The U.S. Embassy in Bucharest and the 'Mihai Dancus' Maramures Village Museum announce the successful completion of the restoration project for the museum's historic wooden church, a landmark of Maramures's rich cultural heritage, through a project made possible through the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). The project underscores the United States' ongoing commitment to safeguarding the protection of cultural heritage and advancing the fundamental American belief in freedom of religion, the U.S. Embassy said in a release.

The press conference, held at the Maramures Village Museum, brought together representatives from the U.S. Embassy, local authorities, museum leadership, and members of the cultural community to celebrate this important achievement. Among the speakers were Alys Spensley, Public Affairs Counselor at the U.S. Embassy, Mayor Vasile Moldovan, and Museum Director Mirela Barz.

Photo credit: Varga Mark

The restoration of the 16th-century wooden church, supported by a $95,000 AFCP grant, highlights the importance of preserving Maramures's cultural heritage and its role in the region. The project not only repaired and conserved the historic structure, but also enhanced museum exhibits and promoted a deeper appreciation for the unique culture of Maramures, the release notes.

'Today's celebration is not only about a beautifully restored monument - it is about reaffirming the values that guide the United States and inspire our public diplomacy work throughout the world and here in Romania: the protection of cultural heritage and advancing the fundamental American belief in freedom of religion - an essential expression of freedom of speech,' said Public Affairs Counselor Alys Spensley.

The impact of the project extends beyond the church's renewed architecture. Community engagement activities, educational workshops, and cultural programs brought together hundreds of participants from across the region, strengthening connections among Romanian, Jewish, Saxon, Hungarian, Ukrainian, and Roma communities. These efforts celebrate the fundamental right to freedom of religious practice and expression, and reinforce the enduring friendship between the United States and Romania, the release goes on to say.

The AFCP, established in 2000, is administered by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Through this program, the United States has supported the preservation of historic sites, museum collections, and traditional forms of cultural expression in over 130 countries. In 2024, the Maramures Village Museum was awarded the AFCP grant for the church restoration, following a previous AFCP-supported project in 2021 for the restoration of the Elie Wiesel Memorial House.

Since 2002, the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation has supported 15 projects across Romania, providing grants for the restoration of historic buildings, conservation of museum collections and synagogues, preservation of fortified churches, documentation of traditional crafts, and the protection of archaeological artifacts.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, this AFCP program stands as a testament to the enduring American commitment to democracy, fundamental freedoms, and the preservation of cultural and religious heritage around the world, the release concludes. AGERPRES (EN - editing by: Simona Klodnischi)