DAR steps away from museum involvement

City given four conditions for group’s return to active role

The DAR. Few three-letter acronyms are held in higher reverence by those dedicated to historic preservation, patriotism and genealogical pursuits.

And for the past 60 years, the Thomas Shelton Chapter for the Daughters of the American Revolution has been committed to countless hours of volunteer service at the Gonzales Memorial Museum.

But as of Tuesday, July 10, that commitment ended.

That is unless steps are taken to alleviate concerns that have caused the DAR to cut its deep ties to Gonzales history and heritage tourism.

“Because of many concerns regarding our involvement at the museum, we feel it is time to step back,” Melanie Petru, regent for the Thomas Shelton Chapter, told the Gonzales City Council Tuesday night at its monthly meeting.

Petru told the City Council that the DAR museum board committee has drawn a line in the sand to cease its operations at the museum until the city executes a signed agreement stipulating the DAR’s role at the museum, the city-owned PastPerfect computer software is used effectively, the city commits to restoring the museum and the city takes responsibility for cleaning, maintaining and updating climate control options for the DAR chapter house.

“It is our hope that we can resolve these concerns and be able to continue our work to preserve the rich history of Texas and Gonzales, present the periods of Texas history to the public and promote Texas heritage tourism in the Gonzales region,” Petru told the City Council.

The city shares Petru’s hopes, and is committed to addressing the DAR concerns.

“I see the DAR’s decision as an opportunity for both organizations to take a fresh look at the museum and to better define what each organization’s role will be in the future,” Gonzales city manager Allen Barnes said in response to Petru’s announcement. “I feel that this is an opportunity not to step away, but to strengthen the relationship for years to come. It is our hope that the DAR sees it in the same light.”

Barnes said the city has already taken positive action in some areas, and that the City Council will seek to resolve the remaining concerns within the next few months. He says the city is committed to working with the DAR to restore the long-standing relationship.

First, Petru stipulated, “an agreement needs to be signed about [the DAR] role at the museum. We have worked with city personnel on this for the past two years with no success.”

Barnes assures that no acrimony exists between the city and the DAR, and agrees that an agreement needs to be in place. “Both the city and the DAR agree for the need for a written agreement outlining the responsibilities of the DAR. There have been several iterations between the two parties, but there has not been an agreement reached. I am not sure what the differences are, but we will sit down with them and discuss everyone’s concerns.”

Second, the DAR is frustrated with what is perceived as a resistance by the city to effectively utilize computer software that could help generate grant money for the museum. “The board had been told that city personnel would be able to use the city-owned PastPerfect computer program to update and maintain records at the museum in order to move forward to becoming grant ready,” Petru told the City Council. “Instead, the board had to hire college students and pay over $15,000. There is still work to be done. We are still not grant ready.”

PastPerfect software is designed to effectively manage collections and contacts, and claims to be the world’s most popular and affordable museum software. PastPerfect provides tools to automate accessions, exhibits, condition reports, repatriation, and incoming and outgoing loans. It is capable of handling millions of catalog records.

“[Police] Chief [Tim] Crow, who is the interim Parks director, and myself have corrected item No. 2 regarding PastPerfect,” Barnes told the City Council.

“I cannot comment on personnel issues, but I will say the city will utilize the PastPerfect system like we should,” Barnes said Wednesday. “Like any other city resource, I expect the city to use it to its maximum capacity in managing our collection.”

Third, the DAR wants the city to commit to museum building restoration, which Barnes said is consistent with what the city wants.

“The city is committed to the museum and its restoration. There are particular steps that must be taken in the restoration of the historic building. The city is working on several plans in regard to the museum, and the council will discuss these at their next workshop session, probably in September sometime,” he said.

And lastly, Petru points out that the DAR chapter house is a city building and should, therefore, be maintained by the city. Climate control in the historic building is also a major concern.

“This is a city-owned building and should be cleaned and maintained by the city. Mr. Barnes has assured me that this would change immediately,” Petru said. “Also, the building is too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. We would like to discuss some possibilities to make the building more useful.”

Barnes admitted some possible failings by the city and pledges to correct any deficiencies.

“Apparently, the Parks Department has not been maintaining the DAR house properly in recent months. Again, I expect our department’s to exercise proper care with the city’s resources. This situation is being corrected. Concerning [Petru’s] comments about climate controlling the building, we will examine that during budget time in late fall,” he said.

Barnes is confident that the DAR and city can successfully resolve any barriers to continuing the relationship that dates back to the 1950s.

“The two organizations have been working together for many years, and I really don’t see that changing,” he said.