In 1909, the Land of Enchantment began building what became the largest state museum system in the nation, with the creation of the Museum of New Mexico in the Palace of the Governors. We find it fitting that, in this centennial year, the Museum of New Mexico, comprising the four Santa Fe museums, seven historic state monuments, Office of Archaeological Studies and Museum Resources Division, has been honored with the highest level of accreditation by the American Association of Museums.

This designation, which honors all New Mexicans, was announced during Culture Day in the Capitol Rotunda on Jan. 23 by Bonnie Styles, the chairwoman of accreditation commission and director of the Illinois State Museum. Accreditation recognizes the highest standard of quality for museums in the United States and demonstrates that New Mexico meets the rigorous standards in our internationally renowned collections, our exhibitions and robust educational programs. It is a highly competitive process, with less than 17 percent of all museums in the nation achieving accreditation.

In finding that our facilities meet national standards and best practices, Styles said the accreditation committee "particularly noted the museums' excellent practices in the areas of public trust and accountability" and "the exceptional work in the area of facilities and risk management."

These things might not occur to visitors marveling at the exquisite objects on display at the Museum of International Folk Art or learning about the enormous role New Mexico played in shaping the American West at the New Mexico History Museum, Palace of the Governors. The works of artists whose souls were touched by New Mexico may leave us dazzled at the New Mexico Museum of Art, and the long history of Native peoples here comes alive at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture.

None of those experiences would be possible without our talented and dedicated Department of Cultural Affairs staff and the commitment of everyone in the state to not only protect our patrimony but celebrate it.

Since 1976, the Museum of New Mexico has sustained its accreditation, even through times of financial crises. It bears noting that every dollar the state invests in our historical sites and museums is matched by donors and grants -- one of the most visible signs that New Mexico truly embraces these facilities.

Also worth noting: 60,000 children visited the Department of Cultural Affairs' museums and monuments in school groups last year. In a state as large as New Mexico, it's often easier to bring the museum to the classroom than the classroom to the museum, so another 650,000 children benefited from Cultural Affairs-sponsored programs that we made available in every New Mexico county.

We believe that hands-on, experiential learning is a key component to making what happens in a classroom click. At perhaps no other time in our history is it as important to reach young minds, engage them and challenge them to new heights.

New Mexico's story features thousands of years of Native culture, more than four centuries of Hispanic culture and 100 years of statehood. The people whose lives blended here remain vibrant pieces of our centennial quilt. These cultures and the arts that accompany them make New Mexico what it is.

All New Mexicans can take pride in our re-accreditation, and I hope it inspires us to make a centennial promise to visit some of the outstanding state museums and monuments.

Veronica Gonzales is secretary of the Department of Cultural Affairs.