An  second meeting was held on May 14, 2007 with prelimary organizational decisions and action items taken. A subcommittee has been defined to complete the Business plan which is critical to proceed. The members are Sandy Acly, Jonathan Krach, Bill Laub and Dick Whitney. Input on the Museum name and exact makeup are being defined. Your input and participation is welcome!

Musuem committee members at present include: Cindy Capillo, Dick Whitney, Donna Silverberg, Gabriel McCarthy, James Patterson,John Moore, Margaret Morrissey, Mark Carron, Mike Loin, Peg Whitney, Sandy Acly, Steve Brady, Jonathan Krach and Bill Laub.

The next meeting (where all are welcome) is scheduled for Monday August 20, 2007 at 6:30PM at 12 Crane Street Complex. Here are basic details of the project:

1) Who? A team of community volunteers composed of members in local Industry, Government, private enterprise, local businesses and numerous public and private organizations is championing this project . The Optical Heritage Museum Collection and board is an integral part of this this endeavor, and is an established non profit 501-c(3) entity.

    The Museum :
        President –  Dick Whitney (tentative)
        Vice President - Mike Loin
        Treasurer – Bill Laub
        Secretary – Cindy Capillo
        Curator- Dick Whitney
        Board of Directors Chair –

         Advisors include- Steve Brady, Mark Carron, James Patterson, Jonathan Krach

2)  What? The goal is the establishment of a uniquely designed Museum, showcasing numerous Industrial and Cultural collections specific to this area. These collections shall be designed where possible to include non traditional Museum approaches, taking advantage of new technologies to foster an atmosphere that is dynamic, interactive, entertaining and educational. These series of displays will illustrate the rich heritage and unique industrial contributions of Southbridge and surrounding communities within the Quinebaug-Shetucket Heritage Corridor. It must be sustained on a variety of funding methods,  and not be dependent upon entrance fees; entrance donations will be optional.

3.) When? Target Date for opening: June 2008 (25th Anniversary of AO Museum opening, 175th  Anniversary of AO’s Birth in Southbridge in 1833)

4.) Where? Historic Universalist Church Building at 368 Main Street, Southbridge, Ma. This location is ideally situated in the heart of Downtown Southbridge, located on Main street Statistics indicate it is one of the most heavily traveled streets in Central Mass, with traffic averaging x car per day. Parking concerns have been addressed, and plans for improved access to the Central Street lot a part of this proposal. Busses may park in the Municipal lot nearby after dropping off passengers at the Museum. This building is at the corner of Main and Hamilton, where redevelopment plans are currently being finalized for the area between Hamilton and Central streets. The Hamilton street area is also undergoing a significant resurgence, the latest example of which is the 12 Crane Street complex adjacent to the recently renovated Flat Iron building on Hamilton St.

5.) Why? A location for a home for the AO Collection has been identified after years of search, and as a result community backing is evident from an impressive cross section of community leaders who wish to participate to make the Museum goal a reality.
 

Come and join us and also get a peek of the Crane Street project. Here is where we will meet,  with a beutiful  view of the Quinebaug River!
 

For more info, email Dick Whitney
 

Optical Heritage Museum (To be an key part of this Museum)

AO History

Southbridge Page

Whitney Home Page