Museum strategic plan developed with a sense of urgency

When Clark Bernat arrived as Fort Erie’s new manager of museum and cultural services earlier this year, he didn’t have the luxury of settling in and getting a full lay of the land before embarking on any major projects.

With a looming deadline, Bernat quickly got to work developing a new strategic plan for the town’s museums. The result was a three-year plan that got the greenlight from council at the June 8 council-in-committee meeting.

“I’m very excited by the possibilities that present themselves in this community,” said Bernat, who became manager back in February.

The urgency for the new plan was the result of a provincial requirement tied to the community museum operating grant. A new museum strategic plan was needed by the end of June for the town to be eligible for the 2026 grant.

“This gave a sense of focus in my first couple weeks here, and I’ve been working with the community to make this happen,” Bernat said.

Four key pillars are identified in the new plan: knowledge mobilization, community engagement, storytelling, and sustainability. There’s also a yearly progression with annual themes planned.

Bernat described that progression as establishing a plan in 2026 while developing, testing and doing some early implementation of that plan. Next year will be about execution.

“And by year three we should have a clear, established direction and start building for the next plan that will involve more community involvement, engagement and the future of museums,” he said.

Annual themes include Crystal Beach this year, and a Peace Bridge and food combo next year. Future themes will be determined based on research conducted this year. Between annual themes and other projects, events and exhibitions, Bernat said they hope to cover every corner of Fort Erie over the next three years.

Above all, Bernat said town-operated museums and historical sites should deliver enjoyment and fun, whether that’s for visitors, staff or volunteers.

“Our programs should be fun, our volunteers should have fun doing what they do. People should enjoy our virtual exhibitions, our museums and have an enjoyable time while visiting,” he said.

Fun is included as one of the plan’s values, along with authenticity, collaboration, and storytelling.

With that comes a focus on expanding its volunteer base and modernizing the museum with a strong push for digitization.

Councillors seemed to welcome the new approach, suggesting a refreshed way to present history and a focus on expanding the volunteer base are keys.

“I’m very, very pleased with where things appear to be going,” said Councillor Nick Dubanow.

The plan covers the five sites Fort Erie Museum Services operates: The Battle of Ridgeway Heritage Park, the Fort Erie Historical Museum, Fort Erie Railway Museum, the Mentholatum Conservation and Work Facility, and the Mewinzha Archaeology and Indigenous History Gallery.

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