Latest news with #AmericanAllianceofMuseums
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
An Arizona city was named among the most underrated US travel destinations
Flagstaff was named among the most underrated vacation destinations in the country, according to a new ranking by U.S. News & World Report. The list highlights 26 U.S. places that don't often make it onto popular travel bucket lists but are just as worthy of recognition. These destinations may fly under the radar nationally, but they offer unique attractions, charm and experiences that rival better-known getaways. Here is a look at why Flagstaff made the cut and a guide to things to do while you are there. This northern Arizona city is often overshadowed by another popular town: Sedona, which is an internationally recognized tourism destination known for its stunning red rock scenery, natural beauty and outdoor activities. However, U.S. News and World Report's ranking suggests Flagstaff is just as worthy of attention, with its own natural attractions and cultural scenery. Flagstaff is a charming mountain town of about 77,000 residents located about two hours and 15 minutes away from Phoenix, and about an hour and a half from the Grand Canyon. Surrounded by the world's largest ponderosa pine forest, Flagstaff boasts a storybook scenery, with a rustic, outdoorsy charm. It also enjoys a much different climate than most of Arizona due to its location in the mountains, with pleasant temperatures in the summer and snowy winters that cover town buildings and treetops with white blankets of snow, making for a postcard-perfect scenery. Flagstaff also has a handful of unique natural attractions, outdoor excursions and local eats. Here is a list of things you can do when you visit the city. Flagstaff and its surrounding area offer an abundance of activities to make your trip to the high country a memorable one. Here are some of the most popular things to do, including some budget-friendly options. : Scientists at this observatory famously discovered Pluto and revealed the expanding universe. Now, the observatory has a newly opened astronomy center that promises to enhance the visitor experience and foster a deeper connection to the cosmos. : The museum includes gardens, trails, a library, numerous historic buildings and a variety of exhibits. It was recently reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums, a distinction shared by just 3% of museums across the country. You can visit the museum daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the exception of New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. : Snowbowl is a popular skiing destination in the winter, offering activities for visitors in the summer, including a scenic gondola ride where, on especially clear days, riders can see all the way to the Grand Canyon's South Rim. Walk the original alignment of Route 66: Learn about the city's and the route's history on the free, self-guided 'Walk This Talk' audio tour that traces the original alignment of Route 66. The tour begins at the north side entrance of the Flagstaff Visitor Center, where travelers can also find plenty of free information and goodies, including postcards, stickers and a doggie bowl. Public art tour: Flagstaff has a robust public art program with more than 40 visuals, including murals, steel installations and more. Download the Flagstaff Public Art Map for information on each piece and where to find it. Then, set off on foot or bike and check out the artwork — some of which is inspired by the local culture and natural surroundings. Hiking trails: Fans of hiking will find lots of options in the Flagstaff Urban Trails System, which includes in-town trails ranging from about 0.3 mile to over 5 miles. Historic downtown walking tour: Many buildings that are important to Flagstaff's history have been restored in the downtown area. If you are looking for a leisurely stroll after enjoying a nice lunch, follow the free, self-guided walking tour and get a history lesson at the same time. Stops include the Visitor Center/Amtrak station, the McMillan building and the Weatherford Hotel. Explore the NAU campus: The Northern Arizona University campus is a pleasant place to walk; you can stroll along the thoroughfares, stop for a cup of coffee or snack and relax on a bench for a while or check out one of the three NAU Arboretum's tree walks that are each a half-mile or less in length. Look for wildlife: If you love the idea of watching animals in their natural habitats, Arizona's Watchable Wildlife Experience has a great way to make that happen. For $5 a day, you can rent a backpack that includes maps and guides to wildlife and bird-watching locations, binoculars, a first aid kit and a notebook and pen. Pick up the packs at Peace Surplus. U.S. News considered user votes and editor input, as well as factors such as crowds and things to do, to highlight the best underrated places to visit in the U.S. If you have a beloved lesser-known spot, cast a vote at the newsmagazine's website to see it on next year's list. Arizona Republic contributor Alison Stanton contributed to this article. Arizona summer bucket list: 10 best road trips to keep your cool in 2025 This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Flagstaff named underrated US travel destination. Here's why to visit
Epoch Times
25-04-2025
- General
- Epoch Times
Students Need Field Trips More Than Ever
The number of field trips taken by K-12 classes dropped off precipitously during COVID. Even after normalcy returned to schools, the number of such outings remained low. In 2023, Wilkening Consulting and the American Alliance of Museums ran a survey of 340 museum directors in the United States, and 40 percent of the respondents said they were still seeing fewer visits from K-12 teachers and students compared to before the lockdowns, Why should this concern teachers and parents? Because field trips provide an exceptional and indispensable educational opportunity. In addition to breaking up the routine and enlivening students who've become enervated from sitting at a desk all day, field trips afford students the chance to learn experientially instead of just from books and videos. Too often, educators limit the scope of education to textbooks, lectures, chalkboards, and written exercises. While this type of learning is very important, it's not the only type of learning a student needs in order to fully and healthily develop mind and body. European pedagogy traditionally distinguished between two types of learning or knowing: 'wissenschaft' and 'kenntnis.' Wissenschaft is the type of knowledge we typically associate with school: bookish, abstract, theoretical, intellectual, and measurable. Kenntnis, on the other hand, describes another kind of learning: intuitive, first-hand, experiential, and sensory. Students know about the Revolutionary War through wissenschaft. But they know about their parents' love for them or the contours of their backyard through kenntnis. Both types of learning are important. Yet the American educational model tends to overemphasize wissenschaft. There's a profound difference between a student reading about the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly and a student actually going on a field trip, collecting caterpillars, observing their chrysalises, and witnessing the transformation into a butterfly firsthand. The latter engages the senses, imagination, curiosity, and emotions more deeply. Field trips—with their sensory-based and immersive environment—are an important way to introduce more kenntnis and balance out a youngster's education. Research has amply demonstrated this. In the report, Erickson, the lead author of the study and professor at BYU, explained that 'It's possible to expose students to a broader world and have culturally enriching curriculum without sacrificing academic outcomes. ... We anticipated that field trips wouldn't harm test scores. However, we started seeing academic improvements and realized that students who participated in these field trips were doing better in class.' Another author of the study, Greene, observed in Related Stories 9/25/2024 3/28/2024 Field trips can be the key that unlocks a previously unrecognized passion in a student. They can open new worlds to be explored and discovered. The right experience could even change a student's life. The eighth grader who visits an aquarium for the first time might go on to become a marine biologist. The fifth grader who's thrilled by a symphony orchestra performance might start to take her violin lessons more seriously and later choose to major in music. In short, an immersive experience like a field trip can awaken the mind and ignite the heart in a way that book learning alone cannot.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Reading Public Museum again achieves national accreditation [Spotlight]
The Reading Public Museum has announced that it has again achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded to the nation's museums. The main entrance to the Reading Public Museum. (READING EAGLE) Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies and to the museum-going public. The museum has been accredited since 1982. All museums must undergo a reaccreditation review at least every 10 years to maintain accredited status. Of the nation's estimated 33,000 museums, roughly 1,100 are accredited. Alliance Accreditation brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutional improvement. Developed and sustained by museum professionals for over 50 years, the Alliance's museum accreditation program is the field's primary vehicle for quality assurance, self-regulation and public accountability. It strengthens the museum profession by promoting practices that enable leaders to make informed decisions, allocate resources wisely and remain financially and ethically accountable to provide the best possible service to the public. 'It is an incredible privilege for the museum to receive re-accreditation,' said Geoffrey K. Fleming, the museum's executive director and CEO. 'The museum has been accredited by AAM for nearly a half century, and we as a board and staff are dedicated to maintaining the highest level of professional operation.' Accreditation is a rigorous but highly rewarding process that examines all aspects of a museum's operations. 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. AAM's Accreditation Commission, an independent and autonomous body of museum professionals, considers the self-study and visiting committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation. 'Accreditation is a monumental achievement,' said Marilyn Jackson, AAM president and CEO. 'The process demonstrates an institution's commitment to best practice and is flexible enough to be accomplished by museums of any size.' The Reading Public Museum was founded in 1904 as part of the Reading School District by Dr. Levi W. Mengel. With a comprehensive art and science museum, a planetarium and an arboretum, the museum's 25-acre campus provides a wealth of educational, social and cultural opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The museum's collection of nearly 300,000 scientific, cultural and art objects ranks among the largest collections in the Mid-Atlantic Region. The Reading Public Museum is supported in part by grants from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and is located at 500 Museum Road, Reading. Admission per day is $10 adults (18-64), $6 children/seniors/college students (w/ID) and free to members and children 3 and under. The museum is open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit for more information. About the American Alliance of Museums: The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) is the only organization representing the entire museum field, from art and history museums to science centers and zoos. Since 1906, we have been championing museums through advocacy and providing museum professionals with the resources, knowledge, inspiration and connections they need to move the field forward. For more information, visit Wrestling Three Legacies Wrestling: Ascend, presented by Life Impact Community Services, is bringing the action to Wilson Southern Middle School on April 13 at 4 p.m. for a special matinee event — 'New Horizons.' This event marks the brand's exciting debut show in Berks County, and it's shaping up to be an unforgettable afternoon of high-flying, hard-hitting, family-friendly professional wrestling entertainment. Tickets start at $10 and are available at Fans will get the chance to witness a special appearance by former WWE superstar, current MLW star and Three Legacies Wrestling founder Ricardo Rodriguez. He'll be joined by a lineup of rising stars from the independent wrestling scene, including 'The Bombshell' Zoey Cannon, Al Snook and Super Generation. About Three Legacies Wrestling: Ascend: Three Legacies Wrestling: Ascend is the developmental brand of Three Legacies Wrestling, dedicated to showcasing the next generation of pro wrestling superstars. Many of the athletes featured train at the Three Legacies Wrestling Academy in Lancaster. Committed to community engagement and high-energy entertainment, 3LW: Ascend continues to make a powerful impact across the region with unforgettable, family-friendly events. About Life Impact Community Services: Life Impact Community Services is a nonprofit organization in Reading dedicated to fighting food insecurity in Berks County and beyond. Through a weekly soup kitchen, food distribution programs and compassionate support services, the organization provides meals, groceries and counseling to those in need. Committed to empowering the community with love and practical resources, Life Impact strives to bring hope and lasting change to vulnerable individuals and families. Music Reading A'Cappella Voices is a membership organization of women of all ages and from all parts of Berks County and the surrounding area who meet regularly to practice singing, performing, socializing and having fun. Reading A'Cappella Voices is seeking new members. (Courtesy of Liz Burcin) The main purpose of Reading A'Cappella Voices is to get out and sing for the community at long-term care facilities, local events, local churches, Reading Fightin Phils, Reading Royals, etc. Their goal is to perform at least once a month. They practice every Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, 300 Grace St., Reading. The group is looking for new members welcomes visitors to any of its practices if you want to check it. No experience is necessary, and you do not need to be able to read music (although it is helpful). Contact Liz Burcin at eburcin@ for more information.
Associated Press
09-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Audfly Directional Speakers Enhance Museum Experiences with Targeted Audio Solutions
/ -- A new wave of technological innovation is quietly reshaping the cultural landscape across Europe and the United States. Museums and exhibition halls are increasingly integrating audfly directional speakers—a breakthrough in audio engineering—to create meticulously focused sound zones that reduce ambient noise and enhance visitor experiences. Recent installations of Audfly directional speakers have been showcased in numerous prestigious venues. At the Nintendo Museum, for example, each classic game area is equipped with its own system, enabling every game to project its signature audio without interference, and thereby preserving the unique soundscape of each title. A report by the American Alliance of Museums found that creating more focused sound zones significantly extends visitor dwell time, allowing patrons to immerse themselves fully in each exhibit's unique narrative. At the heart of the technology is its ability to confine sound to designated areas, allowing for simultaneous, non-interfering audio streams across different exhibits. This precision enables museums to craft immersive experiences in which visitors can absorb detailed audio narratives without distraction from overlapping sounds. Audfly's audio engineer Gu explained, 'Our directional sound technology empower us to create tailored audio experiences that enrich each exhibit's narrative. By effectively minimizing ambient noise, we deliver a more focused and immersive environment for our visitors.' Industry experts see broad potential for this technology beyond traditional museums. John Smith, an independent acoustics consultant, observed, ' Directional audio systems like Audfly's not only improve visitor experience by minimizing sound pollution but also open up new possibilities for exhibit design, enabling multiple, concurrent sound environments tailored to each exhibit's theme.' Data from the European Museum Forum further supports this trend, with institutions implementing focused sound systems reporting improved visitor retention and engagement. The clarity and precision of the audio content delivered directly to listeners ensure that each exhibit communicates its unique story without interference from adjacent displays. As museums continue to offer dynamic and personalized experiences, the adoption of audfly directional speakers marks a significant advancement. This technology's capability to create discrete audio zones is setting a new benchmark in how cultural institutions curate and deliver content—enhancing the visitor journey and paving the way for future innovations that seamlessly blend art, history, and technology. For curators and visitors alike, the promise of a more engaging and distraction-free audio experience represents a welcome evolution in how museums connect with their audiences, heralding a new era of immersive storytelling and interactive exploration. About Audfly Technology Audfly is a global leader in innovative audio solutions, specializing in directional sound technology. The company's flagship Focusound Screen ® technology seamlessly integrates sound directly into display screens, delivering immersive audio experiences with enhanced privacy and clarity. Beyond Focusound Screen®, Audfly has developed a diverse portfolio of directional sound products designed for a wide range of applications, including museums, retail stores, digital signage, self-service kiosks, office environments, and home entertainment systems. By precisely controlling sound projection, Audfly's innovations help eliminate audio spillover, reduce noise pollution, and create customized sound zones, making it the go-to solution for businesses and institutions looking to optimize their acoustic environments. With cutting-edge research and continuous advancements, Audfly is redefining how sound is experienced across consumer electronics, commercial spaces, and professional settings worldwide. Wei Ke X LinkedIn YouTube Legal Disclaimer:
