Student Museum Restoration Committee Meeting Post

Seminole County Public School: Student Museum Restoration Committee Meeting
400 E.Lake Mary Boulevard, Sanford, FL

February 8, 2010
5:30 p.m. - 7:30

Purpose: To raise funds for the Student Museum to complete repairs

There were no formal presentations however there were several speakers: David Grace from the Seminole County Extension Center regarding the Teaching Garden, Allen Nettles a Facilities Planner regarding the bell tower, Christine Dalton regarding grants and historical issues.

In Attendance:
Judy Wiant
Dave Grace
Randy Allman
Sarah Miller
Jeanne Norris
Allen Nettles
Christine Dalton
Linda Daniels


Topics discussed in short:

• The bell tower bricks repointing and the budget allowance
• Donor Plaque
• Wood floor maintenance
• Rummage Sale
  
• Croom's Alumni gathering
• Changing the name of the Teaching Garden
• Applying for grant: "Gardening with the Kids"
• Possibly renting a room to a Rollins professor
• Small matching grant from Tallahassee for additional funds and a call for more volunteer to show up in Tallahassee to help persuade the powers that be
• Possible grant from Federal government for black history group
• Possible audio recording for the museum to help with tours
• Spring Activity planned at the Museum- May day celebration- use the Maypole?
• Garden Tour
• Museum Saturday February 27, 2010

The meeting was run efficiently and in good order; interaction between all participants was cordial and respectful. Each discussed their perspective and concerns and many of the items on the agenda were agreed upon.

Overall, I enjoyed the combination of attending this meeting with the museum visit. I am thankful to Sebreane for letting me about it and for meeting me at both locations. My impression of the meeting was favorable and I found this small, highly focused group to be instructive.

The philosophy of the Student Museum can be stated best in their quote:
Tell me and I forget,
Show me and I remember,
Involve me and I understand.

The Sanford Museum is a beautiful facility chock full of wonderful historical artifacts relating to Florida history and education. It is located at 301 W. 7th Street in Sanford. The 1902 building was the Sanford High School and later the Sanford Grammar School. The impressive building was designed in the Romanesque Revival Style. The rear of the building has a student teaching garden patch with local plants, herbs and a butterfly garden. This garden was recently one of the topics discussed at the Student Museum Restoration Committee meeting held on February 8th, 2010. Funding for this facility comes from Seminole County Schools and is a teaching museum.

Currently the building is used primarily by students in 5th grade as they study their Florida history units. Approximately 6500 students visit each year.
The museum is stuffed with all sorts of items from dolls to candle making, original slate boards to a hands on time zone with a globe/sun display. There are engaging and interesting rooms every where you turn! Each offers a different perspective and lesson: Grandma's Attic, Turn of the Century Classroom, The Lobby, Pioneer Room, Native American Room, Georgetown Exhibit, and the Geography Lab. Teacher guides are available on line and there are stimulating games led by a thoroughly knowledgeable tour guide who is a tremendous gift to the museum! Her knowledge was limitless!

This facility is a true gift to the community and to the students and teachers specifically. I am so glad I went and will recommend the museum to others.