Museum earns accreditation

The National Watch & Clock Museum has achieved accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition for a museum. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, governments, funders, outside agencies, and the museum-going public.

Of the nation's estimated 17,500 museums, 1,005 are currently accredited. The National Watch & Clock Museum is one of only 35 museums accredited in Pennsylvania and joins two others in Lancaster County, the Ephrata Cloister and the North Museum.

Accreditation is a rigorous process that examines all aspects of a museum's operations. To earn accreditation, a museum first must conduct a year of self-study and then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. AAM's Accreditation Commission, an independent and autonomous body of museum professionals, reviews and evaluates the self-study and visiting committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation. The process varies by museum, but generally takes three years.

For more program information, including hours or operation, directions, or admission costs, readers may call 684-8261 or visit www.museumoftime.org.