curve (State Road 245) in Santa Claus. Some brothers now own this area. There once was a "Santa Claus Good Fellowship Club" where people donated money for the upkeep and they received a 14" replica of the statue.

A member brought up about getting some kind of plaque to tell the public about Bess Ehrmann. There is a picture, without a name, of her in the Genealogy Room but no explanation about who she is or what she has done for Spencer County and the Historical Society. A motion was made and seconded to purchase a plaque to go with the picture. It was voted to do this. A volunteer is going to do research on Mrs. Ehrmann.

It was brought up again about plaques being placed in the county. It was stated that we need to prioritize where we want to place the plaques. "The Kentuckian" was mentioned. The people involved in the movie were unable to attend, but it was decided that they need to check to see if the Parks Board will approve the placement of the plaque, get the wording for the plaque, and a price quote before we commit any money to the project. It was decided to table this project. There was also some discussion about placing plaques at the Rockport Collegiate Institute and the old Rockport High School.

A member attended a Historical Society meeting at Tell City. They had a discussion about having kiosks describing historical sites along Highway 66.

It was mentioned about the "Memorial Forrest" and "Heritage Park" at Fulda. This was a park that has a monument dedicated to the Revolutionary War Soldiers of Spencer County. No one seems to know who is in charge of these two places.

Nominations were taken for the "Historian of the Year" awards. There were several dates suggested for the banquet. This will be the 20^th anniversary of the Historical Society.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, October 5, 2004 at 7:00 PM.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.