Organization > Chapters > Mid-Atlantic > Minutes and Reports
VRA Mid-Atlantic Chapter Meeting Minutes
Friday, July 26, 2002
Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Charlottesville, VA
The VRA Mid-Atlantic Chapter and the local ARLIS chapter meet jointly at least once a year. This summer's joint meeting at the Thomas Jefferson Foundation in Charlottesville was a tremendous success. Both ARLIS and VRA members enjoyed the day-long series of events and the chance to spend some time with their colleagues. Below is a report on the day's activities and the minutes of the VRA business meeting held during the afternoon.
Kathe Albrecht, Chapter Chair
VRA Attendees:
Kathe Albrecht, American University (Chapter Chair)
Robin Churchill, Baltimore Museum of Art
Elizabeth Gushee, University of Richmond
Greg Most, National Gallery of Art
Mark Pompelia, Rice University
Brian Shelburne, Virginia Tech
John Taormina, Duke University
Christina Updike, James Madison University
Lynda White, University of Virginia
Ann Whiteside, University of Virginia
(We were joined by an equal number of ARLIS colleagues for the day's events)
The Day's Events:
The day began with coffee and breakfast treats at the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Library, a new facility located just a short distance from Monticello. Our host, Jack Robertson, welcomed us and described the recent move into the building. Attendees then gathered in the main conference room for a demonstration of the University of Virginia's Digital Library Initiative. This informative morning session was given by Leslie Johnston, Ann Whiteside, and Judy Thomas, each of whom approach the digital project from a unique perspective. It is clear that the University's efforts in this broad digital program will be an important contribution to higher education.
At noon, we carpooled to the nearby Jefferson Vineyards where we enjoyed delicious catered box lunches and took a brief tour of the historic vineyards, learning about the winemaking process and the history of the Vineyards. Afterwards, we were treated to a winetasting of several of the varietals that the Jefferson Vineyards produce.
Our afternoon session took place at the Jefferson Foundation Library, where Jack and his colleagues reviewed the work that they are doing to digitize some of the original Jefferson papers and letters from the collection. They discussed the various issues involved in the effort and explained how the digitized information will enable broader access and enhanced study of the life and work of Thomas Jefferson. After the talk, attendees split into two groups for brief business meetings, followed by some time to visit the Library and view the items that had been gathered from the collection for our viewing.
Later in the afternoon, those who were able to stay drove to Monticello and participated in one of two tours, the Garden Tour and the Plantation Tour. These were fascinating guided sessions that gave the attendees an understanding of life at Monticello. To cap off the day's activities, there was an after-hours tour of the mansion, which included a special trip to the upper floor and the Dome Room, which are generally closed to public tours.
The daylong activities gave participants the opportunity to learn about Thomas Jefferson and his life at Monticello, to hear about the important activities of our colleagues from both the Jefferson Library and the University, and to meet informally with fellow VRA and ARLIS friends in a beautiful environment steeped in history and cultural richness.
Minutes of the VRA Mid-Atlantic Chapter Business Meeting
Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Charlottesville, VA
3:20-4:00 p.m.
- Welcome and Introductions: Kathe Albrecht opened the meeting with words of thanks for all those who could attend.
- There was a brief reckoning of fees for the chapter meeting's luncheon and tours.
- Approval of Minutes: Kathe distributed copies of the minutes from the spring chapter business meeting held Friday, June 7, 2002 at the University of Maryland at College Park as reported by Christina Updike. Minutes were read and then accepted as presented.
- Kathe Albrecht distributed copies of the mid-year report of VRA Mid-Atlantic Chapter.
[Send e-mail to:sridenour@aqua.org if you missed your copy]. - Chapter Website Update: Kathe reported that Johns Hopkins University has offered to host the chapter website on their server, however, progress on the web site has been slow. If alternative hosts need to be considered, interested individuals are encouraged to contact Kathe. Kathe hopes that the chapter's website will be up on a server before year's end.
- Report from the VRA Executive Board: Ann Whiteside reported on the activities of the Association. On the 2003 VRA National Conference in Houston (April 7-12), Ann reported that pre-conference planning is well underway. Many interesting and useful programs have been approved, including sessions on leadership in the visual resources field, cataloging of images and image scanning. The conference hotel is located in a historic district of Houston and is across the street from several of the city's museums. Nearby Rice University has excellent facilities as well, which will be helpful to conference planners and attendees.
The Strategic Planning Task Force is making significant headway with the VRA Strategic Plan which was presented to the Executive Board at their mid-year meeting in Houston in July. Ann would like to have the plan available on the VRA website for VRA members to comment upon and make suggestions. - 2002 Mid-Atlantic Fall Meeting: Elizabeth Gushee reported on the likelihood of having the fall meeting in Richmond, VA. She intends to check with her colleagues regarding calendar dates and available space on the campus. Likely dates will either by Friday, September 27th or Friday, October 4th; an announcement will be made shortly.
[It has since been decided for Friday, September 27th.] - Upcoming Election for office of Chapter Chair 2003-05: Kathe reported that her term of office will be ending in December 2002. She encouraged members to consider running for office. Kathe reminded everyone that Susie Ridenour will remain Secretary/Treasurer through 2004, thus providing the new chair with plenty of continuity and support.
- Leadership Workshop: Kathe reported that the VRA Board has announced that they will fund the cost of the leadership workshop (to be offered in Houston in April) for one member or chair of each VRA Chapter. If you would like to be considered for the sponsorship, let Kathe know.
- Other Business:
- Kathe suggested that the VRA Mid-Atlantic Chapter consider putting together a gift basket of regional items for the silent auction in Houston in April.
- Liz Gushee asked about VRA membership renewals. Renewal packets will be mailed out in September; all membership fees are due in December.
- General discussion of having North Carolina join the VRA Mid-Atlantic Chapter. No official decision was made, but invitations to our meetings will be extended to our North Carolina colleagues.
- General discussion on the passage of the TEACH ACT. It is hoped that the VRA conference will have a session in which this complex piece of legislation is discussed.
- Closing Remarks: Kathe thanked everyone for their participation in the business meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 4:00.
Business Meeting Minutes Respectfully submitted by Elizabeth M. Gushee, VRA Mid-Atlantic Chapter Member (for Susie Ridenour, Secretary/Treasurer, who was unable to attend the meeting).
