The Musée culturel du Mont-Carmel centers on preserving, studying, and celebrating the unique history and cultural heritage of the facilities that are its present museum, the artefacts of its permanent collection, and the broader grounds of its former parish.
We aim to be a dynamic public forum for the communities of the Saint John Valley and operate as a shared community space fostering learning and connection.
We ensure the stewardship of our cultural assets and historic resources are of the highest standards, adhere to the use of technical expertise and specialized knowledge, and promote discourse and dialogue premised on respect by championing equitable and inclusive institutional practices.
Our Guiding Principles
Mission
The Musée culturel du Mont-Carmel is dedicated to preserving and promoting the distinct Francophone heritage and culture that has historically flourished within the borderland of the Saint John Valley in the far northern reaches of Maine.
Vision
To be an institution that stimulates new developments and discourse within North American history through its curation of innovative exhibitions and educational programming, contributing to local economies while opening channels for interaction and connection.
Values
Courage
We believe in making bold choices, embracing complexity and challenges throughout our work, no matter their breadth or depth.
Equity
We value and celebrate all identities and the diversity intrinsic to humanity, and thus seek to understand and eliminate disparities and barriers.
Trust
We believe in being active listeners and transparent partners, striving each day to earn the trust of our communities, audiences, and institutional partners.
Sustainability
We ensure thoughtful stewardship of the earth’s resources in the work we do, leading with humility and integrity.
Local & Global
We strive to join national and international conversations about North American and Francophone history and material culture, fostering learning and reflection for visitors from near and afar.
Goals
Community
We seek to strengthen our institutional network and create collaborative partnerships with local, national, and global communities.
Experience
We aim to further the Musée as a centre for education by developing engaging exhibitions and programs, and broadening our digital learning resources, ensuring a robust museum experience for all.
Research
We are committed to the study, conservation, and advancement of our collections, ensuring a deep and diverse attentiveness to the materiality and history of the institution’s artefacts.
Landscape
We ensure proactive efforts are made in protecting the natural environment, promoting biodiversity and combating climate crises at both local and planetary scales.
Heritage & Advocacy
We center on celebrating and amplifying the diversity of region-specific voices, perspectives, and identities, enhancing the visibility of histories and accounts often untold, left at the margins, or otherwise neglected from larger historiographic frameworks.
Indigenous Initiatives
In addition to affirming cosmopolitan Indigenous presence and honouring cultural protocols, the Musée culturel du Mont-Carmel is committed to becoming a place that prioritizes reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, and that highlight Indigenous aesthetic, musical and ceremonial practices.
We seek to contribute to a deeper understanding of and between Northern Maine’s communities through programming where visual arts, music, and performance are shown, as well as in cultural gatherings and mediation activities. Members of local and international Indigenous communities are guaranteed free admission to the Musée.
Further details coming soon.
Standards & Guidelines
A range of statements, documents, and policies relating to the Musée’s activities, professional standards, and best practices are available to download below.
Code of Ethics
Details coming soon!
Equity and Inclusion
Details coming soon!
Collections Management Policy
Details coming soon!
Loans Policy
Details coming soon!
Photography Policy
Details coming soon!
Strategic Institutional Plan
Details coming soon!
Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response Plan
Details coming soon!
Privacy Notice
Details coming soon!