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Contact:
Dan Carpenter
(325) 673-4587
Marketing@thegracemuseum.org
The Grace Museum achieves accreditation with the American
Association of Museums
Abilene,
TX (April 26, 2006) The Grace Museum has achieved
the highest recognition for a museum, accreditation by the
American Association of Museums (AAM).
AAM Accreditation is
a seal of approval from the museum field that recognizes a
museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high
professional standards, and continued institutional improvement.
It also signifies that a museum fulfils its obligations to
the public as set forth in its mission.
Developed and sustained
by museum professionals for 35 years, AAM's museum accreditation
program is the field's primary vehicle for quality assurance,
self-regulation, and public accountability. It strengthens
individual museums and the entire field by promoting ethical
and professional practices. Of the nation's nearly 17,500
museums about 775 are currently accredited. The Grace Museum
is one of only 39 museums accredited in Texas .
Accreditation is
a rigorous but highly rewarding process that examines all
aspects of a museum's operations. The museum underwent a comprehensive
self-assessment process followed by a site review by peer
museum professionals.
"AAM Accreditation
represents a process of more than two years that were rigorous
ones for The Grace's staff," said Judy Godfrey, President/CEO
of the Museum. "Thanks to the Board of Trustees' involvement
and the dedication and arduous work by the Museum's team,
we have achieved national recognition of The Grace Museum's
commitment to the highest professional standards of operation
and public service.
"Accreditation places The Grace
in the top echelon of museums in the nation. It also gives
us accountability and credibility by attaining excellence
in ethical and professional museum standards. We rejoice in
this accomplishment - one of my goals for The Grace since
July 1997 - and take pride in and celebrate the benefits it
will bring to our community."
"This
prestigious accreditation gives the Grace Museum the recognition
it deserves as a top museum in the country," said Dr.
Mark Phelan, Chair of The Grace Museum Board of Trustees.
"Accreditation
positions The Grace for special accredited-museum-only exhibits
and acquisitions that will benefit Abilene for years to come,"
said Dr. Jesse Fletcher, President Emeritus of Hardin-Simmons
University, and former Interim Director and Board of Trustees
Chair of The Grace. "Judy Godfrey, her staff, and the
Board (of Trustees) deserve great credit for this achievement."
The Grace Museum is
listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built
in 1909, The Hotel Grace served as a rest stop for railway
travelers. The mission-style building was renovated and re-opened
in 1992. At 55,000 sq. ft., The Grace is the 10th largest
general museum in Texas .
The
Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday;
and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday. Admission is free
Thursday evening after 5 p.m.
As the national
service organization representing the American museum community,
the American Association of Museums' mission is to enhance
the value of museums to their communities through leadership,
advocacy and service. For more about AAM and the Accreditation
Program please visit www.aam-us.org
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