Notes from December 15, 2021 Ann Arbor Rotary Meeting
The December 15, 2021 Rotary meeting was called to order by President Susan at 12:30 PM. Tom Strode began the meeting by leading us in “The Star Spangled Banner”.
Larry Eiler talked about grief as an inspiration. Following personal grief, Larry began to learn about how grief can become a more positive experience. Working with four grad students from the University of Michigan, a 140-page paper was written on the subject. Larry now speaks to others about what he calls “My Good Grief”. His message is that grief can be handled by writing and speaking. By thinking about positive ways to transform individual grief and “then just do it” can turn a difficult experience into joy and admiration.
Downs Herold led us in singing, “Smile, Sing a Song” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
President Susan introduced guests. She expressed “thank you” to everyone who had a part in making today’s meeting work and birthdays until our next meeting on January 5. We were reminded that CSA payments are due by December 31, 2021.
Don Deatrick led the effort to put together 50 personal hygiene kits which were recently delivered to the VA Hospital. Barbara Eichmuller organized 10 gift bags that were delivered to senior and shut-in members of our Club.
Mary Steffek Blaske gave a moving tribute to Emeritus Member Larry Henkel who passed away recently.
Lori Walters introduced new member, Cyril White. Marlena Studer introduced new member Sofia Nordenstam.
John Barrie presented an International Humanitarian Projects Committee (IHPC) project, “LaUnilla Solar School Project” in Guatemala. Working with the local Rotary Club and community members, solar power was installed in a K through 7 school. Women from the community wired the school including computer labs. The school became a K through 12 school because of the computers. Every year of school allows students the opportunity for higher income.
Dennis Powers introduced today’s speaker, Dawn Johnson, Associate Director/Chief Administrator – The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan. Dawn spoke on “The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology: Guiding Principles That Reflect Its Past, Present, and Future.” Dawn joined the museum in 2012.
Francis Kelsey was a professor at the University of Michigan from 1889 until 1927. He began to collect antiquities to use in the classroom. He donated everything to the University of Michigan which formed the core of the University’s archaeological collection. Students began excavations around the world which continue today. The Museum is located in Newberry Hall. Construction of the building began in 1888; it was dedicated in 1891; the collection was moved to leased space in the building in 1920; the University acquired the building in 1937 and it was renamed for Professor Kelsey in 1953. One of the most iconic features of the Kelsey Building is its Tiffany window which was a gift of E. Crofton and Charles Fox in memory of their father, Reverend Charles Fox (1815-1854). An addition was built in 2009, a gift of Ed and Mary Meader. It added 20,000 square feet of study, storage and exhibition space. The new addition is temperature and humidity controlled and is a secure environment.
The Kelsey Museum supports teaching and research on Mediterranean and Middle Eastern archaeology through collection stewardship, exhibition and publication programs and the sponsorship of ongoing collections, research and fieldwork. It houses the Interdepartmental Program in Classical Art and Archaeology. There are over 21,000 visitors/year to galleries, programs and engagement through outreach programs.
The Museum’s Vision statement:
The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology creates knowledge, explores the past, and educates for the future.
The Museum’s Mission statement:
The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology advances understanding and appreciation of the ancient Mediterranean world through our collections research, exhibitions, educational programs and fieldwork.
The Museum’s Value statement:
• Stewardship: preserving collections and information for future generations in a sustainable way
• Research: advancing knowledge through scholarly inquiry and informed interpretation
• Education: inspiring life-long learning through direct experience of the past
• Discovery: exploring new approaches to antiquity
• Creativity: fostering innovation collaboration and presentation
• Respect: supporting an inclusive environment that values diversity of expertise, experiences, and perspectives
There are approximately 1,500 objects on display. The entire collection is more than 100,000 objects. Of special note is a replica of the murals of the Villa of the Mysteries of Pompeii (60 B.C.) which was commissioned in 1925 and done by Italian artist Maria Barosso. Currently, there is a special exhibition of Randal Stegmeyer photography.
There are 13 full-time staff, 5 half-time curators, 2 research scientists, and many volunteer docents that work at the Museum. The Kelsey is one of a thousand museums accredited by the American Alliance of Museums There are 30,000 museums in the U.S.
President Susan ended the meeting with a quotation from Helen Keller: “A happy life consists not in the absence, but in the mastery of hardships”.
Our next Rotary meeting will be January 5, 2022. The meeting was adjourned at 12:29 PM.
Carol Senneff
Reporter
Mary Steffek Blaske
Photographer
