By Foresee Foundation
Nestled between the hustle and bustle of Front Street’s commercial activities, the St. Maarten National Heritage Foundation and Museum allows visitors a serene experience exploring, learning and being fascinated by St. Maarten. The foundation is a non- profit organization that was established on October 4, 1993, as the result of a merger between St. Maarten National Park Foundation and St. Maarten Museum Foundation.
It offers visitors a meandering walk through St. Maarten’s history and major events of the island in a quaint space tucked into the heart of Philipsburg. The museum houses about 14 permanent exhibits ranging from the pre-Colombian period to the devastation of Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Their aim is to promote, protect and study every aspect of the history, culture and natural environment of the island St. Maarten and its surroundings by letting visitors explore St. Maarten’s rich history and culture. They also collect and curate books, videos, publications for their reference library, which can be used for personal or educational purposes. Looking for a unique experience? Visit St. Maarten’s museum.
What does your organization do and who is your target group?
Our organization is the National Museum of St. Maarten and the goal is to safeguard, teach and enhance the awareness and knowledge of culture, history and heritage of St. Maarten, both tangible and intangible. Our museum caters for all ages.
How does your organization contribute to a better St. Maarten for all?
Enlightenment and empowerment – a people who know, understand and embrace their true history is a people who know their identity and can determine their future, powerfully – welcoming and spreading knowledge and experiences to instil insight, pride and power.
Give examples of activities you usually host or have hosted to achieve your organization's goals?
Museum open houses, historical presentations, pole plaiting, historical/heritage paintings and projects, school visitations/tours, local book presentations, old time games for the youth, exhibitions and collaborations with various youth, cultural and heritage foundations, teaching of crafts such as nail-boarding, crochet, tart-baking, and cassava-bread making.
What message would you like to send out to the community to support your group’s goals?
Come out, visit, invite, learn, grow, share, teach, and volunteer! Help us help you!
How can someone sign up to volunteer or support your organization?
Call, send us an email or just stop by Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Contact Amaris Richardson or Vida Hodge at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / +1 (721) 542-4917 / P.O. Box #631, Front Street #7, Great Bay, Philipsburg / Facebook: St. Maarten National Heritage Museum / Instagram: stmaarten museum / website www.sintmaartenmuseum.org.
