While museums are a valuable resource for protecting an area’s history and sharing its stories, the economic benefits of museums are often ignored.

Museums can be an important economic driver. Canada has over 2,600 museums which employ more than 32,000 people and over 103,000 volunteers. These organizations provide an important hub for connecting community members while attracting local and regional tourists with an interest in learning.

Not only do museums stimulate tourism and attract visitors, but they can also drive the restoration and protection of heritage buildings and natural areas, protect the history of marginalized communities who might otherwise be neglected, and bring together people using diverse programming, workshops, and events.