Akwesasne Museum Undergoes Transformation

By: Jaclyn Hall

If you have been to the Akwesasne Cultural Center lately, you would have noticed the storage containers and construction going on. In 2018, the Akwesasne Museum was a recipient of the Akwesasne Community Trust Fund allowing the museum to undergo renovations. Thanks to the Community Trust Fund, IMLS, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Akwesasne Cultural Center and Strong Roots, the Akwesasne Museum was able to obtain enough funding to redo the entire museum. Beginning in October 2018, staff began dismantling exhibits and storing artifacts.

Three Feathers Design, Rob Tarbell, redesigned the museum. One of the main renovations is the new entry way, which will allow visitors to enter the museum directly from the parking lot. The previous entrance could only be accessed by first going through the library or down a long hallway. The new entry way is much more accommodating and accessible. A new admissions window has been installed adjacent to the new entry way, which will be the first thing visitors are greeted with. The wall parallel to the new admissions window has been partially dismantled, giving the museum a more open and welcoming atmosphere. The ceilings have been raised in different areas of the museum and new LED pocket lights have been installed. New flooring has been installed throughout and the walls have been painted a new color. So far, the museum has undergone a huge transformation. Once the renovations are finished, the museum staff is tasked with redesigning the exhibit space and displays.

In the past year, the Akwesasne Museum worked on a new video exhibit showcasing intergenerational knowledge, which will be put on display in the newly renovated museum. Monica Peters has been hired to develop a virtual reality interactive experience where visitors can experience being inside of a traditional longhouse. There is a lot to look forward to in the new and improved Akwesasne Museum. A grand reopening is in the works once renovations and redesigning is finished.

Sheree Bonaparte, the new Museum Coordinator stated, "I have had the awesome honour of walking in, right during renovations. We have brought some fresh ideas in. We are going to be opening in April. Everything is busy here, everyone is getting everything ready. Dave Fadden is preparing the exhibits that will come forward. We are also working with Monigarr. We are going to do a virtual reality exhibit for our visitors. So, look out for us!"