Former jail to become
new Marigot museum
MARIGOT--President of the Hope Estate Archaeological Society and former curator of the museum Christophe Hénocq said the new museum, to be housed in the old jail next to Liasions Dangereuses, should open to the public in early 2008 once funding for its operation is confirmed.
The historic building, one of two listed national monuments in Marigot (the other is Fort Louis) dates back to 1789 and was formerly used by the Fire Brigade before it moved to La Savane. It is currently undergoing an extensive 30,000 euro renovation which is expected to be completed between September and November 2007. The Commune contributed 10,000 euros.
“Eventually the reopening of the museum will bring relief to schools and many tourists who have been asking why it was closed down,” said Hénocq.
The former museum, which opened in 1991 on the road to Sandy Ground, was closed in 2005 due to the Commune’s financial difficulties and inadequate support from Guadeloupe’s Conseil Général.
Renovation work in the 2-floor building began in November 2006 and involves preparing the rooms to house the artefacts removed from the old museum, presently stored in containers. The museum will have a reception area, offices, and restrooms while, outside, the attractive courtyard can be used for activities or commercial use.
Use of the jail for the museum, first suggested by Mayor Albert Fleming, was granted under the terms of a 10-year renewable lease. An original proposal to the Ministry of Culture to construct a new building to house the artefacts resulted in the 30,000 euro grant. But it was decided that using the jail was a better idea and a convention was signed by representatives of the Ministry of Culture, the Commune, and Hope Estate Association.
Hénocq said he hoped leaders of the new Collectivité would give St. Martin’s culture and heritage the attention it deserved to ensure that the preservation work done in the past 15 years has not gone in vain and will be continued.
Culture, heritage, museums, and monuments, formerly the responsibility of the Department of Guadeloupe under the Conseil Général, is being transferred to the Collectivité.
“There are many projects I have in mind that warrant substantial funding from the Ministry of Culture and Europe, and with little local financial input,” he said. “This funding can be put to very good use in heritage and tourism or business-related projects to showcase St. Martin’s cultural identity. But unless the Collectivité pledges to continue supporting culture and heritage, I for one will become discouraged,” he warned.
Hénocq said it could not be assumed he will become curator of the museum, as he would have to be appointed to this position by the Territorial Council.
