Hennepin History Museum Board Membership
Background
The Board of Directors of the Hennepin History Museum is responsible for ensuring that the mission of the organization is fulfilled. They provide governance, leadership, and vision; ensure the vitality and growth of the organization; represent the museum to the community; and accept the ultimate legal authority for the organization.
The board is a group of community members that share a common passion for this organization to make history a relevant force in people’s lives, to unite communities by getting everyone’s voices heard. We enjoy working together to see that passion translate into meaningful volunteer work on behalf of the museum. It is a thoughtful, deliberative group that partners with staff to meet the challenges and opportunities of the organization.
Board Opportunities
Hennepin History Museum is continually looking for dedicated people to serve as volunteers and board members. Applications for our board of directors will be open from January through March, 2024.
We strive to foster a culture of inclusion for all board members, volunteers, employees, members, and museum visitors that respect everyone’s strengths, beliefs, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a stronger team – one that makes more informed decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better results.
Hennepin History Museum needs a diverse set of skills and backgrounds to ensure broad, relevant, and diverse thought and action and is actively working to expand the diversity of the board to be more representative of the communities we serve. We are seeking board members with experience in fundraising, public relations and communications, and real estate. Previous board experience is a plus but not required.
2024 Application Process
| Dates | Action |
| January 8 – March 8 | Board applications open for submissions |
| January – March | Governance Committee members will reach out via email to set up a meeting with the museum’s executive director, committee members, and candidate. |
| April 5 | Governance Committee meets to discuss board candidates’ applications and decide upon a slate to present to the full board. |
| Week of April 8 | Governance Committee reaches out to selected candidates to invite them to introduce themselves at the full board meeting |
| April 24 | Board meeting; board meets candidates, then discusses and votes on board candidates |
| Week of April 29 | Board candidates notified of board decision |
| May | New board member orientation |
| May 29 | Board meeting and board social hour |
Board Commitment
Board members are elected for three-year terms. A commitment of 4-10 hours per month is recommended, with 3-4 hours per month devoted to meetings (full board meetings and at least one committee) and the balance for other activities, including fundraising and introducing friends and prospective donors to the Museum and its events.
Board meetings are the fourth Wednesday of every month from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. All board members are encouraged to attend meetings in person, but a hybrid option is available as needed for the convenience and access of members. As a guide to our efforts, the board has created a Roles & Responsibilities document that is reviewed and affirmed annually.
All board members are encouraged to make a financial contribution to the organization. We do not ask for a certain dollar amount but ask that you consider Hennepin History Museum one of your top three giving priorities.
If you are interested in this opportunity but it is outside the recruitment period, we encourage you to stay involved with the museum in the meantime – visit our website to learn more about other volunteer opportunities, exhibits, programs and events, and magazine.
Please contact Executive Director John Crippen at john.crippen@hennepinhistory.org or 612-767-4795 for more information.