BYLAWS – Maritime Military Conflict Museum Society

1. Name

The name of the Society shall be:
Maritime Military Conflict Museum Society (hereafter “the Society”).

2. Purpose

The purpose of the Maritime Military Conflict Museum Society is to collect, preserve, study, and exhibit artifacts, documents, and stories related to military, maritime, intelligence, first responder, humanitarian, and conflict history from all periods and regions of the world, with a primary focus on Canadian history. The Society aims to educate the public, commemorate service and sacrifice, and promote historical understanding through exhibitions, programs, and research. By preserving diverse historical materials and personal narratives, the Society supports veterans, cadets, youth, and the broader community, ensuring that lessons from Canada’s past and from global events are accessible to present and future generations.

3. Membership

1. Membership is open to any person interested in the Society’s purposes.

2. Members may pay annual fees if determined by the Founder/President.

3. Members may vote on advisory or operational matters, attend meetings, and volunteer.

4. Voting does not override the Founder/President’s final authority on critical matters (artifacts, finances, strategic decisions).

4. Board of Directors

1. The Board shall consist of a minimum of 3 directors, including the Founder/President.

2. The Board assists with operations, programs, events, and volunteer management.

3. Founder/President retains final decision-making authority on all matters regarding artifacts, finances, strategic direction, or any legal obligations.

4. Directors are appointed by the Founder/President and serve 2-year terms.

5. Directors may vote on operational or advisory matters, but the Founder/President may override or veto decisions.

5. Meetings

1. Annual General Meeting (AGM)

   • Members may vote on advisory matters.

   • AGM shall be held once per year.

   • Members must be notified at least 14 days in advance.

2. Board Meetings

   • Held at least quarterly or as called by the Founder/President.

   • Quorum is a majority of directors.

   • Advisory votes may be held, but Founder/President has final say.

3. Special Meetings

   • Can be called by the Founder/President or by 10% of members.

6. Voting

1. Members and directors may vote on advisory matters, such as exhibit themes, volunteer projects, and community events.

2. The Founder/President retains ultimate authority on all binding decisions, including:

   • Artifact acquisition, loans, or deaccessioning

   • Major financial decisions

   • Grant applications

   • Amendments to bylaws

   • Dissolution of the Society

3. Voting results on advisory matters must be recorded in meeting minutes and considered by the Founder/President.

7. Finances

1. The Society is non-profit. Funds must be used solely to support the Society’s purposes.

2. The Society may generate revenue through:

   • Admission fees

   • Gift shop sales

   • Fundraising events

   • Donations and grants

3. All revenue must be used to support the Society’s purposes, including operations, preservation, exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach.

4. The Treasurer reports directly to the Founder/President.

5. Signing officers for bank accounts must include the Founder/President.

6. No member or director may personally benefit from Society funds.

8. Collections & Artifacts

1. All artifacts, documents, and items brought into the Society for display or exhibition remain the personal property of the Founder/President, unless explicitly donated.

2. The Society may display artifacts with the permission of the Founder/President.

3. Loans, removal, or transfer of artifacts require the approval of the Founder/President.

4. The Society may accept other donated artifacts; ownership is governed by the donation agreement.

9. Conflict of Interest

1. Directors and members must disclose any personal interest in Society transactions.

2. No director may benefit from Society funds or assets without Founder/President approval.

10. Optional Clauses

1. Insurance: The Society may purchase insurance to protect artifacts, volunteers, directors, and visitors.

2. Volunteer Clause: Volunteers act under the direction of the Founder/President and may not make binding decisions.

3. Digital/Online Content: The Founder/President retains authority over all digital content, online exhibits, and archives.

4. Indemnity: Directors and officers are indemnified by the Society against legal claims, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

5. Loan / Donation Agreements: All artifacts loaned or donated to the Society must have written agreements specifying ownership, duration, and terms of use.

11. Amendments

1. Bylaws may be amended by the Founder/President.

2. Members or directors may propose amendments, which must be circulated at least 14 days in advance.

3. The Founder/President retains final approval of all amendments, ensuring future flexibility.

12. Dissolution

1. Upon dissolution of the Society, any remaining assets shall be returned to the Founder/President or transferred to a Canadian registered museum or charity at the Founder/President’s discretion.

2. No member or director may claim Society assets.