Change will allow access to funding and support future expansion
Since the Carleton County Military Museum in Jacksontown opened a few years ago, it has provided a wealth of information and learning opportunities for visitors.
“We’re the only military museum in Carleton County,” said military historian and director of the Carleton County Military Museum Aaron Bouma. “By October we’re going to be going into our fourth year and still growing.”
Exhibits range from the First World War to the present day, and the museum contains approximately 1,000 artifacts.
As exhibits expanded, Bouma started considering adding to the building to accommodate the space and began exploring funding options.
“Our MLA and as well our MP [thought] it [was] a good idea that I go for a not-for-profit to get government grants … which would be a great thing to be able to do “ said Bouma.
Specifically, Bouma hopes to access funds from the Community Investment Fund. This provincial government grant seeks to enhance a community’s identity, provide economic and social benefits, strengthen existing community assets, or develop initiatives that strengthen a community, according to the government of New Brunswick on a page dedicated to the grant.
From there, he plans to pursue several other local and provincial sources of income before eventually seeking federal grants.
“Other people had [also] mentioned [changing to a not for profit] to me because it’s easier for businesses to donate or to help out,” said Bouma.
Specifically, the change will make donations to the museum tax-deductible.
Currently, the museum’s board of directors will include Bouma as Director, his brother Jonathon Bouma as Treasurer, Nathan Delong as Secretary, and David Greaves and Simon MacInnis, who has not yet been assigned a specific role.
Expansions to the museum will focus on items from more modern wars such as Bosnia, Afghanistan, and perhaps Rwanda, in addition to expanding the preexisting exhibits on the Second and First World Wars, said Bouma.
