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Fort Caspar Museum plan targets traveling exhibits, education and grants; city flags potential conflict on NEH film project
Summary
Museum staff presented strategies to boost Fort Caspar Museum revenue via traveling exhibits, tiered fees, internships with Casper College and targeted grants. Staff said a proposed NEH documentary grant will be submitted but noted potential conflicts because the museum supervisor may be compensated for film work; the city will review legal and finance procedures before accepting any award.
Zulima presented the Fort Caspar Museum section of the Parks and Rec business plans, describing opportunities to partner with Casper College on museum internships, grow traveling exhibits with tiered rental fees and premium workshops, and resurrect a museum educator position to expand school and youth programming.
The museum supervisor, Steve Gainer, has proposed sponsorship‑backed exhibits, increased facility rentals and tourism initiatives (including a ride‑on train and photography rentals of carriage props) to diversify revenue. "Our current cost recovery goal for Fort Caspar is 20% and we're not proposing a change yet," Zulima said, noting some ideas are already in motion.
Staff also disclosed they will submit a National Endowment for the Humanities grant for a documentary about Fort Caspar and the Battle of Platte River Bridge. Because Steve Gainer is likely to play a role in production, staff said they will do a detailed review with financial services and the legal department to manage any conflict of interest and ensure proper compensation is handled before accepting funds.
Why it matters: the museum's proposals aim to increase earned revenue while preserving collections. Councilors asked about insurance, volunteer coverage during reenactments, and logistics for traveling exhibits; staff said volunteers are covered under the city's WARM liability policy when acting within scope, but volunteers are not covered by workers'‑comp.
Next steps: proceed with NEH application; perform internal conflict‑of‑interest review if awarded; pursue sponsorships, grants and partnerships to fund exhibitions and education work; staff will return with updates.
