To the editor:

Your editorial of Sept. 18 stated “the problem continues to be that neither the museum nor the society (Douglas County Historical Society) seem able to set much of a direction for the future.” The facts are that the board of directors adopted a long-range plan over two years ago (April 21, 2001). Please see our Web site: dchsks.org for the details. Many of the goals have already been accomplished.

The effort to implement that plan has involved, among other things, controversial changes in personnel and the hiring of a competent director who is supportive of our goals. Since her hiring, there have been major changes in the physical arrangement of the museum, the introduction of new and exciting exhibits (including a very impressive exhibit on the Vietnam era which will be up for a year) and the establishment of a five-year exhibit plan which, at present, does not include the National Park Service grant. We have long sought a comprehensive “gallery plan” and that is now in place.

While sometimes painful, the long-range plan is being pursued. The board of directors realizes we are dependent on competent professional leadership to reach our goals and for this reason have been and continue to be very supportive of our director, Rebecca Phipps.

Phillip A. Godwin, president,

Douglas County

Historical Society