O S H KO S H

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PublicMuseum 2014 Annual Report

“[a] unique and beautiful piece ofAmerican folk art.” -Dean Jensen, Jensen Galleries, Milwaukee

Karl’s Circus, or “The Biggest Little Show,”OPM #2014.5

The years of the Great Depression and World War II were hard on many families, but the Marshall and Ruth Magnusen family did not let the lack of cash deter them from giving their two sons, Karl and Jim, an incredible gift. Without any instructions and using wood from cheese boxes, Ruth and Marshall began crafting meticulously painted wooden circus figures, and eventually the fast-growing circus became a family project. “The Biggest Little Show,” as it was called, reached an amazing 175 figures and vehicles. It was displayed publically in Oshkosh, Appleton, Eau Claire, Hudson, and many other cities in the late 1940s and early 1950s. The grand little handmade circus is far more than a child’s toy; it is an exquisite piece of folk art. Hard as it was to let go of their prized heirloom, Karl and Jim donated the circus to the Oshkosh Public Museum in 2014, saying, “Circuses are meant to be enjoyed.” It was displayed as part of Deck the Halls, and will be an annual feature.

Director’s MessageAlthough I realize it may sound cliché, it continues to be an honor and privilege to lead this museum. My confidence in the direction we are moving is frequently reinforced by those we serve. It’s not unusual for staff to receive an email, note, or letter from a member, citizen, researcher, or visitor, and we truly welcome your feedback. Whether collaborating with the staff at Wisconsin Public Television on a project as big and as public as Wisconsin Hometown Stories: Oshkosh, or quietly helping a student work on a class project, we keep in mind that we exist for the benefit of citizens. Letters and comments reinforce the conviction that the public genuinely appreciates our role.

As reported last year, the Museum is evolving in the face of ongoing change and challenges. We are making progress in almost every area of operation. We are motivated and encouraged by the understanding that our efforts impact the collective good — clearly a deep-seated part of what it means to be a public institution.

As you read this, we are fully engaged with Split Rock Studios of St. Paul, Minnesota, on our first major gallery change in almost 20 years. This dynamic exhibit, calledPeople of the Waters, replaces Wetlands & Waterways and will illustrate 10,000 years of life along the mighty Winnebago waterway. The richness of our collection matches the richness of life in the region, and both will be reflected in this long-term exhibition.The historic story will tie strongly to Wisconsin school curriculum. People of the Waters will be a landmark achievement in ensuring the Oshkosh Public Museum remains one of Oshkosh’s cultural cornerstones.

As I’ve pointed out before, the Museum truly is a complex place. At any given time, staff will be working on a wide variety of projects, as well as planning and laying the groundwork for future undertakings. We pack a lot of inspiration and knowledge into this relatively small facility, but it’s important to point out that Museum resources and staff expertise also regularly impact projects throughout the community. Whether historic markers along Oshkosh’s River Walk or Mayor Cumming’s Historic Tourism initiative, the Museum works in partnership to share the resources ofthis fine institution.

As part of my annual message, it is essential that I extend my gratitude to you, our members and supporters, and acknowledge that the Museum operates with much more than tax dollars. It is your gifts that make the public-private partnership work. You believe in our mission and express confidence and satisfaction in our role and purpose. Your financial support is the tangible way you express that confidence, and I extend our many thanks.

The City of Oshkosh is a key part of the Museum’s ongoing success and helps facilitate our service to the community. On behalf of the Museum Board and staff, I extend our appreciation to Mayor Steve Cummings and members of the Oshkosh Common Council, and City Manager Mark Rohloff.

Brad LarsonDirector

“ Thank you so much for your help in finding information about our ancestors … for going above and beyond.” -Marion Manahan Swartz, May 2015

2014 Annual Report

Kenlynn and Ron AkinAlberta S. Kimball-Mary L. Anhaltzer FoundationJeanette AlbrightLouella AndrewsAnonymousCarla BaierLouise A. BaierJames BensonRachel BentonConstance BernerLawrence and Denise BittnerDr. Marc and Kathleen BlumWilliam and Sharon BoehmeJean BoehmeKaren Boehning and Donald TenorBoy Scouts of AmericaShirley Brabender MattoxJudy BrittonBarbara A. BrownJohn and Liane ButittaMary ButtkeDavid and Carol CameronMarilyn and Dick CampbellAnita and Gerald CarpenterBetsy ComstockMarilyn DahlJean Daubert HolmburgRay and Faye Del DebbioJohn and Dorothy DreherKaren Dustrude and Michael HannemanDon and Kim EllingsonChuck EmmrichJohn and Ginny EvansHelen EvansCarol FenrichNancy FlanaganPhilip and Elizabeth Florio

Stanley KotschiLori and Trip KroeningDoris KrumenauerTerry LaibJerry and Diane LangAlan LareauDr. and Mrs. Paul LarsonDorothy LastPhillis LeachDale (Bud) and Jeanine LenzV. Jayne LindsayMark LohryCatherine Luther and Gerald StadtmuellerBonnie Marousek, Howard and Bonnie Marousek Donor Advised Fund of the Oshkosh Area Community FoundationRichard and Doris MartinPat MayerlJoe and Linda McCreeryHelen McDermottDr. Donald and Sylvia McDonaldDrs. Robert and Caroline McDonald, Donor Advised Fund of the Oshkosh Area Community FoundationRon MetzMimi MeyerMarilyn Meyer PotterJanice MillerKen and Connie MoranStephen MoslingHelen G. MuellerDon and Lavonne MuellerSusan Neitzel and William ZimarVirginia NelsonElizabeth NevittNancy NorgordBernard Olejniczak

Mert and Katya FulwilerNorman and Lois GagnonDaniel GartonMrs. Marjorie H. GauerkeCarl and Anne GlowcheskiDave and Judy GogginBarbara GoldthwaiteMrs. Simon GorwitzGary GrayVernita GreenGinny GrossJon GuilesRichard and Marilyn HaberkornReuben and Judith HartmanGeorge HaszelLyle HayesBill and Vivian Heaney, Heaney Family Fund of the Oshkosh Area Community FoundationCraig and Grace HeineRomelle HerrmannJim and Jane HoffmanMatt HostakAudra HoyRobert M. HughesJoyce HydeJacobson Auto Sales, Inc.Debbie JagodzinskiJohn Kuenzl FoundationSpencer and Emily JonesDavid and Jean JuedesClarence and Virginia JungwirthMary Jane JuzwiakJoan KaedingKirk and Susan KaufmanJim and Joan KillingerSharon KipetzDr. Richard and Jeanne KitzBob and Sue KnoblochGerald and Lois Konrad

2014 Donors Photo courtesy of Amy Maile

Oshkosh Public Museum

Margaret OsbornOshkosh Public Museum AuxiliaryElizabeth OvertonFlorence PalmerSusan PanekMillicent PaskeBetty PatersonJanice PennauJoanne Peterson and W. ThatcherJack and Kathleen ProppFred and Kathy RedmanRichard RegoRobert RegoE. Arthur RehbeinAudrey and Emil ReichowDonna ResheskeCedric and Emily RichesonGilbert and Sharon RoderickHenry and Muriel RoeslerKaren RoeslerMrs. Roger P. RoseMuriel SagmeisterBeverly ScheuermannReinhard SchmidtBarbara SchmitzDan and Sandy SchneiderDonald and Barbara SchroederMary Ellen SedlachekHelen ShenefieldMary ShepardJerry and Beverly SmerlingMichael and Gloria SmithIrene SnyderJudith SolarzJohn G. SpanbauerLaurie and Jim SteffenMilda SteinbrecherKenley and Carole Steinert, Donor Advised Fund of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation

Beverly SteinikeMarlyn SupianoKathryn and Michael SwederskeBrian and Betty TaugherSally TeresinskiThe Royal Red RaspberriesJack and Jean ThiermanP.J. and Sharon ThompsonKathryn ThomsenChris and Burk TowerBrian and Erin Trost, Donor Advised Fund of the Oshkosh Area Community FoundationMary TroudtLewis and Sally TuskenWilliam and Barbara UrbrockMargaret H. WachtelHeidi and Steve WahlgrenWilliam G. Weber, MDLorraine H. WeinerDr. Anthony Weitenbeck, Donor Advised Fund of the Oshkosh Area Community FoundationValerie WilliamsThomas and Beverly WintheiserMrs. Bonnie Jean WolfgramDouglas and Julie WolkBill and Beth Wyman, Donor Advised Fund of the Oshkosh Area Community FoundationGary and Sandra YakesBarry and Kathleen YarbroLouise Zamzow

Looking Ahead to 2016

Be the Dinosaur, Life in the Cretaceous, a new, cutting-edge exhibit on the world of dinosaurs, is designed to engage the scientist in all of us through amazing virtual technology.

The release of a new publication by Ginny Gross, A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Riverside Cemetery: Oshkosh in the Civil War.

On the 100th anniversary of the death of Oshkosh sculptor Helen Farnsworth Mears, an exhibit of her work, as well other Oshkosh artists and creators.

Dismantling of Wetlands & Waterways and construction of the new People of the Waters exhibit gallery begins.

“What I love about this place is that there is very, very little that is off limits for visitors... I am grateful for the Oshkosh Public Museum.” -Mary Mooney, Facebook post, December 2014

Above: Winter Sports Figures. Living in Wisconsin, it is best if you learn to embrace and enjoy winter! In the 1950s and 1960s, schools flooded ball fields for ice rinks for skating and kids were encouraged to sled and ski. Oshkosh built “Mount Oshkosh” in 1967 (perhaps better known as “Garbage Hill”) to advance winter sports among youth. These charming miniature figures reflect that heady period of history when playing in the snow was popular. Gift of Tom and Mary Olkiewicz, OPM #2015.1

2014 Annual Report

A Place ofDiscovery and Inspiration...

The Art of the Brick®

In the March 2015 issue of the magazine The Municipality, an article by Anne Katz of Arts Wisconsin pointed out that “a strong quality of life [is] key to a vibrant, innovative, and successful Wisconsin.” Further, she noted that Wisconsin’s nonprofit arts businesses annually generate $535 million in economic activity, with a $65 million impact in local and state revenue. Those are impressive numbers. The fact that the article appeared in The Municipality, a magazine for professionals working in local government, points out that in today’s economy, cities increasingly understand the value and incredible economic impact of a strong arts and cultural community.

For over 90 years, the Oshkosh Public Museum has contributed to the community’s strong quality of life and made a positive impact on the local economy. An excellent example of that impact is an exhibit that premiered in February 2015 called The Art of the Brick ®. The exhibit showcased the work of New York City artist Nathan Sawaya, who creates masterful sculptures from the common LEGO® brick. It became our second-highest exhibition for attendance, attracting nearly 28,000 people, including a record 96 groups. The exhibit inspired students and adults in the Lake Winnebago region and throughout Wisconsin to create — to go beyond the ordinary, to dream, and to experiment. And while they were here for The Art of the Brick ®, all those visitors were awestruck by the depth of our collections, the astonishing real stories from the past, and the richness of life in Oshkosh and the Winnebago region.

Other exhibits and events were also presented, such as Night Whispers and our annual holiday exhibition, Deck the Halls. These were all made possible by your annual gifts to the Exhibition Fund. The Museum extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who made these projects possible.

“ Thank you to you and your staff for bringing in such wonderful exhibits to our city. The variety is incredible and I never miss a new exhibit! ” -Tanya Hielke via email

Artist Nathan Sawaya with Grasp.Photo courtesy of brickartist.com.

Oshkosh Public Museum

Wisconsin Hometown Stories: Oshkosh

What does it mean to be a “resource?” The definition might vary from person to person or place to place, but for the Oshkosh Public Museum it means being a source of information, using appropriate collection materials, and being able to utilize staff expertise. There is no question that the Museum is a dynamic source of historical information, and over the last two years, staff from Wisconsin Public Television tapped those resources.

Sometimes a project takes years of quiet planning, research, cooperation, and preparation; such was the case with Wisconsin Hometown Stories: Oshkosh. The program premiered in April 2015, but work actually started several years prior. Hometown Stories reveals the tale of the community and its people through a rich variety of images and interviews with residents, a method that public television has clearly mastered. Hometown Stories includes a strong curriculum component, enabling students to learn about their community’s history, culture, and diversity. Curator Anna Cannizzo worked in partnership with a groupof community educators to craft that element.

It was a pleasure partnering with Wisconsin Public Television, and we are proud that the Oshkosh Public Museum played such a central role. The story resonated with many people, encouraging one viewer to remark, “Congratulations to the people of Oshkosh for continuing to believe in the city and making it grow while saving so much of the past.”

“[Wisconsin Public Television] relied heavily on the museum’s great archive of photographs, which is a real treasure for the city.” -David Hestad, Wisconsin Public Television, via email

Cover for the Wisconsin Public Television series DVD, Wisconsin Hometown Stories,Oshkosh.

Charles Nevitt, Sr., sits at an unusual secretary desk in this image from October 1941. OPM #P2015.3.1

Mathias Kitz sits astride fake donkeys with his second wife, Caroline (Geschwender), in the mid-1890s. OPM #P2014.55.5

National Guardsmen of the 127th Infantry, 32nd Division, disembark from a troop train for extended training at Camp Beauregard in Louisiana in 1940. OPM #P2015.3.1

An unidentified woman enjoys time on the Fox River in this image from the 1890s. OPM #P2014.63.2

2014 Annual Report

The Oshkosh Public Museum has three core purposes: collect and preserve; tell stories; and foster an appreciation of our shared past. To achieve the second two purposes, theMuseum must accomplish the first: collect and preserve.

Being entrusted with the care and preservation of the objects, images, documents, art, and film that represent our collective heritage is a responsibility we take very seriously. Nine years ago the Museum began a partner-ship with Chicago-based conservator Barry Bauman. Although officially retired, Mr. Bauman continues to treat paintings for selected nonprofits, performing the work gratis. Mr. Bauman has treated 20 paintings from our collections, saving the Museum approximately $70,000. In 2014, he conserved three works, including paintings attributed to Oshkosh’s Jesse Jack Hooper.He is currently working on two paintings donated to Oshkosh from the French Gratitude Train in 1948.

Notable AcquisitionsThe Museum continues to exercise self-imposed restraints placed on collecting due to limited exhibition and storage space. Potential donations, especially three-dimensional items, are reviewed to ensure they relate to our mission, have clear connections to the region, and do not duplicate a piece we already own. Most collecting continues to be in the archives, as it remains our most-used resource with almost 700 research requests satisfied each year. Paper, photographs, and film is the fast-growing area of collections.

Core Purpose: Collect & Preserve

Volunteers

Whether an exhibit docent, cataloging

collections, or serving on the Board,

Auxiliary, or an advisory group, the

dedicated folks who volunteer at

the Museum are truly essential. In a

typical year, volunteers record 2,500

hours on various projects. Rick Rego

and Jean Thierman chat during

The Art of the Brick® opening.

Notable Acquisitions

Imported Tiles, Kimball HomeAlberta S. Kimball (1906-1996), President of the Miles Kimball Co. from 1949-1980 and one of Oshkosh’s best known entrepreneurs and leaders, was a generous philanthropist who enriched the community in countless ways. In 1965, Mrs. Kimball commissioned famous architects George Nelson and Gordon Chadwick to design a new home on Congress Avenue in the style of Mid-Century Modernism. The beautiful hand-painted tiles in the kitchen were imported from Holland (The Netherlands).Gift of UW-Oshkosh, OPM #2015.37

Photo courtesy of Amy Maile

Joe Gigl Miniature MallardsBefore cheap, mass-produced plastic decoys dominated waterfowl hunting, duck hunters used decoys made locally of wood and cork. One local carver was Joe Gigl of Fremont, Wisconsin. In addition to his full-sized decoys, Gigl made charming miniature wall mounted scenes like the one shown here, purchased by Les Hildebrand of Omro. Gift of Robert Hildebrand, donated in memory of Leslie and Zilpha Hildebrand, OPM #2014.54.23

With small decoys in their hands that mimic the rows of full-size decoys in the background, Les Hildebrand’s sons, Robert and Richard, stand with carver Joe Gigl in his shop in Fremont, Wisconsin, in 1955. Gigl was a well-known decoy carver and Hildebrand hunted with a full rig of Gigl decoys, now in the Museum’s collections. Gift of Robert Hildebrand, donated in memory of Leslie and Zilpha Hildebrand,OPM #P2014.54.86

Lemonade Pitcher and GlassesImagine a cold pitcher of real lemonade on a hot and humid summer day. While it might not taste any different served from this beautiful glass pitcher and set of glasses, it would definitely make a beautiful table setting. This Depression-era set was used by Esther (Knack) Brismaster.Gift of Gail Porto, in memory of Robert Brismaster and Marilyn Fulcher, OPM #2015.18

Photo courtesy of Amy Maile

2014 Annual Report

Strength in NumbersStatement of Revenue and Expenses for the year ending December 31

Operating Funds City Appropriation Admission Fees Gifts and Donations Gift Shop and Photograph Sales Miscellaneous Revenue Transfers In Additional Transfer Total Revenue Total Expenses Balance For Fiscal Year

Membership FundExhibition FundCollections Fund Dr. Richard and Jeanne Kitz Director’s Fund Lona and Edward G. Kitz Trust FundWilliam E. Bray Trust Fund Ethel J. Behncke Museum Trust Fund Frederick and Marion Hughes Durow Trust Fund Dr. Norman Marohn Museum Endowment Trust FundCapital Fund at the Oshkosh Area Community FoundationEndowment Fund at the Oshkosh Area Community FoundationCollection Fund at the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation

The Impact of an EndowmentTen years ago, the Museum started an Endowment at the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, supported in part by the proceeds from a fundraising auction. Today the Endowment has grown to about $280,000, and earnings are helping support a full-time position devoted to People of the Waters, soon to be our signature exhibition. Your gifts to the Endowment have made this possible. Please consider a gift or bequest to the Oshkosh Public Museum Endowment Fund. It is a legacy that will impact generation after generation as they share the inspiration and strength that this museum, and our history, provides to all citizens.

Frederick Schattschneider Durow and his wife, Marion Hughes Durow, spent a great deal of time at the Oshkosh Public Museum. It made a positive impression on their lives and they wanted to help ensure the Museum continued to have the same impact on other people. In 2009, they bequeathed $2.8 million to the Museum, representing a lifetime of hard work and savings. Under the oversight of Associated Wealth Management, the Durow’s incredible gift has grown to over $3.4 million and supports a full-time curator as well as exhibitions, programs, and improved collections care.

2014

741,000.0039,427.803,384.42

18,019.7448,152.8892,320.77

107,851.201,050,156.811,146,090.58

(95,933.77)

119,776.9530,062.50

616,485.70260,334.2553,714.4617,513.64

304,851.603,442,465.00

108,116.2010,486.77

269,640.42112,056.89

2013

848,600.00 37,972.75 5,628.96

22,401.39 14,886.46 70,229.79

999,719.35 999,510.33

209.02

154,936.14 43,383.21

625,993.92 256,828.08 46,713.06 14,850.12

278,496.29 3,348,993.00

99,438.80 10,540.66

286,912.62 122,791.98

Bill Radig RetiresAfter a long and successful career at the Museum, Exhibit Technician Bill Radig retired on June 30, 2015. Bill’s expertise, various skills, and incredible knowledge were legendary, and he worked on countless projects. He refurbished the 1895 Apostles Clock; created mounts for everything from flintlock pistols to pre-Civil War corsets; helped with artifacts as diverse as a porthole fromRMS Titanic; and he held the original black hat worn by the Wicked Witch of the West in the famous film The Wizard of Oz.

O S H K O S H

Discover • Connect • Insp i re

PublicMuseum

1331 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh, WI 54901 • 920.236.5799 • oshkoshmuseum.org