Clive Historical Society faces dissolution amid leadership crisis

During a recent meeting, the Clive City Council addressed the pressing challenges facing the Clive Historical Society, which is contemplating dissolution due to a lack of new board members and dwindling community engagement. The society has struggled to attract volunteers, prompting a call for assistance in the upcoming July newsletter. If no significant influx of volunteers materializes, the society plans to dissolve and manage the disposition of its assets responsibly.

City staff outlined several recommendations for the council to consider, focusing on the future of the Swanson House and the depot, both of which are currently leased by the historical society. The council discussed the potential mothballing of the Swanson House, as there is no immediate need for programming there. The city aims to preserve items of historical significance, with plans to temporarily store valuable documents and photographs in a climate-controlled environment at the Harbox Center, making them accessible through the local library.

The depot, which has historical ties to Clive, may be retained by the city, while the caboose, deemed less relevant to Clive's narrative, could be sold or scrapped. The historical society's president noted that the market for cabooses is limited, with many ending up as scrap due to high transportation costs.

The council acknowledged the need for a strategic approach to preserve Clive's history, considering the changing dynamics of community engagement. The historical society has seen a decline in attendance at events, with only a few private tours conducted in recent years. The council and society members expressed a desire to rethink how Clive's history is presented, potentially reaching out to local retirement communities for new volunteers.

As discussions continue, the council is tasked with making decisions that will shape the future of Clive's historical narrative and ensure that the community's stories are preserved for future generations.