In 2002, Belize's first central prison - known as "back-a-baptist" to us city folk - became a showcase for some of Belize's richest historical treasures. And now, ten years later, the Museum of Belize is still the repository for important pieces of Belize's culture and history. On Sunday, February 5th The Museum will be celebrating its 10th anniversary, and it is doing it with a bang. Not only can Belizeans now enter the museum free on Saturdays, but the celebration for this anniversary will continue for 10 days - one for each year that has passed. Each day will have its own activity, and on Wednesday the 15th of February, one of Belize's most precious artifacts will be showcased: The real Jade Head will be on display for the entire day. Shari Williams spoke with us briefly about the 10th anniversary and the activities that will follow.
Shari Williams, NICH
"Monday will be our 10th anniversary. To commemorate this 10th anniversary we are going to have 10 days of activities starting on Sunday. Sunday we are inviting parents to bring out their children - we are having a fun day. We are having Ozzy the clown, games, all sorts of entertainment, free tours. So it's going to be free of cost, and so we are inviting parents to drop by with their children for a day of fun activities."
"One of the things we are kicking off is - we realize that a lot of Belizeans are not visiting the museum as much as we hope they would - and so for this 10th anniversary we are opening the museum on Saturdays for free. Bring your children and your family and just use that day on Saturday from 9-4 to visit the museum free of cost."
"The big day is Wednesday 15th. This is the last day of the 10 days activities. What we are doing is bringing out the Jade Head. The Jade Head has not been on exhibit in Belize since 2009. So for that one day only we are bringing it out. Bringing the Jade Head includes maximum security, a lot of detail, and so for only that day we are going to have it on exhibition at the Museum of Belize."
"We are asking schools to call in and book your space, and of course it will be open to the general public."
Robin Schaffer
"So all these activities just showcase each aspect of the Museum and Belizean culture alike?"
Shari Williams, NICH
"Yes definitely, 10 years is a remarkable time; it's a time that we should celebrate our culture and history and the fantastic work that the staff at the Museum of Belize has been doing. Since opening our doors, every year we see about 15,000 visitors. The Museum of Belize has been doing an incredible job, and 10 years is a milestone that we want to share with the Belizean people."
To kick off the celebrations, the Museum will host a family fun day, starting at 10am, featuring games and other activities for children and free tours of the Museum.
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