By Foresee Foundation
The St. Maarten Heritage Foundation and Museum successfully launched the Culture of Tours Project in 2025, marking an important step in expanding public access to cultural heritage through engaging, inclusive, and community-centred programming. The project was designed as a year-long series of monthly activities that celebrate St. Maarten’s history, traditions, and artistic expression while reaching audiences across generations. We’re excited to share a snapshot of their programming thus far!
The official launch event in October 2025 introduced the public to the project’s vision and upcoming activities. Approximately 80 participants attended the opening, which featured guided museum tours led by historian Jean-Marc Augusty, a drumming workshop facilitated by Samy Alexis, and access to multiple exhibitions. The launch set the tone for the project’s interactive approach to cultural education.
In November 2025, the project shifted its focus to youth engagement with a Children’s Storytelling Event for ages 4 to 8, held at Axum Café ahead of St. Maarten’s Day. Local storytellers Teacher Greta and Papa Umpu shared traditional oral and written stories, while interactive activities such as colouring St. Maarten symbols and completing culture-themed word searches helped deepen children’s connection to local heritage in an age-appropriate and creative way.
Accessibility and intergenerational inclusion were highlighted in December 2025 through a Historical Train Trolley Tour in partnership with We Train. Guided through Philipsburg by Jean-Marc Augusty, the tour was designed especially for seniors and persons with limited mobility, while remaining open to families and the general public. Four tours were conducted in one afternoon, reaching more than 100 participants and reinforcing the Museum’s commitment to inclusive cultural participation.
Following the events the coordination team received positive feedback. One attendee stated “I think this should be done more often as the people of St. Maarten will always look forward to getting out of their house for a little bit.”
The Tours of Culture project helps ensure that the stories, songs, and spirit of St. Maarten’s past continue to inspire and educate generations to come. To stay informed about this initiative, feel free to e-mail st.maartenmuseum@gmail.com or follow their Facebook and Instagram page at St. Maarten Museum if you would like more information.
The Let’s ACT Program, funded by the Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie (FCP), is a collaborative initiative of CEDE Aruba, the St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF), and Foresee Foundation (4CF). The programme is designed to expand public access to the arts, support local creatives, and build a sustainable cultural and artistic infrastructure in St. Maarten and Aruba. Running from April 2025 through September 2026, Let’s ACT will empower local artists and cultural organisations through funding, training, mentorship, and community engagement.
