CORNING, N.Y. (AP) — The president of The Corning Museum of Glass has been appointed to a federal advisory committee that helps protect the cultural heritage of foreign countries.

Officials at the museum in New York's Southern Tier say Karol Wight, who also serves as executive director, was appointed to the State Department's Cultural Property Advisory Committee. Former President Barack Obama confirmed her appointment before he left office last month.

The committee advises the White House and other government officials on establishment of memorandum of understanding pertaining to cultural heritage resources. The measures are designed to ensure antiquities aren't illegally excavated overseas and taken from their country of origin.

The 11-person committee of experts is appointed by the president to three-year terms. They include experts on museums, archaeology, anthropology and the international sale of cultural property.

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