By Paul McElwee
A BELOVED Donegal museum was recently inducted into a prestigious group of artistic institutions after it was awarded full accreditation by An Chomhairle Oidhreachta (Heritage Council) under the Council’s Museum Standards Programme for Ireland (MSPI).
Glebe House and Gallery, the home of acclaimed Donegal artist Derek Hill, was one of six museums celebrated at a ceremony in Kilkenny Castle recently.
Established to promote professional standards in museums, the MSPI is a major accolade for museums which are considered to have attained excellence across a wide range of areas.
Among the factors taken into consideration when deciding accreditation include collection and visitor care, governance and management standards, and exhibition and educational standards.
Jean Kearney, Head Guide at Glebe House, is elated by the success.
“This is an absolutely huge achievement for the Gallery, recognising the hard work done by everyone who works tirelessly to ensure the Gallery and house are kept up to the highest standards, through documentation of artefacts, visitor care, policies and education.
“We have a huge education programme at the Gallery with over four thousand children coming through the doors last year, all of whom found it the most amazing place to visit.
“The house is exactly as Derek left it and every item is lovingly cared for, which is vital because the collection was bequeathed to and belongs to the people of Ireland.”
Also accredited for the first time was the Edward Worth Library, a 3,342 volume book collection by the notable Dublin physician, now housed in the former Dr Steevan’s House and current headquarters of the HSE, as was Kilmainham Gaol Museum and the Little Museum of Dublin.
Meanwhile, Cavan County Museum maintained accreditation for the second time, Butler Gallery in Kilkenny received accreditation for the third year running.
The awards were presented by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, TD.
“I know how hard these museums have worked for their accreditation and are richly deserving of this recognition. I am particularly pleased to see Butler Gallery, based in my own constituency, maintaining full accreditation for a very impressive third time.”
Chief Executive of the Heritage Council Virginia Teehan said the annual MSPI Awards Ceremony is a “significant day” in the calendar for the museum sector.
“It is a time to celebrate the exemplary practices in museum standards which fortify and professionalise the museums across Ireland. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the museums being awarded accreditation today, and am acutely aware of the tremendous effort and dedication that has gone into ensuring the implementation of best practices at all times.
“Your hard work not only preserves our cultural heritage but also enhances the educational and community value of our museums.”
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