Keswick Museum Awarded Accreditation Accolade
For 150 years, Keswick Museum has enabled people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about the area’s rich history. The museum has operated from its present site, a purpose-built Arts and Crafts building in the town’s Fitz Park since 1897. It now attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year and cares for a collection of around 20,000 items on behalf of Cumberland Council.
It has now been awarded Accreditation as part of the UK Museum Accreditation Scheme. Administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the UK Accreditation Partnership, Accreditation is the benchmark for well-run museums and galleries.
It means that Keswick Museum is properly managed and governed to the nationally agreed industry standard and shows the museum takes proper care of its collections, sharing them with visitors and keeping them safe for future generations.
Accreditation opens up exciting funding opportunities, allows museums to host touring exhibitions and gives access to professional advice and support. It also gives confidence to donors and sponsors who may wish to support the museum in preserving heritage and inspiring future generations.
Accreditation covers museums of all types and sizes - from the smallest volunteer-run museums to national museums – and more than 1,700 museums are currently taking part in the scheme across the UK.
More information about the Accreditation scheme can be found here.
Jane Affleck, Keswick Museum Manager, commented: “A lot of work goes on behind the scenes of the museum to ensure we are looking after the collection and providing access through activities and exhibitions. Museum Accreditation status demonstrates the professionalism of our team, and I am very proud of their work.”
Liz Johnson, Director Museums and Cultural Property at Arts Council England said: "We’re delighted that Keswick Museum has been successful in gaining their Accreditation status. This means that their collections will be looked after and maintained offering inspiration, enjoyment and learning for the local community and visitors to enjoy now and in the future.”
