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Frequently Asked Questions

In the last 30 years, museums have become much broader in the scope of their collections and interpretation. The American Association of Museum’s Code of Ethics for Museums says the common denominator for museums is that these institutions make a “unique contribution to the public by collecting, preserving, and interpreting the things of this world….Their numbers include both governmental and private museums of anthropology, art history and natural history, aquariums, arboreta, art centers, botanical gardens, children’s museums, historic sites, nature centers, planetariums, science and technology centers and zoos.” Museums can be single or multi-disciplinary, for example, a zoological park can also maintain art, botanical, library, and research collections.

There are 15,500-16,000 museums in the United States. This figure is based on two surveys – one done by the National Conference of State Museum Associations in 1998, and the other conducted by the Institute of Museum of Library Services in 2003. As of January 2005, 756 institutions in the United States have been accredited by the AAM.

Credits for the following statistics go to: Accreditation Program Annual Statistics At-A-Glance , January 2005, American Association of Museums, Washington, DC, 2003 Museum Financial Information, by Elizabeth M.Merritt. ed., Washington, DC: American Association of Museums, 2003

Budget
40% of accredited museums have budgets of less than $1,000,000
30% between $1,000,001 - $3 million
9% between $3,000,001 and $5 million
21% annual budgets over $5 million

Staffing
48% of accredited museums have less than 15 employed staff
20% have16-30 staff
9% employ 31-50 staff
13% have 51-100 staff
13% employ 101 or more staff

Accreditation by type of museum
42% of accredited museums are art museums/centers
27% history museums
7% historic houses/sites
7% history/natural history/anthropology museums
4% science/technology museum/center (including planetariums)
3% botanical gardens/arboreta/nature centers
2% zoological parks and aquariums
2% specialized museums
1% children’s/youth museums.

Of the 15,500 – 16,000 museums in the United States:
28% are history/natural history/anthropology museums
23% art museums/centers
12% historic houses/sites
11% general (multi-disciplinary) museums
11% specialized museums (e.g. aviation, railroad, music)
4% science/technology museum/center (includes planetariums)
3% children’s/youth museums
3% zoological parks
2% arboretum /botanical gardens
2% nature centers
Less than 1% aquariums

Museum accreditation is both a process and certification. According to the AAM, “Museum accreditation is a widely recognized seal of approval that brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continued institutional improvement.” Accreditation is acknowledgement by one’s peers that your museum consistently performs at the highest standards possible within your field(s).

To achieve accreditation, museums must commit staff, time and resources to successfully complete reviews, necessary improvements, and “housekeeping” chores.

Any American institution that meets the accepted definition of a museum can apply for accreditation with the American Association of Museums. This includes: both governmental and private museums of anthropology, art history and natural history, aquariums, arboreta, art centers, botanical gardens, children’s museums, historic sites, nature centers, planetariums, science and technology centers and zoos.” Museums can be single or multi-disciplinary, for example, a zoological park can also maintain art, botanical, library, and research collections.

Excellence • Credibility • Mission • Management • Operations

1. Accreditation is the nationally recognized measure of accountability and excellence for museums in America.

2. Accreditation enhances institutional credibility:
    It puts your institution on a par with every other accredited museum in America.
    It improves staff, peer, public and donor perceptions
    It makes you more competitive for new staff, exhibits, resources and funding.

3. Accreditation requires a complete and clear mission and up-to-date supporting documentation.

4. Accreditation strengthens management:
    It requires institutional commitment and teamwork
    It requires a complete review of management policies and procedures.
    It improves and clarifies staff, board, volunteer and collaborator relationships.

5. Accreditation strengthens operations:
    It mandates a complete review of facilities and often leads to necessary improvements.

The AAM now has a “pre-application” for institutions wanting to apply for accreditation. This 15-page document helps the AAM and the applicant gauge the institution’s readiness.

Yes. Applicants should have a designated Project Manager, who can keep the institution and resources on track to a timely and successful accreditation.

Accreditation requires the dedication of your staff, board, volunteers and resources. Keep in mind that the road to museum accreditation is long and often requires “detours.” Most institutions are not ready to enter into the formal, final phase, and need to complete preparatory work before applying. And, once the applicant enters into the formal year-long Accreditation Self-Study phase, the institution must successfully complete all of the work required within the 12 months allotted.

A successful accreditation application is thoughtfully planned, rigorous and time-consuming. Each institution is unique, and the time varies with each applicant, however, it generally takes 3-4 years to fully complete the process.

The AAM’s “per-application” must be submitted with a $400 non-refundable fee.…lots more work!

The AAM’s 15-page “pre-application” can be downloaded, filled out and submitted anytime, however, they are only reviewed twice a year. The closing dates for receiving the application are usually in mid-June and mid-December.

Once accredited, museums undergo and complete equally rigorous subsequent reviews every 10 years. However, at this point the process is a bid easier, as most of the building blocks are already in place. Institutions generally find this re-accreditation process beneficial in keeping operations and management policies up to date.

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