OLD DARTMOUTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEW BEDFORD ...

In 2004, the Museum also successfully addressed the second core purpose, to “provide the highestquality educational experiences through innovation, creativity, and substantive content.” OurEducation Department conducted more than 253 school programs, which offered nearly 10,000students solid learning activities that satisfy the state’s curriculum frameworks. Considerablehands-on activities enriched the student experience. Family Guides to Pacific Encounters alongwith special activities for children expanded the visitor experience of that exhibition. Wedeveloped a new curriculum worksheet, Whaling Museum Math, for third- and fourth-gradeteachers, adding a new dimension to the Museum’s programming.The ECHO project has enabled the Museum to extend significantly its program offerings andresources throughout the New Bedford region and further to cultural institutions and audiences inAlaska and Hawaii. In addition to the Ernestina ocean-learning program, staff exchanges and thejoint storytelling festival highlighted the year.We also should not forget our more scholarly activities. In 2004 the 29th Annual Whaling HistorySymposium and the day-long symposium held in conjunction with Pacific Encounters were justtwo of the many events that drew new participants and audiences to the Museum. The ResearchLibrary served more than 2,500 researchers. And the Museum’s web site, which continues to beenhanced each year, was visited by more than 90,000 people.Ms. Whitla thanked the staff and Program Committee members for their dedication and continuedhard work. She concluded by pointing out that each year, the Museum looks to its mission, itsvision, and core purposes to both reenergize and move forward.8. Volunteer Council Report – Lorna Walker, President, the Volunteer CouncilAl Lees acknowledged the critical importance of the volunteers. Ms. Walker asked the volunteersto stand. She thanked Anne and the staff. She indicated that the volunteers – particularly thedocents – are most involved in the first core purpose of the Museum’s Strategic Plan, to “createexciting, compelling, and enjoyable museum experiences for all audiences.” Ms. Walker statedthat the volunteers contributed 21,933 hours in 2004, which are valued at $328,995. Shecongratulated Donald Ridley, Thomas Flynn, Millicent Hurley, Paul Kramer, Irwin Marks, andJoyce Reynolds who gave the most volunteer hours. She noted the volunteers who had passedaway during the year: Thelma Bagley, Mary “Minty” Maloney, Edwin McQuillan, Faith Simas,Louise Strongman, Nathalie Tallman, Mary Wardle, and Oscar Waring.Ms. Walker announced the new officers of the Volunteer Council for 2005-06:PresidentVice PresidentComptrollerRecording SecretaryCorresponding SecretaryThomas FlynnWilliam WyattVincent FurtadoCarol FitzgeraldRosemary Lucas9. Recognition of Retiring Trustees – Albert E. Lees III and Anne BrenglePresident Lees thanked the retiring trustees, Frederic C. Hood, Frances Levin, Celeste Penney, andW.J. Underwood, Jr. for their many years of advice and guidance.4