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, Jane Hutt 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.”