Having owned a kite shop in the 1970's and organized kite festivals in south Kent, it was a logical extension to think about introducing kites to an island with such great wind and flat land surface.  Logical it was until the idea emerged of a small kite museum, which then led to an insane buying spree - and increasing support and enthusiasm.

So we are going to open the museum on June 28th, 2008, along with a 10 acre dedicated kite field directly behind it.  We are developing a program which will celebrate the world of kites, with a personal emphasis on the humanly challenged who shall receive special consideration.

I claim no special gift as a kite flyer, kite maker, or kite historian or expert - Kites are fun and they make people happy.  For me, that is enough

The Kite Museum is a family owned museum - for families.  I say family which really means it is my passion, my 7 year old daughter really likes the idea and is always looking out for kite images; and my wife, well, lets just say that after 27 years of marriage, she has learned to resign herself to certain things in life.  But every once in a while when she thinks we are not looking, we do catch her smiling as Ashley and I go about our silliness.  At least until we return home and she still can't get into the garage or basement.  Even grandma is on board.

The mission of the museum is:
* Preserve kites and related knowledge
* Provide opportunities for people to be exposed to kites, their history and future
* Help teach the making of kite and related items
* To help preserve North American paper kites
* To use kites to bridge cultural understanding, environmental awareness and family togetherness
* To be a resource for some uniquely Canadian connections to kite history
* To develop and introduce opportunities and means for physically challenged to participate in kiting
... and simply stated - to share joy.

VISION
First of all, please understand, our vision is not the traditional image and definition of an "institutional museum". 
Like a museum, we will have the traditional housing for displays and preservation, but we shall put most of our focus on travelling exhibits, inter-active programming and going to where the people are, rather than trying to get people to come to the museum.  Factoid:  Less than 4% of North Americans have ever been to a museum

We are committed to developing a working model for a "sustainable" kiting experience/institution which shall survive my passing and continue into the future.  If we can do that, then we will have a model for others to do the same in their country such as perhaps in France and Germany someday.

Our vision is to create the opportunity to create "wow".  "Wow" in terms of "I had one of those"; "that is so cool"; "I didn't know that"; "I did it"; "you won't believe what we saw"; and more.

What started as a means to create some environmentally friendly activities for families to generate free publicity for a small island community has taken on a life of its own - in a good way.  Five years from now, we hope that we have made a contribution to preserving this important historical human activity, as well to increase the awareness and participation into the future.

Enjoy - with the emphasis on "joy".

Thank you.

George, Sara, & Ashley Paisiovich

. George@thekitemuseum.com