We champion equitable and impactful museums
by connecting people, fostering learning and community, and nurturing museum excellence.
The American Alliance of Museums is the only organization representing the entire museum field, from art and history museums to science centers and zoos.
The Impact of Museums
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726,000
American jobs are supported by the museum field
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$50 Billion
is contributed to the U.S. economy each year by museums
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35,000
museums are in all communities across the U.S., with 20% in rural areas
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96%
of Americans want legislators to maintain or increase federal funding for museums
Highlights
A Set of Museum Position Descriptions
A strong job description clarifies responsibilities, attracts top talent, streamlines hiring, and provides a roadmap for performance evaluation and professional growth. But a job description alone isn’t enough. Assessing a candidate’s skillset during the hiring process is just as critical. Museums need professionals with a wide range of expertise—from curation and collections management to education, visitor engagement, and security. Beyond technical qualifications, traits like adaptability, communication, problem-solving, and cultural competency are crucial in a candidate’s success.
New Resource: Collections Management Form Templates
AAM Member Benefit
How well-documented are your museum’s collections? With our comprehensive bundle of 11 museum collections management forms, ensure efficient record-keeping. Download and tailor templates for acquisitions, accessions, cataloging, condition and damage reporting, deaccessioning, and loans.
Mar/Apr issue of Museum Magazine – From Blueprint to Imprint
AAM Member Benefit
This issue of Museum details several major construction and renovation projects at museums. What are the pitfalls when planning a renovation, and what impact does it have on your local community? Get advice from an architect and learn how to build with sustainability in mind. The articles offer lessons from real-world experiences and suggestions for responding to challenges museums encounter undergoing construction. Not a member? Join today or purchase a subscription to Museum.
Featured Resources
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Confessions of a Museum Tech Therapist
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Art Museum Director Survey 2025
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How One Museum Expanded Its Archives with 4-Post FreeSpan™ Shelving
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Sample Policy for Preparing for and Responding to ICE Enforcement Actions in Museums
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Year-round Advocacy
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Your Visitors Feel It: The Cost of Disconnected Museum Systems
Featured Contributor
Blog: Guiding Light: How Values Exercises Can Help You Present Challenging Content
Blog: B.U.I.L.D.-ing Empathy: A Framework for Reinvigorating Your Workplace
Contributors are AAM volunteers who share their time and wisdom to support our field’s collective thought leadership. Learn more »
Upcoming Events
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Apr
21
Affinity Community Town Hall
April 21, 2026
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Apr
22
Environmental Monitoring for Collections of All Sizes
April 22, 2026
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Apr
23
We’re in the business of forever, in perpetuity, but that doesn’t mean museums will stay the same. AAM provides us with a lens on the change, allowing us to be more sensitive, to anticipate, and to be more effective in all we do.
Doug Jones, Director, Florida Museum of Natural History