Fort Erie Town Council adopted Resolution No. 23 as the guiding principle for Museum Services:

"That the Town of Fort Erie Museum Services shall be delivered in an efficient and effective manner for the benefit of all citizens, in order to create and care for a base of knowledge that belongs to the future;
to create a strong and proud community by celebrating our shared heritage; and to satisfy the intellectual needs of the community."

Approved by the Town of Fort Erie Council, June 20, 2005


Fort Erie Museum
Statement of Purpose

Fort Erie Museums care for a base of knowledge that belongs to the future.
Fort Erie Museums help create a strong and proud community by celebrating our shared heritage.
Fort Erie Museums help satisfy the intellectual needs of the community.

The Fort Erie Museum Board was established by the Town of Fort Erie in 1987 to direct the operations of the Fort Erie Historical Museum, the Ridgeway Battlefield Museum and the Fort Erie Railroad Museum.

The Fort Erie Historical Museum was founded by the Bertie Historical Society in 1972. Its operations include the preservation of the original Bertie Town Hall and the collection, preservation, research, exhibition and interpretation of historically significant artifacts which represent the founding, settlement and development of greater Fort Erie from the beginning of native occupation to the present.

The Ridgeway Battlefield Museum was founded by the Bertie Historical Society in 1972. Its operations include the preservation of the log home which stood on the battlefield during the Fenian Raids, and the collection, preservation, research, exhibition and interpretation of historically significant artifacts which represent the Battle of Ridgeway and the Fenian Raids.

The Railroad Museum was founded by the Fort Erie Railroad Association in 1974. The operations of this museum include preservation of the Ridgeway CNR train station, the Fort Erie GTR train station, the 6218 steam engine and a CNR caboose, and the collection, preservation, research, exhibition and interpretation of historically significant artifacts which represent the founding and development of the railroad industry in greater Fort Erie.

Fort Erie three museums are non-profit, educational establishments operated for the community betterment and open to the public.

This statement may be amended at any time by the Fort Erie Museum Board.

Approved by the Fort Erie Museum Board April 25, 1989
Revised May 26, 1998
Revised May 25, 2004

Fort Erie Museum Board By-Law (click here)

Fort Erie Museum Board Members

Chair - David A. Renshaw
Charlie Capern
Keith Overend
Mary McLelland-Papp
Margaret Fever
Councillor - John Hill


Policy Manual

1. Collections Management Policy
2. Conservation Policy
3. Structural Protection Policy
4. Research Policy
5. Reproduction Policy
6. Exhibition Policy
7. Interpretation and Education Policy
8. Staff Training Policy
9. Ethics Policy
10. Community Standards Policy

1. Fort Erie Museum Board Collections Management Policy

The Fort Erie Museum Board was created by the Municipality of Fort Erie to collect, preserve, research, exhibit and interpret objects that best serve to illustrate the founding, settlement and development of greater Fort Erie.

The museum will collect historically significant artifacts which contribute to an understanding of past human behaviour, customs, activities, episodes, institutions or personalities in the greater Fort Erie area. Artifacts which relate to the history of the railroad will become part of the Railroad Museum's collection. Artifacts which relate to the Fenian Raids will become part of the Ridgeway Battlefield Museum's collection. All other artifacts relating to the history of the community will become part of the Historical Museum's collection.

The Artifacts Committee will be responsible for accepting donations. This committee may choose to transfer its authority to the Administrator for day-to-day decisions. In certain circumstances a ruling by the entire committee may be necessary. If the acceptance of an artifact will increase the annual operating budget of the Museum it will first need the approval of the committee and then the Museum Board.

Objects entering the collection should be accompanied by proper documentation such as: circumstances surrounding the object's discovery and acquisition; the original owner and manufacturer; the original use; a chronological history; and any other pertinent facts.

The museum may collect artifacts that have incomplete documentation as long as they contribute to a clearer understanding of significant former customs, activities, people or episodes. All items will be accessioned and catalogued.

Objects collected must be useful in the museum's research, display and interpretive activities. The museum must be able to provide for the storage, protection and preservation of the objects while keeping within professionally accepted standards.

Objects are collected for the sake of education, not for the sake of collection. However, the display of a particular object is not guaranteed.

The museum will not collect more than two of one specific item. Any triplicates must have a specific function within the museum research, display and educational programmes.

Acquisitions may be made through donation or purchase. Donations are deemed to be unconditional gifts. Purchases will be approved during the budget process.All donations will be accompanied by a signed gift form and all purchases by a complete bill of sale.

The museum may loan objects for temporary displays or educational purposes. Such off-site locations must offer proper security and environmental conditions. Any loans must be accompanied by appropriate credit to the museums.

The museum may loan objects, such as photographs, for private commercial projects; if the business is willing to comply with the conditions set down in the museum's reproduction agreement.

The museum may offer copies of its archival collection to private citizens in accordance with the conditions of the museum's reproduction agreement.

The museum may borrow objects for temporary exhibition in accordance with the conditions of the museum's loan forms.

The museum may de-accession and dispose of artifacts that are not historically significant or triplicates that are no longer useful. Disposal of such artifacts will be decided upon by the Artifacts Committee, in conjunction with the Administrator. The item will be returned to the donor or offered to the donor's family. If unsuccessful the item will be offered to another museum, educational or cultural institution. If unsuccessful, the item will be sold. Items may not be sold on site. On no occasion will staff or Board members be permitted to purchase any such items.

This policy may be amended at any time by the Fort Erie Museum Board.

Approved by the Fort Erie Museum Board April 25, 1989
Revised May 26, 1998

Definitions
Preservation: measures designed to maintain the existing form, integrity and material of historic resources.
Restoration: recovery of historic form and details of historic resources by removing later additions and replacing the missing original elements as accurately as possible.
Historic Structures: Historic structures are works of man, created to serve some human activity and are usually by nature or design immovable. Examples are buildings, dams, canals, bridges, fortifications, gardens and roads.

Protection of Historic Resources
The preservation of historic resources in their existing form will always be given first consideration over restoration. The Museum Board will assess the impact of its proposed actions on the prehistoric, historic and natural resources in its sites.

Documentation
Comprehensive records will be established and maintained in the form of a complete dossier for all historic resources (places, structures, objects).

Preservation
An historic structure will be stabilized or maintained in its existing form:
i) when the structure, upon acquisition possesses the integrity and authenticityrequired; or
ii) when restoration is required or desirable but, for reasons of cost or lack of sufficient data, must be postponed; or
iii) when the structure has been restored by the Museum and requires ongoing maintenance.

Modern techniques and devices (such as for fire, temperature and humidity control) may be used when essential to protect historic structures and objects, and to ensure visitor safety but should intrude as little as possible on the historic atmosphere.

The Museum will undertake biannual risk assessments to determine potential risks of water damage, theft, vadalism artifact access, fire hazards, infestation, storm damage, and environmental hazards. Mediation will be undertaken as needed.

Restoration
Full or partial restoration of historic structures will only be undertaken:
i) when it is essential for public understanding on the historical associations and appearances of the historic site; and
ii) when the existing structure is in good condition and retains most of its original details; and
iii) when sufficient data exists to permit accurate restoration; and
iv) when the cost of restoration can be justified in relation to the historic significance and interpretive potential of the structure.

Restoration of structures will be undertaken in such a way that the original historic fabric is safeguarded.

Restored or replaced material will be accurately recorded but should be indistinguishable from the original in order to maintain a realistic historic environment.

Subject to the availability of data, structures will normally be restored to their most significant historic period but earlier or later components of the structure may be preserved if they are of historic or artistic merit and can be of value in interpreting the evolution of the structure.

Adopted by the Fort Erie Museum Board, March 28, 1995.
Revised June 25, 2003

The Fort Erie Museum Board permits the reproduction of archival, pictorial, and photographic material, of permanent and temporary displays and other artifacts which are the property of or on loan to the Fort Erie Museum Board. This service is available to all individuals, public and private agencies, and commercial enterprises under the following conditions:

1. The Administrator will approve all reproduction requests.

2. Materials on loan will not be copied without permission of the owner.

3. The intended use for copied materials must be stated whenever a request is made. The copying and photographing of materials for promotion will be permitted if considered in the best interest of the Museum and the public. The accompanying captions and artwork must be approved by the Administrator.

4. The museum will allow reproduction of items for private commercial projects, if the business is willing to donate a percentage of the object's sales to the museum or make an up-front donation, both to be approved by the Board.

5. The Administrator will determine the method by which the materials will be copied or photographed. Materials too fragile or too sensitive to light will not be copied or photographed, but may be reproduced by other means.

6. The Administrator will determine if the materials will be reproduced by Museum staff or by an outside firm. In special circumstances the requesting party will be permitted to undertake the copying or photographing.

7. The Museum and the requesting party will abide by all copyright or other restrictions pertaining to any of the materials to be reproduced.

8. Reproduction is permitted for the once-only use unless agreed otherwise. Further permission is required for each subsequent use, reproduction or display.

9. All copies and photographs of materials, when displayed or reproduced in any manner by any party, will carry a credit line with each item bearing the appropriate Museum reference. For use on television, film, or video tape, a single credit to the Fort Erie Museum Board in the acknowledgements is acceptable.

10. All copies and photographs of materials will be sold at a price to offset materials and other costs. The established or an approximate cost of the copying or photographing will be quoted to the party before any work is undertaken.

11. A 50% deposit will be paid by the requesting party before a work order is issued.

12. The Museum will allow a person to request up to 10 images to be reproduced at any one time, and a maximum of twenty images per year; except as otherwise approved in advance by the Fort Erie Museum Board.

13. Anyone found infringing upon these conditions, or acting against the best interests of the Museum, will not be allowed future access to the Museum's archival collections by any means.

14. By signing this form, a person agrees to comply with all current copyright legislation pertaining to the use and distribution of Fort Erie Museum images and materials.

This policy may be amended at any time by the Fort Erie Museum Board.

Approved by the Fort Erie Museum Board April 25, 1989
Revised July 28, 1998
Revised April 26, 2005

The Fort Erie Museum Board will exhibit objects from its own collection, from other public institutions, or from private sources, in order to satisfy the Museum's Statement of Purpose and to satisfy the needs and interests of the public.

Fort Erie's Museums help create a strong and proud community by celebrating our shared heritage, and help satisfy the intellectual needs of the community.

Exhibits will contain a accurate and objective story line or common theme which can be clearly illustrated by the artifacts on display. Themes will relate to the Museum's Statement of Purpose.

Photographs, reproductions or artistic representations may be substituted for original artifacts to meet conservation or security concerns.

Programmes
To the best of its ability the Museums will maintain some or all of the following:
Long Term Displays - will be maintained to illustrate important themes as related to the Statement of Purpose.
Short Term Displays - will reflect the needs and interests of the community. These may consist of travelling exhibitions, artifacts from private sources, or artifacts from the Museum's collection.
Outgoing Loans - the Museum may provide artifacts for display to other institutions, businesses, or community groups provided they have safe and suitable display areas.
Interpreters/Re-enactors - the Museum may incorporate such guides to assist in the thematic interpretation of the area.
Audio/Visual Aids - the Museum will make available slide shows or films which illustrate the history of the area, or reflect the needs and interests of the community.

Resources
The Museum will provide for all of the following exhibition and programming resources to the best of its abilities:
Budget - the Museum will provide adequate funds allocated to cover exhibit related expenses such as materials, construction costs, and professional or contract fees as required. The portion of the Museum's budget to be allocated to exhibition expenses will be determined each year during the budget process and will vary according to the needs and interests of the community and the financial resources at hand.
Gallery Space - the Museum will provide exhibition areas with sufficient space for the safe display of exhibits.
Work Space - the Museum will provide sufficient space for carpentry, painting, and other work as required; separate from exhibit and registration areas.
Security - safe and secure exhibition space and will take whatever measures are required to adequately protect its collections and displays from theft and vandalism. The Museum will monitor all exhibits on a regular basis to detect deterioration or security breaches.
Insurance - the Museum will maintain insurance for all objects in its collection and loaned to it for display.
Exhibition Preparation
The Museum will allow sufficient staff time to prepare exhibits. The following steps should be adhered to when creating a new exhibit:
- train staff in the safe operation of exhibits - research subject area of theme
- write exhibition story line - design gallery
- preparation of budget
- solicitation of artifacts, graphics etc.
- hiring and/or training of staff, contractors, volunteers
- preparation of labels, backdrops etc.
- cleaning, conservation and preparation of artifacts
- meet legislated requirements in the handling and display of firearms
- clear adherance to the Museum's Conservation Policy
- clear adherance to the Museum's Exhibition Policy
- clear adherance to any municipal, provincial or federal legislative requirements that have an impact on exhibition presentation
- construction and installation of displays - place hazardous materials in display cases
- promotion of exhibition
- maintenance of exhibits and galleries

Preventative Conservation
Only those artifacts which will not be damaged by display conditions will be included in exhibits.
The conditions of all artifacts on display will be regularly monitored for damage or deterioration and replaced as required.
The Museum is committed to regularaly rotating exhibits to meet the artifacts conservation needs, to reflect the Statement of Purpose, and to meet the needs and interests of the community.
Reproductions, objects which can not be damaged by handling or items not accessioned but kept for such reasons, may be used for "hands-on" programming.
Gallery and exhibit areas will be adequately lit for the protection of the objects according to recommended standards.
Exhibits will have adequate supports, will be secure and have barriers to protect visitors and staff against heavy objects or moving parts, that could cause injury.
Temperature and humidity levels will be appropriate for the Martifacts on exhibit.
Approved display techniques and supports will be used in all exhibits.

Public Concerns
The Museum will allow sufficient space for the comfortable circulation of visitors and the accommodation of tour groups.
As much as possible, exhibits will be accessible to the handicapped.
Labels will be clear, legible, concise and unobtrusive.
Visitors will be encouraged to make inquiries and comments about what they have seen.
The Museum is committed to ethical behaviour in exhibition presentation.

Publicity
The Museum will allow sufficient time to effectively promote its exhibits and programmes.
The Museum will budget money for publicity as required.
The Museum will keep the public informed of its programmes and exhibits.

Approved by the Fort Erie Museum Board April 25, 1989
Revised August 5, 1998 Revised May 25, 2004

The Fort Erie Museum Board will make its collections available to the public of all ages, interests and abilities, through the use of exhibits, educational programs, public programs, special events, travelling exhibitions, lectures and speaker speakers; as long as such avenues do not endanger the objects in the collection.

Fort Erie's Museums are committed to creating a strong and proud community by celebrating our shared heritage and helping to satisfy the intellectual needs of the community.

Interpretation
The Museum will develop a theme or story line for each object on display, in order to interpret for the visitor the history or unique character of the object. The themes, content and formats will be consistent with the MuseumÕs Statement of Purpose and meet the needs and interests of the community.
Museum volunteers and staff will have the skills necessary to produce displays and programs and will demonstrate ethical behaviour when delivering these programs.

The Museum will use artifacts from within its own collection for display and programs as long as those artifacts chosen are capable of withstanding the demands of the display or program (i.e., environmental conditions, hands-on use, travel, etc.). All aspects of the Museum's Conservation Policy will be followed with respect to the use of artifacts.

The Museum Board will allocate funds each year in order to allow the Museum to develop and carry out its interpretation and education programs.

The Museum Board will meet any municipal, provincial and federal legislative requirements that have an impact on interpretation and education programs. The Museum Board is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its programs.

Programs
The Museum will develop some or all of the following programs:
Museum Tours: the Museum will encourage the development of tours, both on and off site.

In-house exhibits: the Museum will establish a series of both permanent and temporary in-house exhibits.

Travelling Exhibits: the Museum will host travelling exhibits which complement the sites, or which may be of interest to the visitors. Such exhibits may or may not be located on the Museum premises. The Museum will produce travelling exhibits as appropriate.

Historical Re-enactments: the Museum will encourage the development of historic re-enactments, either military or reflecting other areas of local interest.

Audio-Visual Programs: the Museum will develop programs using film, slides or videos. Historic and contemporary audio-visual media may be used.

Special Events: the Museum will develop or host other special events. These events may include plaque unveilings, presentations, festivals, etc.

Education
Educational Research: the Museum will address the needs and interests of the school to determine how the Museum may be able to meet those needs.

Themes: the Museum will develop themes for programming which will address the needs and interests of the area schools and which augment their curriculum.

Publicity: the Museum will notify the proper authorities in the school system that it has programs available which may be of interest to and meet the needs of the school boards

Tours: the Museum will be available for school tours by appointment only.

Staff: the Museum staff and volunteers will have the skills necessary to conduct educational programs.

Artifacts: the Museum will allow limited hands-on experiences for students using artifacts specifically set aside for hands-on purposes.

Audio-Visual Aids: the Museum will develop slide shows and film series for use in educational programming, either at the Museum or on loan to the schools for in-school use.

Other: the Museum will develop other educational activities, such as school kits or teaching aids when appropriate.

Space
The Museum will allow suitable space to meet all of its programming requirements. This space will be large enough to accommodate groups of visitors comfortably without endangering the artifacts. This space will be suitable for the activity involved and will meet the requirements of the Museum's Collection, Conservation, and Exhibition Policies.

Amendments
This policy may be amended at any time by the Fort Erie Museum Board.

Approved by the Fort Erie Museum Board April 25, 1989
Revised July 28, 1998
Revised May 25, 2004

Professional development will be considered as, all activities undertaken by individuals associated with the Museum which will further their specific knowledge, expertise, professional awareness and skills (whether mechanical, technical or interpersonal), to increase their existing abilities, competency or knowledge, and to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities undertaken on behalf of the Fort Erie Museums.

The Fort Erie Museums will encourage the professional development of the members of its Board of Directors, its volunteer workers, its paid or unpaid staff, and those individuals who participate in the functioning of the Museum (i.e., summer students, interns, etc.)

The Fort Erie Museums will encourage its workers to participate in those training methods or sessions available within the interest or needs of the Museums and/or within the limits of its budget. These may include any or all of the following:

• Recognized post-secondary education: courses, diplomas or degrees offered in the appropriate subject areas by recognized educational institutions.

• Internships: the placement of an individual in another Museum or appropriate agency as a full-time staff member in order to gain on-the-job experience.

• Workshops: hands-on training sessions offered by organizations other than the Museum, such as the Ontario Museum Association, the Ontario Historical Society, and the Canadian Museums Association.

• Seminars: information sessions involving discussions on topics timely or useful to the Museum.

• Conferences: annual conferences of Museum professionals involving information exchange in areas of interest to Museums.

• Visits and Consultations: visits or tours of other institutions or related facilities which may provide useful information or training of benefit to the Museum.

• Regional Museum Group: participation in a Regional Museum Association made up of members from other organizations in the area which share interests, needs and expectations.

• Guest Speakers: invitation of knowledgeable individuals into the Museum to address the Museum workers on topics timely or of benefit to the Museum.

• In-House Training: a formal or informal training session wherein one individual associated with the Museum shares his or her expertise on a specific subject with other individuals associated with the Museum.

• Orientation Programs: in-house training or introductory sessions offered to new Museum workers, Board members, summer students or volunteers on basic, essential information required to meet the Museum's needs.

• Reference Materials: development of an in-house collection of books, periodicals, other publications, and other sources of information useful or required for the effective management of all aspects of the Museum.

• Administration and Management: including staff and site management, public relations, budgets, fundraising, security, volunteers, publicity and record-keeping.

• Registration and Collections Management: including accessioning, cataloguing, numbering techniques, research and identification, safe packaging, safe storage, safe transportation and the creation and use of all artifact records.

• Conservation and Preservation: including safe handling. environmental concerns, preventative conservation, and basic conservation treatments.

• Interpretation, Exhibition and Programming: including design, safe display techniques, exhibit preparation, environmental concerns, audience research, extension and education services.

The success of the Town of Fort Erie's Museums depends upon public confidence and broad public support. The Fort Erie Museum Board, therefore, is committed to bolstering public confidence by adhering to the highest standards of ethical behaviour.

These nine principles will guide the activities of the Fort Erie Museum Board, staff and volunteers:

1. Mission and Program - The Fort Erie Museum Board has been founded for the public good and will operate to accomplish its vision through specific goals and objectives. The Board has an obligation to ensure program effectiveness and to devote the resources of the organization to achieving its stated purpose.

2. Governing Body - The Fort Erie Museum Board is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who are committed to the mission of the organization. Directors are expected to be prudent, loyal and impartial. The Board determines the mission, establishes policies, assures that adequate human and financial resources are available and monitors the organizations strategic and financial performance.

3. Conflict of Interest - The Fort Erie Museum Board, staff and volunteers will act in the best interest of the organization, rather than in furtherance of personal interests or the interests of third parties. The Board, staff and volunteers will adhere to the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. The Board will routinely implement procedures to prevent actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest.

4. Human Resources - The Fort Erie Museum Board's relationship to its employees and volunteers is fundamental to its ability to achieve its mission. The Board will adhere to the Town of Fort Erie's human resource policies which are fair, establish clear expectations and performance evalòuation. Staff will act with integrity and a high sense of public responsibility and moral principles.

5. Financial and Legal - The Fort Erie Museum Board will practice sound financial management and comply with legal and regulatory requirements. The Board will keep accurate records to ensure that the financial resources are used to further of the organization's mission. The Board will conduct periodic reviews of regulatory and liability concerns and will seek diverse sources of funding.

6. The Collections - Collecting activities shall be ethically, morally and legally justifiable and in accordance with the Museum's stated policies. Collections will be protected, preserved, and documented in accordance with the highest professional standards. Research on the collection will be done with integrity, objectivity and scholarly responsibility.

7. Public Accountability - The Fort Erie Museum Board operates for public purposes with public support. The Board will provide the public with information about their mission, program activities and finances. The Board will be accessible and responsive to members of the public.

8. Fundraising - The Fort Erie Museum Board's fundraising program will be maintained on a foundation of truthfulness and responsible stewardship. The Board's fundraising practices will be consistent with its mission, compatible with its organizational capacity and respectful of the interests of donors and prospective donors.

9. Public Affairs and Public Policy - The Fort Erie Museum Board will represent the interests of the people it serves, through public education and public policy advocacy. The Board will encourage its members, staff and volunteers to participate in the public affairs of the community.

Approved by the Fort Erie Museum Board June 25, 2003

Stewards
The Fort Erie Museum Board will perform its role as steward of the history of Fort Erie. This role is noted in the Museum's Statement of Purpose which begins as follows:
"Fort Erie's Museums care for a base of knowledge that belongs to the future."

This role is also noted in the Museum's Ethics Policy, section 6 as follows:
"Collecting activities shall be ethically, morally and legally justifiable and in accordance with the Museum's stated policies. Collections will be protected, preserved, and documented in accordance with the highest professional standards. Research on the collection will be done with integrity, objectivity and scholarly responsibility."

This role is also noted in the Museum's Conservation Policy, as follows:
"The Fort Erie Museum Board will ensure that its artifacts are properly housed, cared for, exhibited and interpreted. The Museum will follow ethical behavior in the care of its collections by adhering to the code of ethics adopted by the Canadian Association of Conservation."

Meeting the Needs of the Community
The Fort Erie Museum Board will provide services and programs consistent with its statement of purpose that meet the need and interest of the community. This role is noted in the Museum's Statement of Purpose which begins as follows:
"Fort Erie's Museums help satisfy the intellectual needs of the community."

This role is also noted in the Museum's Exhibition Policy, as follows:
"The Fort Erie Museum Board will exhibit objects from its own collection, from other public institutions, or from private sources, in order to satisfy the Museum's Statement of Purpose and to satisfy the needs and interests of the public."

This role is also noted in the Museum's Interpretation Policy, as follows:
"The Museum will develop a theme or story line for each object on display, in order to interpret for the visitor the history or unique character of the object. The themes, content and formats will be consistent with the Museum's Statement of Purpose and meet the needs and interests of the community."

Public Participation
The Museum will allow all sectors of the community to participate in decisions, goals and directions that may affect them or reflect on them. This goal is mirrored in the Town of Fort Erie's commitment to public participation in municipal issues, which the Museum's adhere to. This goal is achieved through committees, focus groups, public surveys, public open houses, and through partnerships with community groups, organizations, businesses and citizens at large.

Include Members of the Community
The Fort Erie Museum Board is committed to including members of the community in all activities as noted in the Museum's Statement of Purpose, which begins as follows:
"Fort Erie's three museums are non-profit, educational establishments operated for the community's betterment and open to the public."

This role is also noted in the Museum's Research Policy, as follows:
"The museum will make its reserve collection and archives accessible to the public"

This role is also noted in the Museum's Exhibition Policy, as follows:
"Fort Erie's Museums help create a strong and proud community by celebrating our shared heritage...."
"The Museum will allow sufficient space for the comfortable circulation of visitors and the accommodation of tour groups. As much as possible, exhibits will be accessible to the handicapped. Labels will be clear, legible, concise and unobtrusive. Visitors will be encouraged to make inquiries and comments about what they have seen and learned."

This role is also noted in the Museum's Interpretation Policy, as follows:
"The Fort Erie Museum Board will make its collections available to the public of all ages, interests and abilities, through the use of exhibits, educational programs, public programs, special events, traveling exhibitions, lectures and speaker speakers...."

This role is also noted in the Museum's Ethics Policy, as follows:
"Public Accountability - The Fort Erie Museum Board operates for public purposes with public support. The Board will provide the public with information about their mission, program activities and finances. The Board will be accessible and responsive to members of the public."

Community Partnerships
The Fort Erie Museum Board will pursue appropriate community partnership as noted in the Museum's Ethics Policy:
"The Fort Erie Museum Board will represent the interests of the people it serves, through public education and public policy advocacy. The Board will encourage its members, staff and volunteers to participate in the public affairs of the community."

This role is also mirrored in the Town of Fort Erie's goals to create community partnerships for the delivery of municipal services, which the Museum's adhere to.

Adequate promotion
The Museum Board will provide equality of access to information about the museum's collections, services and programs through adequate promotion. This role is noted in the Museum's Exhibition Policy as follows:
"The Museum will allow sufficient time to effectively promote its exhibits and programmes. The Museum will budget money for publicity as required. The Museum will keep the public informed of its programmes and exhibits."

This role is also noted in the Museum's Interpretation Policy as follows:
"Publicity: the Museum will notify the proper authorities in the school system that it has programs available which may be of interest to and meet the needs of the school boards."

Equal Access
The Museum Board is committed to providing equal access to all members of the community, both physically and intellectually, to the museum's collections, information, services and programs.

This role is mirrored in the Town of Fort Erie's Accessibility Plan which applies to the Town's Museums. The Town's Accessibility Plan's Goals are as follows:
"1. Take a leadership role in achieving and setting an example as a barrier free community to the business, institutional and volunteer sectors of our community.
2. Establish a process to identify barriers and gaps in existing services an facilities.
3. Continuously improve the level of assessability of existing municipal services and facilities.
4. Establish universal design guidelines to simplify life for everyone by making municipal services and facilities more usable to as many people as possible.
5. Actively encourage input form all segments of the community in the design, development, and operation of new and renovated municipal services and facilities.
6. Provide resources and support to give effect to this policy."


This policy may be amended at any time by the Fort Erie Museum Board.

Approved by the Fort Erie Museum Board July 26, 2005

The Fort Erie Museum Board engaged a group of heritage consultants to work with the community in 1999 to complete a Heritage Master Plan for Fort Erie. The report provides a coordinated, multi-faceted strategy to benefit from and expand public access to the community's heritage assets over the next ten years.
The 48 specific recommended actions encompass such heritage assets as: archaeology, architecture, Point Abino Lighthouse, the Battlefield Museum and our landscape.

For further information about the Heritage Master Plan or to view or purchase a copy, contact the Fort Erie Historical Museum.


Service Profile (click here)

2006 Work Plan (click here)

Ontario Standards for Community Museums (click here)