Society of Friends of the West Indian Museum

SAMAAP Founded in March of 1981

SAMAAP (The Society of Friends of the West Indian Museum of Panama) is a civic non-profit organization, which has as its objectives to support and raise funds for the maintenance and extension of the work of the West Indian Museum of Panama.

SAMAAP STRATEGIC PLAN

Mission

We carry out activities to awaken interest in support of the West Indian Museum of Panama, in order to ensure the preservation of the historical contribution of West Indians to the development of our nation.

Vision

We envision a Museum that contributes to cultural equity and social justice for all. We aspire to achieve the inclusion of people of African descent, without prejudice, in all spheres of national and international development.

BASIS OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN:

1. Develop a clear and documented relationship with the Ministry of Culture.

2. Implement strategies aimed at attracting a younger and active membership.

3. Strengthen our capacity in the field of museology and museography.

4. Continue efforts to improve the physical appearance of the museum and the surrounding area.

5. Strengthen our ties with other groups dedicated to the revindication of our ethnic group at both the national and international levels.

Our History

Society of Friends of the West Indian Museum (SAMAAP) was formed in March 1981. The primary objective of this civic, non-profit group has been to foment community interest in the projects of the Museum as well as to sponsor socio-cultural and academic activities that promote West Indian Culture in Panama.

2024 Elections

On October 26, 2024, the members of SAMAAP’s elected a new board of directors for the period 2025 – 2026.

2024 Election results Become a SAMAAP member

Message from our president

I am extremely honored to be able to address you as the new president of this Board of Directors and I express my sincere gratitude for the trust that you have deposited in me by electing me to this position

A few months ago, the National Secretariat for the Development of Afro-Panamanians (SENADAP) offered a workshop with the aim of strengthening non-profit organizations to function within the national sphere with a greater sense of reason for being and with specific plans to fulfill its mission. Representatives of SAMAAP participated in that workshop and the consensual result was the following Strategic Plan that includes the following five critical issues:

1. Develop a clear and documented relationship with the Ministry of Culture
2. Implement strategies to attract a younger active membership
3. Strengthen our capacities in the field of Museology and Museography
4. Continue our efforts to improve appearances, physical condition and the surrounding grounds of the Museum
5. Strengthen our ties with groups dedicated to vindicating our ethnic group at the national and international level

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