Tukwila's Museum of Flight, the largest private Air and Space Museum in the world, has achieved another milestone.

The museum has been named an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, Museum President and CEO Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar announced recently.

This makes it the only aviation-related museum in Washington that is both nationally accredited with the American Association of Museums and a Smithsonian affiliate.

Created in 1996 to provide the general public with greater access to the Smithsonian's collections, the affiliation program means the Museum of Flight now has access to the more than 136 million objects housed by the Smithsonian, from spacecraft to aircraft to art.

Affiliates may incorporate these artifacts into their exhibitions, as well as take advantage of the Smithsonian's educational resources and expertise in conservation, collections care, and exhibit development.

The Smithsonian Affiliations program relates only to items in the Smithsonian's collection.

Bob Genise, chairman of the Museum of Flight Board of Trustees, said, "This certification should open new doors to our ability to share assets with other institutions with similarly high standards.

"Of the 51 major aviation museums and science centers in this country, about half are nationally accredited by the American Association of Museums, but only seven of these have also earned Smithsonian Affiliation status."

Harold Closter, director of Smithsonian Affiliations, added, "The Museum of Flight is widely recognized for its outstanding collections, its expert staff, and its commitment to public service. The Museum shares much in common with the Smithsonian, especially with our National Air and Space Museum.

"We look forward to sharing collections, research, programming and ideas in order to make the incredible story of flight readily available to all Americans."