Library to Host Freedmen’s Cemetery Memorial Lecture

Beatley Central Library and the Office of Historic Alexandria are teaming up to bring you a lecture about Alexandria’s African American heritage.

Alexandria's Museums Enter an Elite Group

The Office of Historic Alexandria went through a rigorous process to become one of 69 museum systems in the nation to achieve this special accreditation.

The city’s Office of Historic Alexandria has earned accreditation as a museum system from the American Alliance of Museums—the highest national recognition that an American museum can achieve. "This really puts our museums in the forefront of what it means to be a museum in the 21st Century," OHA Director Lance Mallamo told Patch. "It's so much more than just objects in a glass case." The Office of Historic Alexandria is one of eight municipal organizations across the country accredited for its museum systems. The only other accredited Virginia museum systems are based in Fairfax County and Newport News. Alliance President Ford Bell will recognize the city for this achievement at an event Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at The Lyceum. …

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Alexandria Moves Forward on Museum Accreditation

City's Office of Historic Alexandria has applied for its museum system to become accredited by the American Association of Museums.

The Office of Historic Alexandria got the go-ahead from City Council to move forward on its plan to have its entire museum system accredited. Council on Tuesday approved OHA’s five-year plan as an element required by the American Association of Museums’ accreditation process and authorized the city manager to execute any necessary and related documentation. Of the more than 17,500 museums in the United States, only about 4 percent are accredited and only about 1 percent of museum systems are accredited. The accreditation, which recognizes nationally recognized standards and best practices by the museum profession, would be valid for 15 years. The American Association of Museums has twice accredited three Alexandria museums—Gadsby’s Tavern …

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