The Association of Manitoba Museums (AMM) stands as a vital pillar in the preservation, promotion, and professionalization of Manitoba's rich museum sector. Established around 1971, the AMM has diligently served as the collective voice and support system for museums, galleries, and heritage institutions across the province, from grand provincial museums to small, dedicated community-run historical sites. Its existence underscores the profound belief that museums are not just repositories of the past, but dynamic institutions crucial for education, community engagement, and cultural identity.
Origins and Evolution: A Collective Voice for Manitoba's Heritage
The AMM's formation in the early 1970s arose from a growing recognition of the need for a unified body to advance museum services in Manitoba. Prior to this, individual museums, often run by dedicated volunteers, operated largely in isolation. The AMM emerged to fill this void, aiming to:
- Promote the protection and preservation of objects, specimens, records, and sites significant to Manitoba's natural and human history.
- Aid in the improvement of museums as educational institutions, recognizing their potential as vital learning environments.
- Act as a clearinghouse for information, fostering communication and shared knowledge among its members.
Over the decades, the AMM has grown from a nascent organization to a robust and influential association, adapting to the changing needs of the museum community and the broader heritage landscape. Its continuity and growth reflect the enduring value placed on heritage preservation and access within Manitoba.
Mission and Vision: Stewarding the Past, Engaging the Present, Shaping the Future
The core mission of the AMM is to strengthen and support museums across Manitoba. This encompasses a broad mandate, including:
- Advocacy: Representing the interests of its members to provincial and federal governments, advocating for policies and funding that support the museum sector. They actively participate in national discussions and events like Canadian Museums Day.
- Professional Development: Providing crucial training and learning opportunities for museum staff (paid and volunteer), board members, and aspiring museum professionals. This includes a comprehensive Certificate Program in Museum Practice with courses covering areas like collections management, exhibit design, museum education, and facility management. They also offer specialized courses and workshops tailored to current needs.
- Resource Sharing: Acting as a central hub for information, best practices, and resources, enabling smaller or less-resourced museums to access expertise and support they might otherwise lack.
- Promoting Standards: Guiding its members towards adherence to professional standards in museum operations, ensuring the ethical and effective care of collections and delivery of services. The "AMM Standards for Manitoba Museums" is a key resource in this regard.
The AMM's vision is one where Manitoba's diverse heritage is effectively preserved, interpreted, and made accessible to all, contributing to the province's cultural vibrancy, educational enrichment, and economic well-being. They understand that museums contribute positively to a community's quality of life, both culturally and economically.
Pillars of Support and Service: How the AMM Empowers its Members
The AMM offers a comprehensive suite of programs and services designed to empower its member institutions and the individuals who work within them:
1. Training and Professional Development: Building Capacity
- Certificate Program in Museum Practice: This flagship program offers a structured curriculum through workshops and online sessions, covering fundamental aspects of museum operations. It is invaluable for those new to the field or seeking to enhance their existing skills.
- Annual Conference: A key event for networking, learning, and sharing best practices, featuring speakers, workshops, and opportunities for peer-to-peer engagement.
- Workshops and Specialized Courses: Addressing specific topics in museum management, conservation, interpretation, and community engagement.
2. Cultural Stewardship Program (CSP): Preserving Collections
The CSP is a critical service that helps museums and heritage institutions care for their artifacts. It offers:
- Site Visits and Advisory Services: Providing expert guidance on preventive conservation, emergency preparedness, and collections care.
- Equipment Loan: Offering environmental monitoring equipment and pest monitoring kits, which are essential for maintaining stable conditions for collections.
- Resources: Providing information and support on topics like storage, packing, and facility maintenance.
3. Advocacy and Representation: The Voice of Museums
- Liaison with Government: The AMM actively communicates the needs and concerns of Manitoba's museums to provincial and federal authorities, lobbying for increased funding, supportive policies, and recognition of the sector's value.
- National Presence: Engaging with organizations like the Canadian Museums Association (CMA) to ensure Manitoba's voice is heard on the national stage and to collaborate on broader issues affecting Canadian museums.
- Public Awareness Initiatives: Promoting the value of museums to the wider public through campaigns like the "Museums Awareness Initiative," particularly in May during International Museums Day and Manitoba Day. This involves encouraging member museums to host special events and leveraging social media to highlight their contributions.
4. Publications and Resources: Sharing Knowledge
The AMM produces and disseminates valuable resources to its members and the public:
- AMM Messenger: A bi-weekly e-newsletter keeping members updated on news, events, and opportunities within the heritage community.
- Special Publications: Including the "AMM Standards for Manitoba Museums," "Other People's Heritage," "IDEAS – Museum Success Stories," and guides on topics like privacy documentation for museums and archives.
- Resource Library: Offering members free access to a specialized collection of museum-related materials.
5. Website and Digital Presence: A Hub for the Community
The AMM's website (museumsmanitoba.com) serves as a vital online platform, providing:
- Directory of Museums: A free listing for member museums, allowing them to update information, post events, and share images, increasing their visibility.
- News and Events: Keeping the public and members informed about happenings in the heritage community across Manitoba.
- Resources: Hosting publications, membership information, and other relevant documents.
6. Membership Benefits: Fostering a Strong Community
The AMM offers various membership categories (institutional, individual, family, student, associate) with a range of benefits, including:
- Reduced rates for the Annual Conference, workshops, and courses.
- Discounts on AMM publications and with partner suppliers like Carr McLean.
- Free admission to participating museums (a significant benefit for members and their families).
- Access to the AMM's resource library and the City of Winnipeg Museums Board library.
- Access to "Musetoba," an affordable collections management system developed by the AMM.
Reconciliation and Inclusivity: A Forward-Looking Approach
The AMM, like many heritage organizations in Canada, is increasingly focused on the crucial work of Truth and Reconciliation. While the Manitoba Museum (a major institution often connected to the AMM's work) explicitly states its commitment to reconciliation and acknowledging Treaty lands, the AMM, as a supporting association, also plays a role in fostering an environment where its member museums can address Indigenous histories, traditions, languages, and cultures ethically and respectfully. This involves supporting efforts to educate, preserve, and promote these vital aspects of Manitoba's heritage and to address systemic racism and marginalization.
Challenges and Future Directions
The museum sector in Manitoba, like elsewhere, faces ongoing challenges including:
- Funding limitations: Many smaller museums rely heavily on volunteers and limited budgets.
- Aging infrastructure: Maintaining and upgrading historic buildings and facilities.
- Succession planning: Ensuring new generations of passionate individuals are trained to take on leadership roles.
- Adapting to digital: Leveraging technology for collections management, outreach, and engagement.
The Association of Manitoba Museums continues to navigate these challenges by providing essential services, advocating vigorously for its members, and fostering a collaborative spirit. By supporting its diverse membership, the AMM ensures that Manitoba's unique stories, artifacts, and historical sites remain vibrant and accessible, serving as crucial links between the past, present, and future generations.
