The Kentucky Historical Society has achieved accreditation, the highest recognition of the American Association of Museums (AAM). The Society features museums and exhibits on its downtown Frankfort “history campus,” including the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, the Old State Capitol and the Kentucky Military History Museum.
“This distinction illustrates the (Kentucky Historical) Society’s ongoing dedication to excellence in preserving Kentucky’s history,” noted Governor Ernie Fletcher in a recent letter to KHS executive director, Kent Whitworth. “We are proud of KHS’s contributions to the citizens of the Commonwealth, as well as to the thousands of visitors who utilize our state’s historical resources.”
AAM accreditation signifies excellence within the museum community. It is a seal of approval and strengthens individual museums and the entire field by promoting ethical and professional practices. Being accredited enables museum leaders to make informed decisions, allocate and use resources wisely and maintain the strictest accountability to the public they serve.
Of the nation’s nearly 16,000 museums, only around 750 are currently accredited. A rigorous but highly rewarding accreditation process examined all aspects of the Kentucky Historical Society’s operations. The Kentucky Historical Society is one of only five museums accredited in Kentucky.
“Accreditation represents years of meticulous planning and careful stewardship of Kentucky’s treasures by dedicated Kentucky Historical Society professionals, particularly those entrusted with our artifacts, documents, images and exhibits,” says Kent Whitworth. “The commitment and leadership shown by these men and women is key to fulfilling our mission to provide connections with the past, perspective on the present and inspiration for the future.”
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An agency of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, the Kentucky Historical Society, since 1836, has provided connections to the past, perspective on the present and inspiration for the future. KHS operates the Old State Capitol, Kentucky Military History Museum and its six-year-old headquarters, the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. Since 1999, the thirty-million-dollar Center for Kentucky History has welcomed almost one million visitors. For more information visit http://history.ky.gov or call (502) 564-1792. For more about AAM and the Accreditation program please visit www.aam-us.org