Washington, D.C. - Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Clara Barton National Historic Site in my Congressional District for being awarded accreditation by the American Association of Museums.
This honor is a national recognition of the museum’s dedication to excellence in education and its high standards for public service and accountability. Out of the nearly 16,000 museums in the United States, only about 750, or 5 percent, are accredited.
Clara Barton is a responsible steward of public and private resources – cultural, physical, and financial – and is fulfilling its public trust responsibilities. It also plays a critical civic role as a center of learning and an educational resource for school children, teachers, and individuals of all ages.
Accredited status will increase Clara Barton’s visibility— at the local and national levels – adding to the vibrancy of our community and improving our quality of life.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the Clara Barton National Historic Site’s noteworthy achievement.