STANTHORPE Museum has secured a new level of prestige, after having confirmed its collections' significance on a regional, state and national level.

Museum curator Lorene Long said when the museum had one Significance Assessment undertaken 14 years ago, it had one collection of national significance, and two of state significance.

This time around, two of their collections were considered of national significance.

She said the Jean Harslett and "Make Do” collections were both identified as being of national significance, while the Italian collection had notable state significance.

Ms Long said the recognition was a coup for the museum, and also a significant homage to the late Jean Harslett, whose work has contributed so much to the museum.

She said the titles would help them to have grant-seeking leverage in the future.

"The assessment gives us the ability to apply for larger grants,” she said.

After putting a new roof on the Jean Harslett Research Centre last year, Ms Long said the continued maintenance of the museum's facilities was crucial.

"I think it's important because people then realise the work we do and the importance of the collection,” she said.

Stanthorpe and District Historical Society president Mervyn McKenny welcomed the assessment.