Board of Directors, Willistead Manor Inc.
Meeting Minutes

3. PRESENTATION

Nicole Hutchinson, a local curatorial consultant, appears before the Board of Directors, Willistead Manor Inc. to present the Coach House Exhibit Concept Proposal. Ms. Hutchinson begins by introducing herself and informing the Board members that she has recently researched, designed and implemented the Heritage Hallway exhibit at the Tayfour Campus of Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital as par of their 100th anniversary of service to the community and has also researched, designed and implemented two permanent exhibits for the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association.

Ms. Hutchinson provides an overview of the steps that are required for the planning and design of the exhibition. She indicates that the exhibit will be completed in two phases, the first being “Research and Writing”, followed by “Design and Implementation” and will interpret the history of Hiram Walker, the Walker Family, with a specific focus on Edward and Mary Walker, as well as the development of Walkerville.

Ms. Hutchinson refers to the three separate spaces in the Coach House, the entrance and foyer, the main studio and the public corridor and indicates that all three will play a role in the visitor experience and encourage visitor participation, although the main studio will be the main focus of the exhibit. Options for visitor participation include self guided tours and the use of technology.

A discussion ensues with regards to the importance of Canadian Club and the Whisky business to Walkerville and the members suggest that this important part of history also be included in the exhibit.

Moved by R. Gauthier, seconded by C. Gaudette,

THAT the presentation by Nicole Hutchinson regarding the Coach House

Exhibit Concept Proposal BE RECEIVED; and,

THAT the Board of Directors, Willistead Manor Inc. AUTHORIZE an expenditure in the amount of $4,990. to begin the implementation of the proposed historical exhibit in the Coach House; and,

THAT the expenditure BE FUNDED from capital project No. 7075065 Willistead Restoration Improvements

Carried.

4. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

D. Sanborn provides a copy of a letter that was sent to Mayor Drew Dilkens, dated November 18, 2019, attached as “Appendix A”, asking that Willistead Manor be considered as a satellite location for Bright Lights should the matter be considered in the future. The letter was drafted at the request of the Board of Directors at its meeting of November 12, 2019.