The Jake de Vries Taxidermy Collection

The Jake de Vries Taxidermy Collection
Business Plan
The Jake de Vries Collection Group is proposing the relocation of this large and varied natural
history collection to the Ameliasburgh Heritage Village, becoming part of the museum’s
permanent collection. This business plan outlines the feasibility of the transfer of nearly 500
mounts and redevelopment of an existing building at the museum site to appropriately house this
signature collection.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Johanna de Vries, John de Vries and Jane Moon have inherited the
remarkable taxidermy collection of their husband and father Jake de Vries. Many
friends and associates of the de Vries family were aware of the quantity, quality and
local significance of this collection. Some of these people approached the de Vries
family to respectfully ask if the family had decided what might happen to the
collection in the long term. The de Vries family had decided, initially, that the
collection in its entirety would remain at the home of Johanna. The de Vries family,
however, welcomed the idea to discuss what might happen to the collection in the
distant future. That is when a small group calling themselves the Jake de Vries
Collection Group began to discuss the how, why, when, and where with respect to
the collection’s future.
In time, the County Museums expressed interest in providing a permanent
home for the collection, with the understanding that the project required Prince
Edward County Council’s endorsement and the Jake de Vries Collection Group would
guide the process and the securement of funding. After careful consideration, it was
determined that the Ameliasburgh Heritage Village would be the most appropriate
site for the collection, considering both the size and mandate of the museum.
The collection is comprised of nearly 500 specimens, ranging from waterfowl
to song birds to mammals, large and small, and fish. A site visit with an
Ornithologist from the Royal Ontario Museum determined that this collection is one
of the finest private collections of taxidermy in the province. As such, the collection
requires an adequately sized facility with proper environmental conditions to ensure
the long-term preservation of the mounts.
The de Vries family is now ready to move the collection, pleased that it could
be held in public trust with the museum system, particularly since Johanna and
Jake always opened their doors to schoolchildren and other interested groups who
wanted to view and learn from the collection. The Ameliasburgh Heritage Village
has identified its “Green Barn” as a potential home for the collection, pending
County Council’s approval in principle. The building has ample space, but requires
significant structural upgrades to be suitable for the collection, in addition to
appropriate exhibition materials such as cases, plinths, hanging systems and
interpretive panels. The estimated cost for the project is $275,000, inclusive of an
$85,000 reserve to maintain the retrofitted building in the future.
This collection tells incredible stories about our natural world, its biodiversity,
both the carelessness and conservation efforts of humankind and last, but not least,
the craftsmanship of Jake de Vries and his lifelong passion for preserving natural
heritage for both public education and aesthetic appreciation. Creating a
permanent home and exhibition for this impressive collection will ensure that an
unparalleled educational resource will remain in Prince Edward County for the
benefit of its residents, visitors and generations to come.
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ABOUT JAKE DE VRIES
Jacob de Vries became a well-known taxidermist in Prince Edward County
and beyond after 50 years of preparing specimens as part of his own collection and
for many avid hunters who were proud to have a trophy of their experience.
Although Jake was a hunter in the earlier years, he was more of a
conservationist and considered taxidermy as a method of presenting the wonder
and beauty of nature. His interest was piqued early as a young man growing up in
Holland. An uncle of his then girlfriend, Johanna, later to be his wife, was a
published botanist, taxidermist and professor and served as a mentor in
encouraging his love of nature.
In 1948, Jake arrived in Canada and as many other Dutch immigrants,
worked for a year as indentured service on a farm near Stockdale. His future wife
and family had the same plan and worked for a farmer on Huyck’s Point Road.
Shortly after, they married and started a family and soon moved into their own
home that Jake built in Rosehall. It was here that he began correspondence courses
in order to learn the art of taxidermy and slowly began his amassing of a collection
of birds and ducks and, later, all species of wildlife. He was always a hard worker
and maintained full time employment while he spent most evenings on his hobby.
Later Jake and Johanna owned a cottage and campground resort on Lake Consecon
where he came into his own and balanced the work life and his taxidermy
expanded.
Jake and John de Vries – “Fishermen”
Jake had the type of personality that drew people to him and he could strike
up a conversation with almost anyone. He had many friends who shared his interest
in nature including game wardens from the (then titled) Department of Lands and
Forests.
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He was very proud of his work and enjoyed participating in many public
events and displays. The door was always open for people to view the collection
and he loved to host school children and thrived on their energy and excitement
about the wildlife. It is in this spirit that the family wishes to continue this legacy
and shared this collection with the community.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
To date, the focus of the Jake de Vries Collection Group has been to formally
catalogue and photograph the specimens, as the family did not know with certainty
how many mounts actually existed. The current location for the collection is a
showroom that has been created out of a former carport at the de Vries residence.
The mounts fill all four walls, from floor to ceiling, and vary from tiny to very large.
While it was clear that this collection housed hundreds of natural history specimens,
the official number was difficult to ascertain. To date almost 400 mounts have
been catalogued and it is estimated that the final count will be close to 500.
In starting this project, the de Vries family made three stipulations, which
have become guiding principles:
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that the entire collection stay together as one
that the entire collection remain in Prince Edward County and available to the
public
that a tribute be presented to the public about Jake de Vries
The Group is now ready to plan the permanent home for collection at the
Ameliasburgh Heritage Village’s “Green Barn” in hopeful partnership with the
Corporation of the County of Prince Edward, the governing authority for the
museum. The Group will direct the fundraising efforts for the project, and take
responsibility for the generation of revenue to refurbish the structure to meet the
environmental requirements to properly house and interpret a collection of this
nature. In their fundraising efforts, an endowment will also be established to assist
with the future maintenance of the building.
The museum’s Head Curator and Site Curator see this potential partnership
as benefit to the museum’s operations, with the renovation of an existing and
currently less-than-dynamic building and the establishment of a signature collection
for the museum that will draw new and different types of visitors to the site.
The collection complements the mandate of the site, considering:
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The Natural History value, particularly since many of the specimens in the
collection reflect the local natural history
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The opportunity to share a unique story, the craftsmanship and art of Jake
de Vries and his contributions to the understanding of Prince Edward
County’s natural and cultural heritage.
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Currently the barn houses antique buggies and farm implements/equipment.
Museum staff is now rationalizing their own collection and are prepared to either
relocate the barn’s contents to other buildings on site, to other museums in the
County system, or, in the case of duplication, deaccession items from the collection
if the project is formally approved by Prince Edward County Council.
Project Goals: Short Term
1. Request of Prince Edward County Council that a permanent home for the
collection be made at the Ameliasburgh Heritage Village
2. Contract the Canadian Conservation Institute to test the collection for arsenic
and pesticides to determine best storage/display methods (Museums)
3. Complete the inventory of the entire collection using the methodology and
registration system that is used by the Museums of Prince Edward County
4. Raise profile of the collection within the community; interest and engage the
public in establishing a suitable permanent home for the collection.
Project Goals: Long Term
1. Launch and manage a fundraising campaign that would realize the short and
long term fiscal needs of the Green Barn’s redevelopment
2. Renovate the Green Barn to suitably house and display the collection to the
public; and purchase of appropriate exhibition and interpretive materials like
display cases.
3. Transfer ownership of the collection to the County of Prince Edward County
with an agreement that would follow the guiding principles
4. Relocate nearly 500 taxidermy specimens to the Ameliasburgh Heritage
Village
5. Marketing and grand opening of the exhibition.
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
To date, Bel-Con Design-Builders Ltd. has been a partner in this project, donating
site visits, advice on the project’s scope and budget estimations.
According to Tom Gunsinger, the company’s estimator, project manager and design
coordinator, the scope of this project includes:
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Wall repairs to wood siding
Insulation of exterior walls with minimum R12 c/w vapour barrier
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New interior prefinished metal liner panel
Strap underside of roof trusses and sheet with prefinished metal liner panel
New attic space, insulated with R20 blown-in insulation c/w vapour barrier
Attic space ventilation
A new pre-finished metal roof system, gutters, downspouts and all gable and
eave flashings
A new interior partition to separate public viewing area from storage area
New lighting and receptacles
An HVAC system for humidity control
Construction and/or purchase of various display cabinets and materials
Please see Appendix 1 – Correspondence from Tom Gunsinger to Andy Margetson,
December 2012.
PROJECT BUDGET
Building Renovations including display requirements
(Bel-Con estimate, October 2015—updated from 2012 Estimate)
TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET
Item to Consider
Estimate
13% HST
Total
Building Renovation
93,500
12,155 105,655
HVAC
22,000
2,860
24,860
Display units
18,700
2,431
21,131
PROJECT BREAKDOWN
Total renovation /display
105,655 + 24,860 + 21,131
costs
Contingency of 20%
151,646 x 20%
Renovation/Display
costs
New Total
151,646 + 30,330
Renovation/Display
costs
In- kind value of existing
Present value of existing
building as it stands
building
In-kind project
Approximately 12% of budget
management, courtesy
of Bel-Con
Reserve Fund
See Appendix 4 - calculation
Fundraising Campaign
Postage, advertising, costs for
electronic donations, costs for
special event, bank account
audit
TOTAL FUNDRAISING
181,976 + 85,000 + 5,000
TOTAL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN GOAL OF
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In-Kind
151,646
30,330
181,976
55,000
24,000
85,000
5,000
271,976
$275,000
Charitable Giving and Receipts
Although a fundraising campaign has not yet launched, one project partner has
already expressed considerable financial support. The Prince Edward Stewardship
Council has earmarked $15,000 toward the project.
It is proposed that the Museums of Prince Edward County would serve as the bookkeeper for this project, having capacity to issue tax receipts for the fundraising
dollars received.
Building Maintenance - Reserve Fund
A Reserve Fund of $85,000 would be established for future maintenance of the
refurbished building. It is proposed to be held by the County of Prince Edward
(Appendix 4).
Building and Collection Operating Costs
It is proposed that the County of Prince Edward covers the yearly operating costs of
electricity for the building, as per the rest of the museum site. To cover summer
dehumidification costs and updated lighting, it is estimated that the electricity costs
will be an additional $700 per year. Heat is not a factor, as the specimens do not
suffer in unheated environments. Water is not required for the building upgrade.
As the project does not represent an additional building, just a change in building
contents – staffing complements will remain the same. Security upgrades are
foreseen (i.e. new alarm system), as are insurance adjustments. Periodically
conservation costs may be applicable to individual mounts. New marketing
materials for the museum system site, and its new collection, also represent a
modest operating cost increase.
In Kind Labour and or Materials
The above budget does not factor in any in-kind labour or in-kind materials for
renovation, display, or fundraising efforts, although these contributions would be
welcomed.
Fundraising
Applications will be made to foundations and grant programs that provide a
particularly good fit for the project’s goals and envisioned outcomes. These will
foreseeably address the bulk of funding required, but the Group identifies a number
of revenue sources:
Foundations
Grants
Museum (funds for displays)
P E Stewardship Council
Individual Giving/Crowdfunding
Major Private Donors
Service Clubs & Local Business
Fundraising Events/Products
Microdonations
$100,000
$80,000
$22,000
$15,000
$15,000
$15,000
$15,000
$10,000
$3000
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(proposed)
(pledged at present)
(incl. online contributions)
(i.e. “Jars at the counter”)
Total Fundraising:
$275,000
MARKET ANALYSIS
Ameliasburgh is a rural hamlet in Prince Edward County, with a population of
approximately 200-250 people, fluctuating in the summer months with seasonal
residents. It houses the Township Hall for the Ward of Ameliasburgh. Ameliasburgh
Ward has a population of approximately 5500 people. The County of Prince Edward
has a total population of approximately 25,000 people and is located in close
proximity to the urban centres of Belleville and Trenton. Prince Edward County has
a strong tourism presence in the summer months, with an estimated 500,000+
visitors annually.
The village of Ameliasburgh is in the midst of a strategic planning exercise,
stemming from a realization that the organizations in the community are receiving
fewer visitors/customers and a belief that the village is in need of revitalization.
A working group has formed to make improvements to the village, and includes
membership from:
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The Town Hall
The Recreation Committee
The Fair Board
The Al Purdy Library
The Ameliasburgh Heritage Village
The Friends of Ameliasburgh Heritage Village
Quinte Educational Museum & Archives
Marilyn Adams Genealogical Centre & 7th Town Historical Society
The Al Purdy A-Frame Project
The Horticultural Society
The Masonic Lodge
The Eastern Star
The Women’s Institute
The Prince Edward Car Club
From the strategic planning to date, there have been general observations that
are integral to developing a permanent home for the de Vries Collection on the
grounds of the Ameliasburgh Heritage Village:
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The village of Ameliasburgh is not a commercial centre of Prince Edward
County, with few if any businesses; however, this can be examined as both a
strength AND weakness – a destination apart from the hustle and bustle
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Most visitors to Prince Edward County come for the wineries, the culinary
experiences, and the Sandbanks Provincial Park – none of these currently
offer a significant ripple benefit for the village of Ameliasburgh
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Revitalization begins with an understanding that the village has numerous
family-friendly experiences, in a relatively concentrated area , that are
either free or low cost: museum visits, library service and programming,
community programs, Roblin lake/beach/waterfront, conservation area,
millpond, & trails, special events, etc.
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The Ameliasburgh Heritage Village is a feature attraction of the community,
but requires some changes to its site and interpretation to keep things fresh
and interesting.
The de Vries collection could arguably be the crown jewel in the village’s
revitalization, offering a permanent museum exhibition that highlights both natural
heritage specimens and the craftsmanship of taxidermy. The sheer volume and
variety of specimens will make the exhibition a destination for nature enthusiasts,
educators, hobbyists, artists, and families. It has been suggested that it is one of
the best private collections of taxidermy in the province.
The Jake de Vries collection will contribute a uniquely distinct component to the
Museum system of Prince Edward County. Specifically, it will add a natural heritage
history component that has not as yet been available to the public along with some
insight into the character and artistic ability of a post war immigrant from Holland.
OPERATING PLAN
The Ameliasburgh Heritage Village has 18 buildings/structures on site. It
represents late 19th and early 20th century history, with a particular emphasis on
agriculture and the rural character of Prince Edward County. The inclusion of a large
natural heritage collection would be a sympathetic addition to the museum.
The museum is a seasonal operation, open the Victoria Day Weekend to
Labour Day Weekend, five days per week; the site is also open weekends in
September.
The Site has one full time Site Curator (March through October) and typically
two summer students. The Head Curator for the five County Museums provides
administrative support year-round. Events and activities at the site are supported
by the Friends of Ameliasburgh Heritage Village, a volunteer group with charitable
status. In 2014, this group generously donated 1329 volunteer hours to the
operation of the site.
A goal of this project is to retrofit an existing building on the museum
grounds, creating an adaptive re-use for the “Green Barn”, which is, in essence, a
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capital improvement for the museum—an improvement that would not be feasible
otherwise.
In 2014, the Museum had 86 operating days and just over 2934 visitors;
averaging 34 visitors per operating day (although special events like Heritage Day
and Taste the Heritage tend to draw larger audiences in a small block of time). The
Museum will benefit from a new feature, which builds on the mandated goals of the
institution – to preserve local history, heritage and material culture—to appeal to
new audiences.
Currently the Museum has a conservative estimate of 10,000 artifacts in its
collection. The addition of the Jake De Vries Taxidermy Collection would be a
signature attraction at the museum, much like the 18ft flywheel that is on site. The
collection would be curated and exhibited by qualified Curators and municipal staff.
It is anticipated that visitor numbers will rise at the Ameliasburgh Heritage
Village as a direct result of relocating this collection. As the site charges an
admission, this would mean an increase in revenue from entrance fees and
foreseeably through educational programming offered for local school boards.
Exact projections are difficult to quantify at this early stage, however a goal would
be a 40 per cent increase in museum attendance by the fifth year of the collection’s
relocation. This would be contingent, however, on adequate resources to market
the site and its new natural heritage collection.
THE PROJECT TEAM
Barry Brown
Barry Brown has been a resident of Prince Edward County for over 40 years and is
a founding partner of Bel-Con. Barry is a member of the Ontario Institute of
Quantity Surveyors and also holds a Canadian Construction Association certificate
as a Project Manager and Estimator. Barry also brings over 45 years of invaluable
experience in all aspects of construction and management of the project. Barry has
been a longtime supporter of the Ameliasburgh Heritage Village and Pioneer Village
as well as the Seventh Town Historical Society and Marilyn Adams Genealogical
Centre.
Johanna De Vries
One of Jake’s biggest supporters was his wife of almost 60 years, Johanna. They
began their relationship in post WW2 Holland and immigrated together to Canada in
1948. Shortly after they were married and raised their family of two children,
always living in Prince Edward County.
Jake’s interest in taxidermy and establishing of his collection started in early in their
marriage and Johanna always encouraged his talents. She often accompanied him
on trips to find specimens to improve his collection and natural materials to
enhance settings for various birds and animals. Johanna has her own set of talents
in the arts with skills in painting, knitting, crocheting and needlework.
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Jake always enjoyed presenting his collection wherever possible and Johanna
continues his wish to share the collection with the community.
John de Vries
John H. de Vries was born and raised in Prince Edward County. He attended
Wellington Consolidated Elementary School and Prince Edward Collegiate. From an
early age his father would take him on fishing and hunting trips and share his love
of nature. John’s mother was musical and influential in his career direction. After
some pre-teen piano lessons, he was drawn to guitar and was soon playing dances
with some high school friends. While attending Sir Sandford Fleming College, he
continued playing and toured southern Ontario and upper New York State,
eventually signing with Capitol Records. Although no longer touring John remains
active with several musical projects playing most weekends and working part-time
for Hastings County Housing Services.
Sheila Eagen
Sheila Eagen grew up in Windsor Ontario. She and her husband Erin raised their
family in nearby Tecumseh. After graduating from the University of Windsor, she
taught primary grades in Essex County and later worked with the Essex County
Library, becoming supervisor of the Tecumseh Library. After retiring and moving to
Prince Edward County in 2008, she and Erin became volunteers at the
Ameliasburgh Heritage Village. Sheila is currently the chairperson of the Friends of
the Ameliasburgh Heritage Village.
Tom Gunsinger
Tom Gunsinger joined Bel-Con in 1991 after eight years with an engineering
consulting firm. Tom is an estimator, project manager and design coordinator. His
past experience ranges through virtually all types of ICI projects. Tom also has a
keen interest in the outdoors, history and the opportunity to educate and preserve
both for future generations.
Ron Hubbs
William Ronald Hubbs (Ron) was born and raised in the Ameliasburgh area of Prince
Edward County. Ron met Jake de Vries for the first time in 1971 when he asked
Jake to mount his first deer. During the mid-1970’s, Jake approached Ron for
support of a petition to assist Jake to retain his raptor collection. Through the
support of the Junior Farmers and several local groups, Jake was successful in
keeping his collection. Ron has been employed as an Equipment Operator with the
Prince Edward County Roads Department since 1979. He joined the Prince Edward
Land Stewardship Council several years ago and has been actively involved in the
many projects brought forward from the group. Longtime maple syrup producers, in
2003 Ron and his wife Janice opened Sweetwater Cabin, an 1830 homestead log
cabin moved from Lanark County to their property on Rednersville Road.
Andy Margetson
Andy Margetson has worked for the Ministry of Natural Resources for nine years.
Andy lives and farms with his family on the east end of Consecon Lake in Prince
Edward County. Andy has known the de Vries family and, by association, the
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collection for over 40 years. From the Group’s first meetings, Andy has served in a
coordinator role, first as Stewardship Coordinator (MNR) with the Prince Edward
Stewardship Council and later as a private citizen. He is excited to continue
working with the de Vries family and Group members with the end goal of enabling
the public to learn and enjoy from this very important collection.
Jane Moon
Jake’s youngest child was his daughter Jane, who enjoyed country life with her
family in Prince Edward County. She benefited from his knowledge and the interest
in nature that he fostered which continues to this day and is passed along to the
next generation through her grandchildren.
As an adult, Jane resided in several communities in Ontario and PEI raising her
family and establishing her career in social work. Like many county folk, she
returned to her home community to be closer to aging parents and reintegrate into
life in the county. She feels blessed to have had some time with Jake during his last
years and is fully supportive of connecting the community with the taxidermy
collection.
Jim Moore
Jim Moore was a lifelong friend of Jake de Vries. Jim met Jake in the early 1950s
when he first came to Canada. Jim worked in the Department of Lands & Forest and
Ministry of Natural Resources for 42 years. Over the years, Jim’s position as a
Conservation Officer allowed him to provide Jake with many specimens for his
collection.
Terry Sprague
Terry Sprague grew up on Big Island where he developed an affinity for both the
natural and human history of Prince Edward County. He met Jake de Vries in the
mid-1960s and developed a lifelong friendship with him. An author of several
books, he has worked in the field of natural history at Glenora Fisheries, Sandbanks
Provincial Park and Quinte Conservation, and eventually created his own business,
NatureStuff Tours.
Museum Staff:
Janice Hubbs
Janice Hubbs was born and raised in the Consecon area of Prince Edward County.
She attended Ontario Business College, graduating with a Retail Management
Certificate. Janice also worked part time with Canada Post as an Assistant Post
Master. It was during this time that she grew to know people along the rural mail
routes of Consecon, including Jake and Johanna de Vries when they lived at the
East Shore of Consecon Lake. Since 2003, Janice has been the Site Curator of the
Ameliasburgh Heritage Village and has acquired a Certificate in Museum Studies
offered by the Ontario Museum Association.
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Jennifer Lyons
Jennifer Lyons has worked in municipally-operated museums for the past fourteen
years, after receiving a graduate degree in Museum Studies from the University of
Toronto (2000). Since 2007, she has been employed as Head Curator for the
Museums of Prince Edward County, a family of five community museums, including
the Ameliasburgh Heritage Village. The Museums of Prince Edward County have a
combined collection of approximately 50,000 artifacts. Jennifer has worked
previously as the Acting Manager of Heritage & Culture for Haldimand County and
also as Curator of the Haldimand County Museum & Archives.
APPENDICES
Appendix 1:
Correspondence from Tom Gunsinger to Andy Margetson, December 2012. Re:
project quote
Appendix 2:
Group notes from meeting with Mark Peck, Ornithologist at the Royal Ontario
Museum, December 2010
Appendix 3:
Photographs from the Collection – a sampling of specimens
Appendix 4:
Proposed Endowment Fund for Long-term Facility Costs
Appendix 5:
Sampling of post-visit student letters to Jake De Vries
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Appendix 1:
Correspondence from Tom Gunsinger to Andy Margetson, December 2012.
Re: Project Quote
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Appendix 2:
Group notes from meeting with Mark Peck, Ornithologist at the Royal Ontario
Museum, December 2010
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Royal Ontario Museum visit at De Vries
Mark Peck, Ornithologist, ROM
Sunday December the 12th
Comments from Mark Peck in conversation with John De Vries and Andy Margetson
Doug McCrae from Brighton was also present.
Remarkable collection in general with a few specimens he has never before seen in a private
collection.
In general, the collection is in very good shape with not too much colour fading.
Present day taxidermy costs range from 200.00 to 1000.00 for a large bird.
Storage of the ROM collection goes into “wheeled boxes”… wooden boxes with Plexiglas
windows. The Jake De Vries collection and the individual pieces have been mounted in a way
that lends itself more for display than for storage. At the ROM, specimens are preserved in
manner that reduces storage space whereas this collection is designed to be showcased by
mounting on the wall. It might be best just to plan to show case most of the collection out in
open like it is presently displayed.
There is a hand held device (x-ray fluorescent machine) that can detect arsenic. It is probably
best to plan to have the collection behind glass or Plexiglas. John mentioned that his Dad had
used a product called “Bess Maid” and is still available from Bossier City La. and he ordered a
quantity not long before he fell ill (which we still have).
Regular dusting is necessary. Mark was impressed at how little dust was on the collection. Static
electricity is a problem and the maintenance staff at the ROM often use “swifers” to reduce static
electricity. Mark commented that Jake must have done an excellent job cleaning and preparing
the specimens and reducing the amount of grease left on the specimens.
Mark agreed that the next step would be to catalogue the collection. If we wanted any advice in
catalogue procedures used by the ROM, we should ask. John suggested that “What I think
would add interest to the "catalogue stage" is to video Jim Moore and Terry Sprague in the room
with their personal stories about certain birds/animals that Dad mounted. (excellent idea) . Also
include where the birds came from, wild and captive.
The other issue was moth infestation and damage from the larvae eating skin and feathers. Mark
said it appeared as though we had no such damage as of yet, but we should remain vigilant.
Freezing the specimen kills eggs and larvae (must be a fast freeze down to -25 C and then left
frozen for two weeks. Wrap in plastic to avoid condensation. So, if for whatever reason there is
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noticed dust or specimen damage, separate the specimen and freeze immediately. This is what
they do at the ROM.
Lighting and colour fading is a huge issue. Humidity is a huge issue. Room temperature is not
that big an issue. Arsenic is an issue but can be determined. Probably want collection behind
glass anyway so the public cannot touch. I would recommend you put them behind glass and
control the light levels as much as possible (50 lux) is suggested for feathers. It also prevents a
lot of the dust issue and potential damage from the public. Humidity should remain constant to
prevent cracking of skin.
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Appendix 3:
Photographs from the Collection – A Sampling of Specimens
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Appendix 4:
Proposed Endowment Fund for Long-term Facility Costs
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October 19, 2015
Jake deVries Taxidermy Collection
Building Operating Costs:
Current = $ / month
Newly renovated building Estimated Increase = $100/operating month
Endowment Fund for Building Maintenance / Equipment Replacement:
Item – Description
Cost per year
Roof expected annual maintenance $0.02/sq ft - average per year
$40 / year
Roof Replacement – 25 year lifecycle*
$1,180 / year
Lighting annual maintenance (lamps and ballasts)
$100 / year
Replacement of lights – not applicable
$0 / year
Dehumidification System annual maintenance (yearly maintenance)
$400 / year
Replacement of dehumidification system based on 20 year life cycle*
$940 / year
Estimated Maintenance and Equipment Costs per year
$2,660 / year
Plus 10% contingency
$266 / year
Total
$2,926 / year
Suggest using $3,000 / year as basis of establishing endowment fund x 25 years = $75,000
Suggest $10,000 Emergency Fund be included as well.
Therefore total Reserve Fund = $85,000
Inflation included at 2% per year where indicated by * for future replacement cost
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Appendix 5:
Sampling of post-visit student letters to Jake de Vries
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