BUXTON/ FRIENDSHIP MUSEUM, ARCHIVES & CULTURE CENTER (B/FMACC)
"Supported by the "Friends of Villages Museum & Archives Inc. a 501 C3 Non-Profit" (USA)
LOT 35 EDMUND FORDE/Middle Street, (Lower Level)\
BUXTON VILLAGE, EAST COAST, DEMERARA, GUYANA.
EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel: 502-1970, Cell: 592- 639-6237
Museum opens: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.

17th May, 2024

Dear Supporters, Sponsors, Friends and Family,

For the annual International Museum Day which is on Saturday May 18, 2024 this year, the Buxton/Friendship Museum Archive & Culture Center will celebrate. It is a day that we aspire for and advocate for a more conscious, sustainable and inclusive world. The theme for 2024 is “Museums for Education and Research.”

Each year since 1977, ICOM (International Council of Museums) has organized International Museum Day, which represents a unique moment for the international museum community. The objective of International Museum Day (IMD) is to raise awareness about the fact that, “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.” The day is celebrated by non-governmental organizations and is made up of over 45,493 museum professionals in approximately 123 countries and territories.

Museums around the world are gaining acceptance and acknowledgment due to their functions in society, especially for the social and mental rebalancing of persons in the communities. Last February, I joined members of various museums of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) to advocate on Capitol Hill to meet senators for the increase of funding for museums in the United States. We are currently NOT FUNDED by the
Guyana government, but we will continue our advocacy with the Ministry of Culture.

On this Museum Advocacy Day, we call on the Guyana Government and all successive Governments to acknowledge the importance and significance of Private Museums and their desire to be independent. Museums are also a part of the tourist industry. They contribute to the Economic Development of the communities and the country in general for a small investment by governments. They can serve the mutual
benefit of all once they have the full support of the communities, local and national government.

The BFMACC in its fifth year since August 4, 2018, has been able to attract visitors from many Embassies, Universities, Organizations, Schools, communities/villages and countries. The Friends of the Museum in the US has received a Proclamation from the Maryland County States Attorney in 2023 at our dinner and dance and acknowledgement by our congressman after our 2024 Advocacy Day in the United States.
We can say our museum assists to give Guyana a more positive image. Museums advocate for culture and they help to improve social conditions and especially at this time, the education of our children and the teachers who may be considered second parents.

In closing we call on the Guyana Government and Governments around the world to support Museums, Archives and the preservation of the culture of all people. Buxton/ Friendship which were purchased in the years 1840 and 1841 respectively, by former enslaved Africans, grew into a multicultural community and gained the respect of all generations and governments over the years due to its villagers’ contribution to the development of the country in all areas.

The purpose of the Museum, Archive and Culture Center, is to recognize and preserve artifacts, archival documents, the rich culture, and contributions of the people of Buxton/Friendship, Annandale, Bladen Hall, Vigilance, Strathspey, Lusignan and other surrounding communities, since the residents have served in all areas of professions and skills. Our Mission and Vision are far reaching. What we
have is a three-in-one institution, which is the first kind in a village: “MUSEUM, ARCHIVES AND CULTURE CENTER”.

NOTE: “The mission of the Museum and Archives is to promote a greater understanding of the rich history, culture, achievements & contributions of the descendants of these areas and their role in the villages. Our aim is to share and involve the museum and archives in the communities thereby becoming a catalyst for the transformation of the people, while also being an institution of culture entertainment and education, and a place to reflect on the lives of the individuals associated with these areas while appreciating the full racial and cultural diversity" The Museum is situated on the Lower Level of the building, which is painted in red, black and green, at
the above address. We are currently open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Long live the BFMACC in its support for “Education & Research,” as we also reflect on the 2023 Theme “Museums, Sustainability and Well-being,” which is kept alive by the contributions of our supporters, friends, family, organizations and sponsors from Guyana and numerous other countries. We invite you to pay us a visit anytime you are in Guyana. We thank you All.

Also visit our website under construction and being restructured.
Websites Addresses: https://www.friendsofvma.com and https://buxtonfriendshipmuseum.com

Regards

Keith Easton
Keith Easton- Founder (Museum Curator & Administrator Ag.)
(240)-601-3892 U.S or 592-696-4470 WhatsApp. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS! Please spread the word.

Your support and contributions are always appreciated.

I will do my part to support the Buxton/Friendship Museum, Archives & Cultural Center in Guyana, SA.

I donate (US$) [ ] $50 [ ] $100 [ ] $150 [ ] $200 [ ] $500 [ ]Other $ using our PayPal or mail donations using the information below.

Make a check payable & mail to:
Friends of Villages, Museum & Archives, Inc.(USA)
P.O. Box 352, Greenbelt, MD 20768-0352

Donate to keep our history and culture alive. Also donations can be sent to
Friends of Villages Museum & Archives Inc. our 501c counterpart via PayPal.

If you are in the Unites States, you can pay by Zelle using This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.