Aberdeen’s Board of Museum and History met for the first time since the Armory fire destroyed the Aberedeen Museum of History.

The previous incarnation of the museum board had become inactive and the Friends of the Museum group had been handling most questions. The Friends group is still seen as a key aspect of building a new museum, but Mayor Erik Larson appointed a new, reconstituted board to make major decisions.

The mayor’s appointments include: Les Bolton, John Shaw, Michael Schmidt, Jamie Brand, Randy Beerbower, George Donovan, Don Lentz and councilman Jeff Cook. The appointment terms vary from one to three years as set by Aberdeen Municipal Code.

Mayor Larson opened the meeting with a welcome and this direction for the board. “This is an opportunity to set goals and priorities to guide what the board would like to see a museum look like. This board will be a part of history.”

Bolton, formerly executive director of the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Society, was elected as chairman and John Shaw was elected vice chairman. The board talked about establishing a mission to guide the collections policy, review the role of the Museum and History Board, the relationship with the Friends of the Aberdeen Museum, and forming ad-hoc committees to begin research on museum trainings and collections management policy.

Members of the Friends of the Aberdeen Museum were in attendance, along with several community members and curator Dave Morris. Bolton told the Friends that having a group like theirs is important and he looks forward to working together.

The Board of Museum and History meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. on the 3rd floor of Aberdeen City Hall. The meetings are open to the public.