‘Tours Of Culture’ Activities Launch at Museum

GREAT BAY--On Friday, October 17, the Sint Maarten National Heritage Foundation & Museum officially launched its Tours of Culture project under the Let’s ACT Program. The launch was hosted at the Museum in Philipsburg, and featured a lively and interactive drum performance by Samy Alexis & Mr. Snow and guided historical tours through the museum by historian Jean-Marc Augusty.

Over the coming months in 2025 and 2026, the Tours of Culture project will host a series of interactive activities across the island. “With a focus on education and community engagement, Tours of Culture aims to connect seniors, youth, and children to the heritage, environment, and culture of Sint Maarten through interactive tours, traditional workshops, scavenger hunts, and storytelling activities,” explained project coordinator Shanica Romney.

Tours of Culture is part of the Let’s ACT Program, a collaborative initiative of CEDE Aruba, the St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF), and Foresee Foundation, funded by the Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie. Let’s ACT aims to expand access to the arts, support local creatives, and strengthen the cultural and artistic landscape of St. Maarten and Aruba through funding, training, and community engagement.

“This project allows us to take heritage beyond the museum walls and into the community,” said the Sint Maarten National Heritage Foundation. “It’s about learning from each other and keeping our heritage alive.”

The next planned activities are Cultural Storytelling for Children in November and a Historical Train Trolley Tour for seniors in December. For more information or to stay updated on upcoming Tours of Culture activities,
follow the Sint Maarten National Heritage Foundation & Museum on Facebook, or
www.sintmaartenmuseum.org. Enquiries can be sent via email to st.maartenmuseum@gmail.com.

The St. Maarten Museum in Philipsburg is operated by the Sint Maarten National Heritage Foundation. It sits at Front Street 7, a short walk from the Boardwalk. Exhibits trace the island’s history from Indigenous artifacts through the colonial era, with photographs, maps, and a National Heroes wall. Typical hours are Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 16:00.  The museum also supports school visits and community programming, which makes it useful for local history features and education stories.

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