What a Long, Strange Trip It

I take inventory in December and examine the preceding year’s accomplishments. But, as I survey the past, I inevitably dwell on the future; that is, where the museum is going – or needs to go. So this year, in order to see the bigger picture, I looked back further than the preceding 12 months and reread past December columns. This broadened my perspective.

I’ve felt frustrated at times with the museum’s most ambitious project to date – its new home. We had found a nearly perfect building, and the owners seemed inclined to sell, but, during negotiations, complications set in, and the purchase contracts became increasingly complicated. Months dragged on; jockeying continued, and I sometimes wondered if it was meant to be.

The bigger picture evidences that fine balance of letting go, but not giving up. In the end, it was a simple timetable purchase I couldn’t control. I’m very happy and encouraged to say we finalized the building in late September. Construction has already begun. All that useless worrying at 3 a.m.

Sometimes, I forget how far the museum has come. In my December 2005 column, I wrote, “2006 is a pivotal year. The questions loom: Is this it? Is this as far as we go?” The “it” was our present facility. We had just celebrated the Grand Opening in April 2005, but I was already thinking about a bigger, more expansive museum. I actually confided to a few close friends that this was but a prototype for what I really envisioned. I knew we had to put our best foot forward and see if the response invited more.

Looking back further, to December 2004, I sometimes wonder what would’ve happened with successful negotiations with the City of Norwood. We looked at a building that once served as an incinerator. It featured tall ceilings and interstate exposure, but had more shortcomings than I was probably willing to admit. I was too excited about the prospects of opening somewhere – anywhere for that matter. I know now that someone had other plans for the museum’s permanent home.

It just wasn’t time yet. I think about how lucky I’ve been in how things have played out. Not necessarily following my plan exactly, but working out, and, actually, probably working out better than “my plan.”

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I also hear myself sounding like, “This is Tod’s project,” and I quickly remind myself of those people who’ve been involved over the last eight years. I also acknowledge I probably have the sign industry’s best job. How many people get to create a job for themselves as fun and rewarding as what I get to do?

Then I tell myself to never forget the significant responsibility of being entrusted with all the resources people have freely given toward creating and growing the museum. I’m sincerely grateful for all that support. I can’t emphasize enough how this is really the sign industry’s museum – a celebration of our craft’s rich tradition, creative problemsolving and entrepreneurial spirit.

If you’re not a part of the museum, consider the many available opportunities. For example, the Adopt-A-Sign and Save Old Signs programs, highlighted in last month’s column, grow the museum’s collection. But the easiest way is to become a museum member. You probably received our letter late last month. You can join at whatever level fits your budget, but do join.