Updates from the President

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller. I’ve been so busy lately with work, recovery from a knee replacement, and of course all things related to the MDHCA (in case you haven’t noticed how delinquent I am with this letter to y’all), that I have actually had to consciously remind myself to be Ferris. What exactly does that mean and why should you care? Well, grab your popcorn, settle in, and I’ll tell ya.

 

Ferris Bueller is the title character in the movie about an ultra-suave and completely dialed in high schooler who decides to take a day off dragging his reluctant best friend and girlfriend along with him, teaching them a thing or two about getting outside of your own box every now and then to experience LIVING. Seamlessly maneuvering through every social clique, non-judgmental, making friends everywhere, and appreciating what every other group had to offer – whether it was his thing or not. By all accounts and descriptions, Ferris was “a righteous dude.”

 

Why am I telling you this? Because it’s important. We can all become so busy with life, that it’s easy to forget to enjoy living. Be it our work, hobby(s), volunteerism, etc, it’s natural to get very involved in something you care deeply about. It’s also very easy to let it totally consume you – and THAT runs the real risk of taking away the joy you experience from it. The other risk of getting consumed by something, is becoming so tunnel-visioned, that it becomes your sole-focus, or clique. That then turns into closing you off to new experiences and new groups and you become so busy with your own life that you forget that broadening your perspectives is a key aspect to actually living. I’m the MDHCA President – which means I have to be concerned with all things related to the MDHCA, no matter how big or how small, and it is easy to get consumed by it – trust me. Personally, I have to consciously give it, and you, my all while not letting it become all that I’m about. One of my personal goals is to attract as many of you to the MDHCA and Goffs as possible, but simultaneously be aware to not let any one thing consume you – because I want you to experience ALL the MDHCA and our Goffs campus has to offer – history in multiple aspects, artifacts, exhibits, camping, and exploration. I want you take your experiences with us into the world, and bring your worldly experiences back to us. It’s how we grow and LIVE. So, when your life is moving so fast that you can’t get a handle on it, remember to be Ferris: Just stop and experience living so you don’t miss it. A great way to do that is to plan a trip out to Goffs: come on out to relax and take a look around for a while.

 

Let that sink in while you read how we did in 2022 and some of the exciting things happening in 2023.

 

RESULTS ON OUR KEY GOALS FROM 2022:

• Increase Revenue by $65K, Reduce Costs by $5K (Achieved)

  • Revenue increased by $89,461

    • Includes $73,850 for specific projects

    • Our on site Gift Shop sales increased by $1800

    • Publication Sales (books) DECREASED by $21,000 (huge hit)

  • Costs Decreased by $1,000

    • This includes adding in holiday pay for our employees as well as severance pay when we had to make a personnel change

• Our on site utilities and services actually reduced by $3,000 even with increased rates. A lot of effort has gone into improving this area

  • President thoughts: This is exciting and excellent, but the non-project specific revenue needs to drastically increase in 2023. Publication sales and variable costs will be targets .

• Attract New Members, Excite Existing Members (Short)

  • Increased members by 257 – from 453 to 750 (66%)

    • Short of target, but 2022 was the first year the organization has grown its membership since 1994

  • Feedback on our efforts and offerings has been overwhelmingly positive as we try to add more value for our members and expose our mission to more people

  • President thoughts: Definitely the right direction, but 2023 target is 1000+. Comfort level is 2000+

• Improve Awareness and Brand Identity (new web site, logo, etc) (Mixed)

  • Web/Social media reach: 2021: 15,200. 2022: 1,650,000 (10,755% increase)

  • New website not launched – but is very close (reviewing the new taxonomy now)

  • MDHCA Facebook group at 3200, Tale of the Mojave Road IG group at 343, and East Mojave Heritage Trail Facebook group at 337

    • Of those, 2980 are new in 2022

  • Multiple national, international, and global publications, associations, organizations, corporations, and major influencers now know who we are and what our mission is. Many came to our Goffs campus in 2022 and are partnering with us

  • President thoughts: We really expanded our reach and awareness, but 2023 has to get this new website launched and our new URLs into the game. Generate contributor content, and republish historical Tales from the Trail.

• Attract and Strengthen Partnerships and Sponsorships (Achieved)

  • Government agency relationships have been restored and are very strong

    • Not only do we have formal agreements in place, but we are now partnering on activities throughout the BLM and Mojave National Preserve lands.

    • BLM, NPS, Mojave Advisory Council (MAC), Desert Advisory Council (DAC) have started holding their regular meetings at our Goffs campus

  • We have added numerous corporate partners and sponsors for events, activities, and projects ◦ President thoughts: Success on every attempted effort in 2022. 2023 will see efforts remaining in these current areas, but expanding to generate more partnerships in our other mission areas.

• Good Governance: Professionalism: Compliance, Responsibility, Transparency (Mixed)

  • Charity Navigator score increased from 80 to 82

    • IRS 990 filing is the main information source – ours wasn’t complete in all those areas and I didn’t realize it until AFTER the submission deadline

    • This is being worked right now as a priority for 2023 submission

  • Candid! rating increased from Bronze to Platinum

    • Highest rating possible for transparency

  • Committees

    • Mixed bag here. Committees formed, but not much staffing or drive

  • Presidential thoughts: 2022 laid groundwork, but with so much going on, this area was allowed to not be a focal. Rethinking these for 2023 as leadership, staffing, and productivity are vital to our success. Policies are a focal in 2023. Charity Navigator score goal is 95, also want to publish our Board Meeting Minutes on the new website

• Research and Collections Archive, and Historical Focus (Mixed)

  • 2022 saw more activity at Goffs from external researchers representing numerous institutions and organizations conducting research via our archives and collections

  • Finding Aid is publicly available on ArchiveSpace/Libraryhost

  • Oral history interviews were restarted and our collections were increased

  • President thoughts: The increased access to our archive was a key focal in 2022. 2023 will increase drive on organization, usability, and upgrading our on site technology, equipment, and improving our controls and compliance processes to bring them into alignment with modern practices, techniques, and technologies.

 

While the mission is to turn the MDHCA around financially and professionally, I am really proud of how we’ve also actually grown our historical offerings and made them more accessible to researchers and academics. One of the things I’m striving for is improving your experience when you visit our campus. For those of you who will understand the reference, I don’t want to be just some amusement park with rides, I want us to be Disneyland – offering you an experience with quality, flow, and attention to detail that will pull you into a moment and keep you there until it’s time to pull you into another story - making you want to come back over and over again. So, we are not just adding new exhibits, but looking for ways to improve the quality and flow of those we already have. Like Disney, a goal is to make you feel like you are in the story, which is the story of the Mojave Desert. We have one huge advantage over Disney, you are actually part of OUR story. Through your membership, volunteerism, and action – we are building the MDHCA story together. That’s the 2022 report card, now onto some fun stuff…….

 

RECOGNITION

 

Awesome volunteers and great employees are vital to our success, not only as an organization, but also with having a physical campus that is functional, clean, and provides a great experience for you and your family. While there are dozens upon dozens of people who have contributed, I would like to mention a few who have really stood out:

• Bill Slutter – Board Vice President. He has taken on a lot of physical activities at Goffs and also donated a lot of items that cost a substantial amount of money for the purpose of improving our ability to provide our visitors and employees with a better experience. Additionally, he spec’d out a solar system for Goffs that will help reduce our monthly utility expenses.

• Laura Misajet – our Director of Museum Operations. A key goal was to free up some of her time so she could be more visible in the community and represent the MDHCA at events. She has done a stellar job in that regard, and others, but her exposure has also enabled some new happenings at our Goffs campus – more on that later.

• Arioch M’greene – our Site Manager. He has jumped into this role with the energy of ten people and the focus of a sniper. He is not only effective, but he is also a great ambassador for the MDHCA in his cheerful and friendly demeanor. Example: A couple (Devin and Kay) passing through Goffs when Arioch noticed their off-road trailer was broken. He offered to weld it for them, which he did, and they became some of our newest MDHCA members. During the process, they noticed his welding hood was broken and kept slipping off, as a surprise, a new welding hood arrived from them in the mail for him.

• Greg and Gloria Waggoner – our Docents. They are our first ever official docents, volunteers who trade long duration camping for activities around our campus. They have been unbelievably amazing during their time at Goffs. Friendly, resourceful, helpful, engaging, and an all around blessing. Greg and Gloria are well above the bar in what organizations hope to get when they have docents. We are so glad they chose Goffs and we will miss them terribly when they get back on the road at the end of April, and sincerely hope they consider returning to us in the future.

• Darin Hochberg – volunteer and 2022 Wagon Master Award winner. Darin has been extremely energetic and involved in numerous aspects of the MDHCA. He has repaired items, donated much needed items (water hoses, golf cart batteries, etc), and has manned membership and product sales tables for us during events. He is also a part of our Millman certification program, having earned his first qualifying certificate.

• Bill Inglehart – volunteer and 2022 Explorer in Residence Award winner. Bill has become my go to resource for the (being structured) Trails Management Program and EMHT signage activities, and there is no one more qualified or experienced, nor whom I trust more with this area of leadership.

• Ryan Wishner – has written a “Goffs Rag” piano number for us. If you were at Rendezvous 2022 – Ryan and his cohort put on quite a show by recreating an 1800s wax cylinder recording and doing a live musical accompaniment to a silent film. It was an amazing step back in time and a highlight of the event.

 

We’ve also had numerous corporate partners help us in some major efforts:

• Equinox Mining Corp for donating $20,000 towards our solar program – which will help reduce our monthly utility bills.

• General Tire for donating $50,000 towards the EMHT signage program – this is a massive effort to promote conservation and responsible backcountry exploration. GT also just provided 5 new tires ($1000 value) for our big flatbed trailer that will enable us to go pick up our new solar equipment – saving us $800 in delivery fees. It also gets our trailer back in the game for general site cleanup activities.

• onX Off-road has donated money, budget, and resources for creating a featurette film, as well as the $3500 they donated for the upcoming Passport Program. There are other strategic partnering opportunities currently under review.

• Bureau of Land Management Needles Field Office, Mojave Trails National Monument, National Park Service - Mojave National Preserve, and California State Parks - Mitchell Caverns – where we’ve come from to where we are with these relationships is a testament to these agencies and their people who have been willing and motivated partners with us.

• E. Clampus Vitus – and Scott “Scooter” Wall – they have graciously, generously, and enthusiastically been partnering with us to create a monument and plaque for Charlie Connell who passed away last year. It will be dedicated on Saturday April 22nd at 12 noon during Spring Encampment. , as well as for other exhibits on our campus. They are also creating one for Dennis Casebier that will be unveiled in 2024.

 

As I said, there are a lot of people, organizations, agencies, and corporations who are helping and contributing in a multitude of ways and we are thankful for each and every one of you and them.

 

While one can describe the MDHCA in single word sound bites: Preservation, conservation, collection, exploration, and interpretation - the MDHCA is actually not about any one thing. The real beauty of it is that we have so much to offer to a multitude of groups and interests: history, research, artifacts, backcountry exploration, lost arts demonstrations, exhibits, museums, tours, events, etc. As you will read in this letter – we are adding even more to our portfolio by increasing and improving our offerings, exhibits, collections, and exploring new ways of utilizing our campus.

 

EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS

• EMHT Signage In January, we officially entered our Performance Period with respect to the CA State OHV grant funding we were awarded for signing the 733 mile East Mojave Heritage Trail. Ground markers, tools, decals, and unique EMHT logos have all arrived and the installation process has begun. Billy Creech is leading the process, while Bill Inglehart, with a lot of support from the Desert Wranglers, is spearheading the installation activities. As a reminder, we not only received grant funding from the State of California, but also a very generous grant from General Tire. It’s astonishing how expensive this effort really is. Oh, have I mentioned we are looking for volunteers to help with this? Contact Billy Creech to get you or your group involved.

• Hosting In January, BLM brought a group of women representing the “Daughters of the American Revolution” to Goffs, where Laura led them on a guided tour through the history of the area and our campus. We have also hosted regular meetings and tours for the Desert Advisory Council and the Mojave Advisory Council at our campus. All have been very impressed with Laura, the MDHCA, and Goffs.

• Star Party As I made mention in the introduction, we are expanding our thinking and coming up with new ways to utilize our campus and help spread the awareness of and exposure to our mission to preserve and conserve all aspects of the Mojave Desert – including the skies above it. Afterall, astronomical viewing is history as you are looking back in time. In February, the MDHCA partnered with the Mojave Trails National Monument (MTNM) to host our first ever Star Party, an event born in the minds of our own Laura Misajet and MTNM Monument Manager Noelle Glines-Bovio. It was well attended by 80 people all of whom have an interest in viewing the stars and planets in the extremely dark sky environment that is Goffs. The Las Vegas astronomy club brought experts, amateurs, and a plethora of telescopes; while MNP NPS Chief Ranger Sierra Willoughby was on hand to discuss the Mojave National Preserve, and multiple professional photographers were present, including our own 2022 Photographer in Residence Award winner Ken Lee. A multitude of MDHCA volunteers hosted an incredible event and all signs point to offering this type of event multiple times per year to take advantage of viewing astronomical happenings from our unique campus. A tip of the hat to Laura and Noelle, and the rest of their team for putting together an (inter)stellar event.

• E. Clampus Vitus 18-19 March will be holding their event at our campus. In the event you don’t know who the “Clampers” are: The Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus (ECV) is a fraternal organization dedicated to the preservation of the heritage of the American West, especially the history of the Mother Lode and gold mining regions of the area.

• Spring Encampment CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: 21-23 April. This is our annual site beautification, improvement, and repair event. Whether or not you want to dig with a shovel, swing a pick, twist a wrench, stroke a paint brush, dust some cabinets, or sort some documents – we have a work party that you can join. There is no effort too big or too small for this event – if you have the time to come out to Goffs, we’ll find something that fits what you want to work on – because we have plenty to do. Then, after a day of volunteering, relax with your friends and cohorts in the Fly Wheel Café enjoying the magnificent Mojave Desert sunsets, some food, and the libations of your choice. A special happening at this year’s Encampment is the unveiling of the Charlie Connell memorial marker and the Connell Mining District. If you wish to attend and participate, please RSVP via our evite link if possible: http://evite.me/vcqvq9BJbv If you are not able to RSVP via evite, please contact Laura at Goffs directly.

 

BRAG SECTION

 

I’d like to take the opportunity let you guys know what our 2022 In Residence Award winners are up to:

• Ken Lee – Photographer in Residence attended our Star Party event and gave attendees some useful guidance on how to take night photos. We hope he will lead a workshop at our next star party which will be held Saturday August 12 - 13. In 2024 he is planning to host a weekend long retreat at Goffs for his night photography group. It’s not open to our members unless there are open spots available after their group gets first dibs.

• Jim Toenjes – Researcher/Historian in Residence published a great article on some of the key history in our area titled, “African American Homesteading in Lanfair Valley”. Here is the link to his full article: https://mdhca.org/122-african-american-homesteading-in-lanfair-valley

• Chris Collard – Photographer in Residence, in addition to his regular photography activities, he has authored a twopart article aptly titled, “Of Elephants, Smugglers & Extortionists – on the Hunt in the African Bush” that is published in the first two issues of the new OVR magazine. The story recounts his adventure in Kenya, Africa participating with our common friend Sam Watson (FRGS, FI TEC) in conducting a lion census for the Born Free Foundation, and anti-poaching activities with game rangers.

• Bill Inglehart – Explorer in Residence has been busily helping me with the EMHT signage project, trail assessments, leading groups on Mojave Road and EMHT tours to expose them to the area and its history, rebuilding his Jeep, and wrapping his head around the Trails Management Program I am structuring.

• Austin Schoenkopf – Researcher/Historian in Residence has purchased a house within the Mojave National Preserve and is continuing his research activities and helping to provide specifications for updating and acquiring needed equipment in our archive. He has applied for grant funding, tied to the MDHCA, for a historical project he is working on.

• Dave Nichols – Researcher/Historian in Residence has recently been on assignment in Great Basin National Park and will be leading archaeology workshops and tours during our Mojave Road Adventure Fest event in April.

• Thomas Nichols – Photographer in Residence has been working on his photography and has graciously donated a lot of his works to the MDHCA.

• Joe De Kehoe – Researcher/Historian in Residence over the past year has gotten our oral history interviews going again and submitted to our archive for proper cataloging.

 

Exhibits

 

As I’ve mentioned before, our campus, collections, and exhibits cannot remain static – they have to grow and change. Change doesn’t always equate to being radical, but can be a subtle, yet noticeable, upleveling of the quality, or the flow to enhance the visitor’s experience. Circling back to the Disneyland reference, Disney’s calling card is creating an experience for their guests. From the layout, the flow, the themes that do not cross-over (Cinderella stays in Fantasyland – she does not go visit Indiana Jones in Adventureland), attention to detail in every aspect, and quality. While most amusement parks dedicate their resources to creating a ride, Disney dedicates 5x as many resources to creating an experience. From the specific theme of one the “lands” – Fantasy, Tomorrow, Frontier, and Adventure (my favorite) – they put you into a theme as soon as you cross the threshold, then they start pulling you into the story as soon as you enter the line, by the time you actually get on the ride you are mentally in the moment – and they don’t let you out of it until you have completely exited that ride and are ready for a new experience. While we are not Disney, there is nothing to say we can’t do better and look at our offerings with that type of eye towards experience and detail and make improvements where we can. That is starting with a few things…..

 

First, the northern end of the campus will be dedicated and branded with a physical sign as the Connell Mining District after the late Charlie Connell who meant so much to our mining exhibits and equipment. The intent will be to start moving our mining oriented artifacts to that area and create an area that anchors your mind and experience into the mining activities of the Old West.

 

Second, Dennis spent a decade-and-a-half creating the Mojave Road and the EMHT, another three years fighting for it, and a few more years trying to remap it – it’s important we do proper justice to that portion of our history. The Mojave National Preserve donated a Mojave Road interpretive sign that we will mount on the southern portion of our property by the Mojave School Bus, Mailbox, and monuments (frog, gnome, Jeep). Thus anchoring and branding that area as a backcountry exploration themed portion of the campus.

 

Third, with the very hard work of Steve and Debbie Marschke, we are adding two new major exhibits to our campus: the historic original Mojave Cross, and the late 1990s pop-culture phenom, the Mojave Phone Booth. Each exhibit will be deliberately placed and constructed with the intent to replicate its original look, feel, and overall vibe. Special thanks have to go to Wanda Sandoz and Chris & Leslie Ervin respectively for their thoughtful and gracious donations of these items to allow us to build worthy displays/exhibits to bring these into your current reality.

 

Fourth, David M’greene graciously donated some items to our Ft. Piute display and improved the organization of it. If you haven’t seen this infantry exhibit – you should get your butts back to Goffs.

 

Finally, we are also looking to improve our offerings and flows within our museum and exhibit hall, as well as our outdoor artifacts throughout our campus. If you are creative or artistic, and have an interest in volunteering , we can certainly use you for creating and revamping our exhibits and displays. CALL ME!!!

 

Since I’m late with this letter, I have a lot to say (but Oh Billy, that’s so NOT like you – LOL), but it’s time to wrap this up so you can get back to what’s left of your day. I appreciate every single one of you and the contributions you are making to help grow the MDHCA story and bring it to people who never knew we existed. No secret here, I am looking for energetic volunteers to get more involved in our committees (many of which can be done from your home), as we have a ton going on. But, one thing I will not do is consume so much of your time that you stop experiencing living. So, be Ferris and remember that life moves pretty fast, and if you don’t stop and take a look around once in a while, you could miss it.

 

In Exploration,

Billy