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National Museum of the United States Air Force recognized as 'life changing' museum

  • Published
  • By Sarah Parke
  • National Museum of the United States Air Force
DAYTON, Ohio (AFMCNS) --  The National Museum of the United States Air Force was recognized as one of 60 international museums that "change the way one sees the world for a time" in an article in the most recent issue of the American Association of Museums' "Museum News." The museum was one of only two aviation museums, and one of only three domestic military museums mentioned in the article.

"We are very honored to be mentioned with other museums known throughout the world, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Field Museum, Musee de Louvre, Library of Congress, The Getty, Colonial Williamsburg, The Tate and the Victoria Albert," said retired Maj. Gen. Charles D. Metcalf, museum director. "This recognition further validates our claim that the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is one of national distinction."

Andrew M. Masich author of, "In Search of the American Museum," wrote the article after the McCune Foundation awarded him a grant to travel the world, looking for museums with the power to change lives - or change the way one sees the world for a time (a minute, a week, a year).

"The life-changing experience might be triggered by an exhibit, a program, an object or the totality of the experience," Mr. Masich wrote. "But there had to be some sort of 'ah-ha!' moment, an epiphany that would significantly change my thinking - perhaps change the course of my life - even if only for a while."

Masich credentials include: president and CEO of the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, an author of books on American history, Emmy Award-winning producer of short subject documentaries and a member of the AAM Accreditation Commission.