HomeMy WebLinkAboutBy-law No. 2006-083 THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM
BY-LAW NUMBER 2006-083
Being a By-law to Establish an Interpretation and Education Policy
for"Museums Bayham" including
The Edison Museum of Vienna and
The Port Burwell Marine Museum & Historic Lighthouse
WHEREAS the Council of the Municipality of Bayham recognizes the need for clear and concise policies
concerning Museums Bayham;
AND WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham is desirous that i
policy be established for Museums Bayham Interpretation and Education;
AND WHEREAS the Council is desirous that such provision be approved by By-law;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of
Bayham enacts as follows:
1. THAT the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham hereby establishes a
policy to be known as the "Museums Bayham Interpretation and Education Policy" as set out
in Schedule"A"attached hereto and forming part of this by-law.
2. THAT the interpretation and education related to the Edison Museum of Vienna and the Port
Burwell Marine Museum shall be maintained in accordance with the said Policy being hereby
adopted.
3. THAT this By-law shall come into full force and effect on the date of its passage.
READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 7T$DAY OF
SEPTEMBER 2006
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CLERK
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Sept 7/06 Motion # 06- 5/4
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MUSEUMS BAYHAM
EDISON MUSEUM OF VIENNA
PORT BURWELL MARINE MUSEUM &
HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE
Interpretation &
Education Policy
Museums Bayham
Interpretation &
1 . Introduction
Interpretation and education programs are central to the Museums
Bayham mandate, recognizing the responsibilities the museum carries
with respect to educating the community. Through a series of varied
programs, displays, activities and events, the museum strives to
engage the community in a greater understanding of their cultural
heritage.
Interpretive and education programs are firmly based on the Museums
Bayham collection, and complement the goals and objectives
contained in the museum's statement of purpose. Such programs are
designed to address criteria contained in the research, exhibition and
conservation policies formulated by the museum, and follow
recognized educational methodology and practices.
As a community museum owned and operated by the Municipality of
Bayham, the Museums Bayham functions within the community as an
institution wo rking in concert with formal and informal educational
partners to provide a valuable educational resource.
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InternretationfEcffication ProaramF
The variety of programs that the Museums Bayham offers are
influenced by such factors as space, the avail ability of artifacts
in the collection, the number of staff, the annual budget and
hours of operation.
However, Museums Bayham incorporates into its interpretation and
education policy provisions for the following types of programs:
The Museum will design and implement a variety of programmes
and activities for the general public. Such programmes and
services will include: guides tours; interpretative
demonstrations; public lectures; and permanent and temporary
exhibits and displays.
This area of programming includes a wide variety of services and
programs ranging from guided tours and working
demonstrations, to exhibits and displays.
.. .:, Guided tours are to be offered during public hours,
where possible, by means of appointment arranged
in advance.
Special assistance with research is to be provided,
where possible, by means of an appointment
arranged in advance.
This area of programming is the most important function of the
Museums Bayham with respect to formal learning and education.
A single program for all school students is neither applicable nor
recommended, as the basic program has to be altered to meet
the specific skills, needs and abilities of the following user
groups:
._' Elementary (Prim. K-3, Jun. 4-6, Inter. 7-8):
The specific needs and expectations of the defined
learner/user group must be considered when
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planning educational programs for elementary
students.
. ..': Secondary (Inter. 9-10, Sen. 11-13):
The specific needs and expectations of the defined
learner/user group must be considered when
planning museum education programs for secondary
students. Subject areas for programming range from
geography, history, mathematics and science, to
family studies, arts education, individual in s ociety,
and trades and technology.
..'�.. Post Secondary:
Educational Programs for this user group should deal
with aspects of adult/continuing education, providing
opportunities for both formal and life-long learning
experiences. Topics to be considered in program
planning include local history, techniques of
conservation and preservation, genealogical and
historical research, arts and crafts, etc.
Programs are to be designed to assist permanent, seasonal, and
volunteer staff as well as Museum Board members in
interpretation techniques and educational theory.
Organized professional development days are to be developed
for introducing teachers to the museum, and for sharing ideas
and expectations in preparation for student field trips.
Events/exhibits provide a means of communication and are an
important factor in audience development. They also provide
ample opportunity for the integration of interpretation and
education programs.
The Museum will create and implement a variety of special
events and related exhibits to be hosted at the Museum or on
the Museum grounds. The Museum will incorporate seasonal or
temporary displays.
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Special events will be created to promote the Museum and its
services and to encourage visitor participation.
Interpretive/educational programes may be designed to reflect
the theme of the special event and will incorporate hands-on
activities and programes for visitors of all ages.
Exhibit themes will reflect the Museum's Mission Statement and
will comply with the museum's Collection & Records Management
Policy.
This type of programming is an essential aspect of museum
promotion and visibility in the community, and contributes
another dimension to its interpretive and education programs.
Off-site programmes will be designed to expand upon the
Museum's interpretation and education programme services; to
maintain public access to the collection and museum resource
material; as well as for promotional purposes.
Activities might include participation at fall fairs, public speaking,
media interviews, walking tours, traveling displays and education
kits.
Programs catering to the skills and abilities of pre-school
children, and satisfying the needs of early childhood learners
may also be developed. Special needs groups (i.e. physically
disabled, sight and hearing impaired, mentally handicapped,
learning disabled) should have access to both on- and off-site
programs. Orientation and training sessions should be developed
for senior citizens and retired members of the community,
translating into an essential volunteer source.
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3 . r arm Objectives
The interpretation and education programs that are offered by the
Museums Bayham strive to achieve the following objectives:
To develop and maintain the Museums Bayham as a
dynamic institution committed to providing the community
with engaging, innovative, informative, and accurate
educational resources;
To develop and maintain the Museums Bayham as a
current and relevant educational resource for the
community.
To provide the community with educational opportunities,
and promote community involvement through interactive
educational experiences;
To maintain a high standard of accessibility and flexibility in
order to meet the programming and educational needs of
all user groups;
To educate the community about the purpose and function
of museums as an institution that is vital to our culture and
society;
4 . Fees
General admission and program service fees are required in order to
cover the cost of program development, administration and
maintenance. Certain special events may not require a fee, and some
fees may be waived at the discretion of the Museums Bayham Board
and/or Curator.
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5 . Resources uirel
The Museums Bayham requires the following resources in order to
offer interpretation and education programs:
= Funds: The financial resources required in developing and
operating programs are recognized components of the
Museums Bayham annual budget.
Space: Interpretation and education activities require a
defined amount of space within the Museums Bayham
facility.
°r Staff: A professional staff is required to develop, implement,
evaluate, and promote interpretive and educational services
and programs.
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The following outlines the responsibilities of the Municipality of
Bayham, the Museums Bayham Board, the Museums Bayham
professional staff members, and third party contributors with respect
to interpretation and education:
The Museums Bayham Board recommends the annual
inclusion of interpretation/education categories in the
annual operating budget.
2 The Museums Bayham shall, where possible, provide staff
with the physical, human and financial resources
necessary to develop and implement
interpretation/education programs.
:7.: The Museums Bayham is responsible for compliance with
all copyright legislation related to the development and
implementation of interpretation/education programs
produced by museum board members and staff.
.- The Museums Bayham is responsible for compliance with
the Standards for Community Museums in Ontario
relative to the development and implementation of
interpretation/ education programs produced by museum
staff,
6 S The Museums Bayham is not responsible for compliance
with copyright legislation or museum standards related to
the development and implementation of
interpretation/education programs produced by third
party contributors.
The Museums Bayham will establish priorities for the
development of interpretation and education programs.
The Museums Bayham will provide sufficient space and a
safe and secure environment for interpretation and
education programs.
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The Museums Bayham will demonstrate a commitment to
accuracy and objectivity in interpretation and education
programs.
The Museums Bayham will demonstrate a commitment to
ethical behaviour in interpretation and education
programs.
The Museums Bayham Board and/or Director/Curator will
ensure that the themes, content and formats of
interpretation and education programs are consistent with
the museum's statement of purpose and meet the needs
and interest of the communities it serves.
The Museums Bayham Board and/or Director/Curator will
demonstrate a commitment to meet conservation
standards in the use of artifacts.
6.1.2 The Museums Bayham Board and/or Director/Curator will
ensure that responsibility for interpretation and education
programming is delegated to appropriately trained staff.
"w.1. The professional staff members associated with the
development of educational programs and activities are
responsible for ensuring that these components are
systematically evaluated and updated as necessary.
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. Policy Review Approval
The Museums Bayham Interpretation and Education Policy is approved
by the Museums Bayham Board.
The Interpretation and Education Policy is to be reviewed on an annual
basis, or at any time that changes are deemed necessary. The
Museums Bayham Board and/or Director/Curator, in conjunction with
the professional staff, conducts the review. The revised version is
submitted to the Museums Bayham Board for approval.
This Interpretation and Education Policy may not be altered without
the consent of the Museums Bayham Board and Municipality of
Bayham Council.
DATED at Straffordville Ontario, this 21st day of August 2006.
Signatur-
GictrQL_. —3-0 OD
Vice-Chairperson/Acting Secretary
APPROVED BY BAYHAM COUNCIL
BY-LAW #2006- 496'3 , on September 7, 2006.
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