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‘Address museum’s needs first’
Officials must first address the facility issues of the CNMI Museum of History and Culture before turning their attention to new technologies and other programs, according to Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Robert Hunter
Hunter said the museum is “grossly under budget” every year and it is thanks to funding from the Public Assistance Office and the Legislature that there is money to help with operations.
“[The museum’s budget] has gone from close to $400,000 a year down to like $110,000. It is almost impossible to keep the museum going with that kind of budget. You can just imagine keeping the museum going with that budget,” said Hunter.
“But we have money from [PAO] and it is also good to hear that the Legislature is helping with the allocation.”
The Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation’s Ways and Means Committee allocated $55,326 to the museum, out of the $588,037 from House Local Bill 20-4 that also funds other programs and projects.
The committee, chaired by Rep. Angel A. Demapan (R-Saipan), has recommended the passage of HLB 20-4, which was introduced by Rep. Gregorio M. Sablan Jr. (R-Saipan). The Marianas Visitors Authority has also set aside $50,000 for the museum.
Hunter said a large portion of the museum’s funds go to gas and grounds maintenance. “We use our own cars. [When I was executive director] I buy light bulbs, toilet papers, I painted the walls, and mop every morning. It has been a struggle keeping the museum open. Right now, paint and a leaking roof are some of the museum’s problems.”
“The Legislature knows the issues because they have been down there, they visited the museum. They know what level of budget is needed to operate the museum, around $300,000. The building itself has a lot of issues. It has structure and roof issues.”
The museum faced these challenges even when Hunter was the director. “There were a lot of things we weren’t able to do when it comes to marketing. Also, exhibit development, educational program development, and transitioning to newer technologies like digital theater and digital walk-through. There are still a couple of pending projects.”
