Federal cuts threaten community museums

To the Editor:



I’m writing in response to the Editorial, “History, culture should be more of a priority� that appeared in the Oct. 17, 2006 edition of The Advertiser.

The announcement at the end of September of the Conservative government’s plan to cut the Federal Museum Assistance Program by half was indeed shocking and upsetting to those of us who work so hard on behalf of the heritage community in this province and across the country.

Comments made by federal officials about inefficient programs and poor management were equally disheartening.

At the Kings County Museum, volunteers donate thousands of hours a year to fundraise, research genealogical requests, catalogue textiles, greet the public, provide building maintenance and dozens of other jobs needed to keep a community museum operating. There is nothing inefficient about the effort they put in day after day, year after year.

The cuts to the Federal MAP program will affect smaller museums in Nova Scotia and across the country. Our provincial heritage association – the Federation of Nova Scotian Heritage – receives funding through the Federal MAP to create and deliver professional development programs throughout the province that benefit the smaller museum communities. Programs such as this will be threatened by the cuts.

The editorial was a morale booster for our staff and volunteers. It helps to remind us that our efforts are noticed and supported, and for that we at the Kings Historical Society and the Kings County Museum are grateful.

How can the public help? Write to your elected officials and let them know that these types of cuts are not supported, or log on to an on-line petition that’s gaining momentum across the country opposing the cuts. The web address is: www.petitiononline.com/MapCuts/petition.html.">www.petitiononline.com



Sincerely

Bria Stokesbury

Curator

Kings County Museum