The U.S. Embassy in Bucharest and the Maramureș Village Museum “Mihai Dăncuș” have announced the completion of a restoration project for the museum’s historic wooden church in Sighetu Marmației. The project was funded by a $95,000 grant from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), which is part of ongoing efforts by the United States to support cultural heritage and religious freedom.
A press conference at the Maramureș Village Museum marked the occasion, with attendees including representatives from the U.S. Embassy, local authorities, museum leadership, and members of the cultural community. Speakers included Alys Spensley, Public Affairs Counselor at the U.S. Embassy; Mayor Vasile Moldovan; and Museum Director Mirela Barz.
The 16th-century wooden church underwent repairs and conservation work as part of this initiative. In addition to restoring the structure itself, the project enhanced museum exhibits and aimed to foster greater appreciation for Maramureș’s culture.
“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 restoration also included community engagement activities such as educational workshops and cultural programs. These brought together participants from Romanian, Jewish, Saxon, Hungarian, Ukrainian, and Roma communities to promote freedom of religious practice and strengthen ties among diverse groups.
Established in 2000 by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, AFCP has supported preservation projects in over 130 countries. In Romania alone since 2002, AFCP has funded 15 projects involving restoration of historic buildings, conservation efforts for museums and synagogues, preservation work on fortified churches, documentation of traditional crafts, and protection of archaeological artifacts. More information about these projects can be found on the U.S. Embassy’s website.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, embassy officials say that programs like AFCP demonstrate an ongoing commitment to democracy, fundamental freedoms, and preservation of both cultural and religious heritage globally.