Ontario Museum of
History & Art, Associates
Heading 1
Museum is awarded
national accreditation
The Ontario Museum of History & Art has achieved accreditation by the American Alliance
of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded the nation’s museums.
Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies, and to the museum-going public. Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, less than
1,100 are accredited. The Museum is one of only 78 museums accredited in California and one of eight in San Bernardino County.
“This is a huge milestone for the Museum and a testament to our staff’s dedication and expertise," said Marissa Kucheck, director of the Museum.
Alliance Accreditation brings national
recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, professional
standards and continued institutional improvement.
“This is so exciting,” said Ontario Councilwoman Debra Porada. “This will bring the Ontario Museum of History & Art more opportunities
for funding in the future.”
To earn accreditation a museum first must
conduct a year of self-study, and then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. The Alliance’s Accreditation Commission considers the self-study and visiting committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation.
“Accredited museums are a community of institutions that have chosen to hold themselves publicly accountable to excellence,” said
Laura L. Lott, Alliance president and CEO.
“Accreditation is clearly a significant
chievement, of which both the institutions and
the communities they serve can be extremely proud.”
Volunteers needed to help guide visitors
Did you know that more than 900 students and adults came to the Museum as part of 24 tours conducted during this fall?
The Museum is in need of volunteers to become docents to conduct these tours to help tell the story of Ontario and the region.
Additionally, we're looking for committee members or those who could work a few hours a week at the Museum store. Interested? Contact the office at (909) 395-3510.
Members of the Ontario Elks Lodge generously presented a check for $5,000 to the Associates of the Museum recently to help further the institution's educational programs.
Jasper is named as
Museum's new mascot
Jasper, the iconic ant that has run around Ontario for 67 years, has finally gotten some formal recognition.
The personable
insect was adopted
as the mascot for
the Ontario Museum
of History & Art.
At a Museum
Trustees meeting
on Sept. 26,
Jasper was formally
welcomed as the museum’s symbol.
He’s no newcomer, having been created as
the official emblem for the All-States
Picnic in Ontario in 1956. He originally
appeared as “Mr. Ant” at the annual picnic,
having been designed by Tom Hicks, Chaffey High grad and Chaffey College art student.
The name Jasper was created by Mrs. John O. Hill, who submitted it and was named winner in a naming contest that drew 350 entrants. “Jasper” is from J-July 4th, A-All, S-States, P-Picnic, E-Euclid Avenue, R-Regular event.
Through the years, as attendance at the picnic declined, Jasper’s role also declined.
But he returned in 2016 when local artist (and Museum trustee) Chris Kueng created a more whimsical look for Jasper. He has since been a regular in city events in a new mascot costume that debuted for the 2018 July 4th parade.
The original Jasper drawing is on display in the Gem of the Foothills exhibit at the Museum.