International Museum Day 2019 observed

[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49dwMDHH5vs” width=”100%” height=”315″]

― “museums – the keepers of tradition” – Director of Culture

― “visiting museums is an exciting way of bringing history alive” – Min. Norton

By Onika Bobb

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Proud students of the West Demerara Secondary School were excited to have their institution host the observance of International Museum Day this year under the theme ‘Museums as Cultural Hubs: The future Tradition’.

“I feel honoured and privileged because most other schools have to come to my school to participate in the activities here today,” said thirteen-year-old Cherie Campbell, a student.

“I am proud that the ministry chose West Demerara Secondary School and it feels nice that they are exposing the ‘countryside’ to the cultural history of Guyana,” added Tiann Connelly, a Grade Nine student.

The event, in observance of International Museum Day, kicked off with breathtaking cultural performances from the school’s Steelpan orchestra, dramatic storytelling and African drums.

On display in the main hall of the school were cultural artefacts from various museums in Guyana. The exhibits prepared showcase items, such as the Chinese fan, the Portuguese crochet, Amerindian headdress, earrings and African Drums. African styled head wrapping and Indian Henna designs were also on display.

International Museum Day is about “keeping our tradition alive and showcasing our multi-ethnicity,” explained Shamar Davis, Assistant to the Administrator to the Museum of African Heritage.

Explaining the importance of Museums to the Guyanese society, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton said:

“Museums are an exciting way of bringing history alive,” adding that it contributes to the development of a society.

It is even more important to have youths reconnect with the history of the country enshrined in the Museum’s halls. It helps people understand and carry on their legacy.

“Apart from entertainment, museums have the mandate to preserve, research and educate its audience about areas of life that are valuable to our community,” emphasised Acting Director of Culture, Tamika Boatswain who noted that “museums have evolved… they are now the keeper of traditions… and agents of social change”.

The four museums which participated in the observance of International Museum Day are the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, Museum of African Heritage, The Dutch Museum, and The National Museum. The sister institutions of the museums – The National Archive and The National Press – were also part of the event.

International Museum Day was established to highlight the critical roles of museums and to connect people with their history. Every year, since 1977, museums, from across the globe, are recognised on May 18.