Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, which tells the story of the town
including its part in the creation of the iconic Millennium
Falcon for Star Wars in 1979, is going from strength to strength
thanks to the dedication and commitment of its volunteers and
trustees.
The independent museum, which is housed in the historic Royal
Dockyard Chapel, achieved the UK Museum Accreditation Standard in
July 2023. The Standard, which helps museums to be sustainable
for the future and safeguards its collections, is managed in
Wales by the Welsh Government.
The Centre holds a unique collection telling the 200 year history
of the town and famous Royal Dockyard, including a permanent
exhibition celebrating the construction of the Millennium Falcon
for Star Wars, which was built in Pembroke Dock. The exhibition
traces the full journey of the iconic spaceship, from its early
designs to the building process to the logistics of transporting
the completed vessel across the country.
There is also a full-size replica cockpit of a Short Sunderland
flying boat, once the most famous aircraft based at the former
RAF Pembroke Dock.
Museum accreditation also helps ensure a high standard of care,
so future generations can enjoy their collections. Museum
development support in Wales is provided directly by the Welsh
Government.
The Welsh Government's draft Priorities for Culture, which is
currently out for consultation, emphasises the importance of
small, independent museums on preserving local heritage and
telling a community's story. It also highlights the value of
volunteers in the culture sector, especially in volunteer-run
organisations like Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre.
Cabinet Secretary for Culture, said: “Pembroke Dock Heritage
Centre plays a key role in telling the many interesting stories
of its community. It is clear volunteers and trustees are
passionate about the area's history and committed to ensuring its
story is told.
“The Museum Accreditation Standard is important in supporting
museums to ensure they can thrive into the future and the Centre
is deserving of being awarded it.
“The Welsh Government is currently consulting on its Priorities
for the culture in Wales to set the direction for the sector in
Wales now and in the future. We are committed to getting the
Priorities right and we can only do that by working together so I
encourage everyone with an interest to provide their views on our
vision by Wednesday 4 September when the consultation will
close.”
Trust Chairman Graham Clarkson said: “As a volunteer led and run
museum, we are delighted that we are now recognized at the same
level as Wales' larger and professionally staffed museums. The
project included building new secure artefact storage,
implementing new procedures to ensure the collection is properly
monitored and displayed and the writing of many new policies to
cover all aspects of running a 21st century museum.”
To view the consultation and provide your views visit: www.gov.wales/draft-priorities-culture-wales-2024-2030
