Page 223 - Manfield FY21 Budget

HISTORICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

MISSION STATEMENT:

The mission of Mansfield Historical Services is to preserve local history by acquiring and maintaining
artifacts and information, and to ensure that these resources are available to the community. It promotes
interest in the heritage and historical landmarks of Mansfield by encouraging education, outreach, and
cultural tourism.

Department at a Glance

Historical Services includes the Downtown Historical Museum and the Man House, which will serve as a
secondary museum for citizens and visitors to learn about local history. The Man House is the residential
home of Ralph Man, one of the founders of Mansfield, Texas. The City is restoring the 100+ year-old
house in FY 2020-2021. The Historical Services Department includes the Museum Director and two part-
time clerks. FY 2019-2020 was the first year for the City of Mansfield to own and fully operate the
Historical Museum in downtown Mansfield. Previously, the building was owned by the Mansfield
Historical Society and operated by the City with the help of volunteers.

Key Goals and Objectives

Goal 1
Enhance the Museum’s collections.

Objectives:
• Continue to inventory items in the Historical Museum collection.
• Establish collection criteria for the Man House Museum.
• Update Museum database records to more accurately reflect the contents of collections.

Goal 2
Increase programs and special event activities.

Objectives:
• Increase the activity of the Program and Exhibits committees.
• Participate in Downtown and community-wide events.
• Create more temporary exhibits at the Historical Museum.

Goal 3
Become more visible in the community.

Objectives:
• Increase the Museum’s involvement in local organizations and build a partnership with the
Mansfield Independent School District (MISD).
• Increase social media activity.
• Actively survey visitors about how they heard about the Museum.

Performance Objectives
• Create a Collection Management Policy and Collection Plan for the Man House Museum.
• Develop a temporary exhibit schedule and community exhibit policy.
• Have a report of visitor survey responses to determine the most effective marketing tools.

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