Museum receives National Award
By Dave Clearwater, Communications Manager, Air Force Museum of New Zealand
Bunch of accolades
At the recent Museum Aotearoa conference awards dinner the Air Force Museum was announced as a finalist in the Selecon Award for Exhibition Excellence.
The museum team nominated the ‘History Gallery Redevelopment Project; Horizon to Horizon’. The award is acknowledgement "For a team or organisation for an outstanding new exhibition/s and/or visitor programme that contributes to best practice in the museum sector in Aotearoa New Zealand, and demonstrates excellence, relevance and vision particularly in lighting design."
The evening was capped off with the Museum Director, Thérèse Angelo receiving the ‘Individual Achievement Award for 2010’, "in recognition of an outstanding record of achievement in many dimensions, all related to the wider heritage domain."
All staff at the Air Force Museum can feel proud of their many and varied efforts over recent years, but being acknowledged by our peers within the Museum and Art gallery sectors provides immense satisfaction, and validates our work within the wider Royal New Zealand Air Force.
Citation—Individual Achievement Award for 2010
Thérèse Angelo’s career to date has bridged libraries, archives and museums, but the museum sector has benefited most from her dedication, professionalism, strategic thinking, energy and generosity.
During some 20 years service, Thérèse has flown up through the ranks to lead the Air Force Museum as Director since 2002. Throughout this period she has contributed unstintingly to the museum sector’s development through exemplary service to Museums Aotearoa (chair 2005-2007, board 2003-2005), actively building the credibility of the ATTTO museum qualifications, mentoring students and supporting smaller museums. Her many contributions have been recognised in the archives sector, and honoured by both the NZRAF and the Defence Forces.
As the Air Force Museum celebrates the opening of its revitalised history galleries, it is timely that the museum field proudly acknowledges Thérèse with the 2010 Museums Aotearoa Individual Achievement Award. The Air Force motto is Per ardua ad astra—through adversity to the stars. As our museums and art galleries face arduous times, it is inspiring to have Thérèse Angelo as a role model. We can all learn from following her progress as she takes the Air Force Museum into a new decade.