Bylaws

Section 1. The name of the organization shall be the Cowley Heritage Center/Museum.

Section 2. The Cowley Heritage Center/Museum is a non-profit organization incorporated under the ordinances and code of the Town of Cowley in Cowley, WY.

Section 3. The purpose of this organization is to promote the study of the Town of Cowley and the Big Horn Basin, and to encourage in every way possible an interest in the history of the area. It shall be concerned with the preservation of artifacts, sites and monuments that reflect the development of the Town of Cowley.

Section 4. The Cowley Heritage Center/Museum may accept and receive gifts, donations, bequests, and legacies of whatever kind and nature, and use same in carrying out the purpose of this organization.

Section 5. Items donated to the Cowley Heritage Center/Museum are received with the knowledge that individuals and families have the right to request the return of their donated items. The total cost of preparing and shipping return items will be borne by the donor.

Section 1. Membership in the Cowley Heritage Center/Museum shall be open to all persons who are willing to adhere to the bylaws and actively support the organization by attending meetings, making monetary donations, working at the museum and supporting the Cowley Heritage Center/Museum sponsored activities.

Section 2. Members shall be residents of the community or the Big Horn Basin. Members at large shall prove some connection to the community as former residents or individuals with former/present family ties to the area.

Section 1. The Executive Committee is the center's governing body. It shall be composed of a Director, Assistant Director, Secretary and Treasurer. Officers must maintain a primary residence in the Town of Cowley or the Big Horn Basin.

Section 2. Officers shall be elected by the majority of members attending the first meeting of the calendar year. Officers will serve a two-year term and can serve consecutive terms.

Section 3. The Executive Committee exists to provide continuity of knowledge, guidance, oversight and management direction. Specific responsibilities are:

• Develop both long-range and immediate objectives for the Cowley Heritage Center/Museum.
• Prepare annual budgets and multi-year financial objectives.
• Develop working relationships with agencies and other historical organizations.
• Provide management direction of publications and relations with external organizations.
• Enter into contracts and agreements with external organizations and individuals.
• Provide an annual report to the Town of Cowley.

Section 4. The Executive Committee may from time to time authorize two or more officers to sign checks and transact essential business with the designated bank. The Executive Committee shall approve forms that are necessary to qualify the authorized signers.

Section 1. Newly elected officers shall assume their duties during, or immediately following the adjournment of the first meeting of the calendar year.

Section 2. The Director shall call all meetings and preside over the same. The Director shall submit a written report to the Town of Cowley at the close of each fiscal year or as specified by the Mayor and Town Council.

Section 3. The Assistant Director shall assume the chair in the absence of the Director at any meeting and discharge the duties of the Director.

Section 4. The Secretary shall keep a record of all meetings of the Cowley Heritage Center/Museum; shall carry on correspondence that pertains to the office; provide meeting agenda and minutes for board members, and shall have access to a roll of all members of the Cowley Heritage Center/Museum.

Section 5. The Treasurer shall review all financial records; shall review the reconciliation of all bank accounts; and shall present a financial report at each meeting.

Section 6. Should a vacancy occur in any of the elected offices for whatever cause, the Executive Committee shall appoint a member of the Cowley Heritage Center/Museum to fill out the unexpired term.

Section 7. The outgoing officers shall transfer to their successors all manuals, books, records, correspondence, keys and material they may have in their possession that pertains to the office.

Section 1. The Cowley Heritage Center/Museum shall conduct their meetings on the second Tuesday of each month to be held at the Cowley Heritage Center/Museum. Meetings will not be held in August and December.

Section 2. The Executive Committee may change the designated date and time with the approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the local board members.

Section 3. Minutes or records of the proceedings of the Cowley Heritage Center/Museum board shall be on file in the museum and available to board members and town officials.

Section 1. The Cowley Heritage Center/Museum is funded by reimbursements from the Town of Cowley for approved receipted expenses not to exceed designated allocations. As the owner of the museum building, the Town of Cowley will also cover utility, internet, and general building maintenance expenses. All other dispensable funds are received through monetary donations or fund-raisers.

Section 2. Monetary donations of any kind are irrevocable and non-refundable.

Section 1. To amend Bylaws, there must be a First and Second reading of proposed changes at two consecutive meetings. A third reading will occur prior to voting to adopt changes.

Section 2. Bylaws may be amended by two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast by local members.

Section 3. Changes to Bylaws must also be approved by the Town of Cowley.