Wait and see - Museum supporters would like to see better plan in place

NANCY MACPHEE The Journal Pioneer March 12, 2007

SUMMERSIDE ­ The consensus was clear: government must guarantee continued support for Island museums before establishing a provincial facility.

More than 30 people gathered recently at the Acadian Museum for the second in a series of public forums held by the Institute of Island Studies.

The aim is to gather input from museum and heritage professionals and the public on the Province’s proposal to build a provincial artifactory in Murray River.

Institute advisory committee member Fred Horne said those at the most recent meeting wanted assurances funding and support for the Island’s museums continues if a provincial museum is built.

“Whatever happens they don’t want to see any diminished support,” said Horne. “They’re concerned and rightfully so.”

Currently, the P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation oversees museum collections for the Province. Its facilities include a building for artifacts and seven seasonal, decentralized theme-based museums.

Of more than 80,000 artifacts, an estimated two-thirds ­ 53,300 ­ are in the current artifactory, a steel building in West Royalty. The Province has proposed to build a new artifactory in Murray River, which is in the premier’s riding.

The issue has raised the ire of many who work in the field, prompting the institute to hold meetings in Charlottetown, Thursday’s meeting in Miscouche and a third meeting, scheduled for St. Peters on Tuesday.

In addition to the seven provincial museums there are countless smaller community-run museums scattered throughout P.E.I.

Horne has worked with the Macphail Foundation, Basin Head Fisheries Museum and currently with Wyatt Heritage Properties.

Most often, he noted, volunteers and government-funded programs are what keeps smaller museums open.

He said those at the recent forum believe a comprehensive strategy for all P.E.I. museums is a must.

Many museums, including those that are provincially run, are hurting. Horne pointed to Green Park Shipbuilding Museum and Yeo House.

“There hasn’t been a whole lot of money spent on that infrastructure since 1973.”

Horne said those who attended the forum indicated a provincial museum should easily accessible to all Island students.

“Would they be looking at this proposed move, which is based on community development and economic development? If education were driving the action and had been driving the actions for a number of years, would it be different,” questions Horne. “I think it would.”

Many in attendance also voiced concerns with the lack of a public consultation process prior to government’s decision to move forward with the artifactory.

Horne said the consensus at the recent meeting was a moratorium on the proposed move of the museum storage facility take place.

Information gathered at the public forums will be made available to the public and government.