If you’re a fan of local political theater, an aldermanic hearing on the controversial spending habits of the Missouri History Museum might be more interesting than the afternoon soaps.
Set for 1 p.m. Tuesday in Room 208 of City Hall, the meeting of the Parks & Environmental Matters Committee—chaired by Alderman Joseph Roddy (Ward 17)—is officially set “for the purpose of examining the structure and organization” of the museum. But while that might read like the course description for Museum Studies 101, rest assured the proceedings are not likely to sport an academic feel.
For a sneak preview, check out this January 2 letter from Roddy to Bayard Clark, chief financial officer of the History Museum. No need to read between the lines: From the top two items wondering about the shredding of museum documents to an inquiry into the identity of every employee who has left in the past dozen years to an extensive list of requests as to the activities and compensation of former President Robert Archibald, this is no retirement party for the good doctor.
Archibald was essentially forced to resign last month after nearly a quarter of a century at the helm of the museum. His departure followed months of controversy over real-estate dealings, a grant to the Loop Trolley, and some rather handsome compensation payments, past and present.
It can be assumed that the parting-gift $270,000 consulting contract given to Archibald did not include helping Roddy draft his letter to the museum. And while an appearance by the former president is hardly expected Tuesday, the hearing might not be the last he hears from the aldermen.
Unlike the Zoo-Museum District Board of Directors, the Board of Aldermen does have subpoena power. And if Roddy’s letter is any indication, he and other aldermen have a healthy curiosity as to the goings on at the History Museum, especially as they pertain to Archibald.
Stay tuned.
