SJ235: Commending the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia.

WHEREAS, on January 19, 2006, the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia, located in Staunton, received the highest recognition for a museum, accreditation by the American Association of Museums (AAM); and

WHEREAS, the Frontier Culture Museum, a state agency and an educational living history museum, opened in September 1988, and had worked toward accreditation for nearly four years; and

WHEREAS, the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia's successful accreditation by the AAM is the result of strong leadership from the museum’s Board of Trustees, especially the members of the General Assembly who serve on the board; the outstanding service of the executive director; and the commitment of the museum's excellent staff; and

WHEREAS, AAM accreditation is a rigorous but highly rewarding process, and the designation signifies excellence within the museum community; and of the nation’s nearly 16,000 museums, only a small percentage, approximately 750 institutions, are currently accredited; and

WHEREAS, Virginia has many beautiful and historic museums of significance, and among them, the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia uniquely represents how immigrants lived in their homelands and how they formed a new American culture; and

WHEREAS, the Frontier Culture Museum provides an invaluable service to the citizens and schoolchildren of Virginia as it works to fulfill its educational mission; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia on its well-deserved accreditation by the American Association of Museums; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for its many accomplishments and best wishes for success in the future.