COURTESY OF THE NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
NANTUCKET – The Nantucket Historical Association’s Whaling Museum has received the highest national recognition given to museums.
For the second time, the institution has achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums.
Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, governments, funders, outside agencies and the general public.
The museum initially received accreditation in 2008. To maintain the status, institutions must undergo a re-accreditation review at least every 10 years.
“The NHA is honored to be re-accredited by the American Alliance of Museums,” said Janet Sherlund, former NHA Board of Trustees president. “This distinction acknowledges that we continue to meet national standards and best practices for U.S. museums and remain a member of a community of institutions that choose to hold themselves publicly accountable to excellence.”
Just over 1,000 of the nation’s 33,000 museums are currently accredited and the Whaling Museum is one of only 68 in the state to achieve the recognition.
The accreditation process is rigorous and examines all aspects of a museum’s operations. To earn the recognition the museum must conduct a year of self-study and undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers.
Restored in 2005, the museum features exhibits, galleries, daily programs and tours that explore the history of Nantucket.
It features a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton, a restored 1847 oil and candle factory and artifacts and treasures from the island.
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