Excellence

Working Your Core: Core Documents, that is! webinar recording

By American Alliance of Museums

The five core documents are the foundation of a well-run museum, shaping its values, operations, and long-term success. They’re not just paperwork—they’re a museum’s playbook for making thoughtful decisions, ensuring stability, and staying …
Reframing the Collection: How a Literary Catalog Experiment Brought New Voices to Interpretation

By Derek (DK) Nnuro

The University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art (Stanley) is part of the arts ecosystem at the country’s premier university for the study of creative writing. As a curatorial team, we have long been aware of the unique position this puts us …
New Standards for Museums with Native American Collections (SMNAC) Now Available

By American Alliance of Museums

New Document Calls for Equitable Partnership Between Museums and Native Communities For immediate release SANTA FE, NM/ARLINGTON, VA—Today, the School for Advanced Research (SAR) and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) announced the …
An Interpretive Plan for a Castle in the Clouds

By Debbi Finkelstein

Every year, dozens of museums around the country participate in AAM’s Museum Assessment Program (MAP), offered in a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Through guided self-assessment exercises and a …
Excellence in DEAI Report

By American Alliance of Museums

Download the report Download a print-friendly version Navigation Introduction and how to use this report Next Steps Thank you and resources Support this work and contribute feedback, resources, and examples Introduction Co-chaired by …
Core Concept Primer: DEAI work must be measured and assessed

By American Alliance of Museums

The current system in which we operate and live is one that allocates resources and opportunities unequally, creating disparities within and outside of our institutions. Pursuing and ultimately achieving equity within our museums requires …
Core Concept Primer: DEAI is an ongoing journey without a fixed endpoint

By American Alliance of Museums

A museum’s DEAI work should be a process of continual assessment, recognizing and reflecting the changing environment not just within the institution’s walls but in the wider world. No singular policy change or anti-oppression action can …
Core Concept Primer: DEAI is the responsibility of the entire organization

By American Alliance of Museums

Sustained, meaningful, and impactful DEAI work must be reflected in all aspects of museums, from individuals to organizational culture, to policy and process. This work must not solely rely on the people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, or …
Core Concept Primer: DEAI demands an ongoing commitment of resources

By American Alliance of Museums

Just as embarking on your museum’s DEAI journey is a task with no defined endpoint, allocating resources to this work must be ongoing. Implementing equity cross-functionally and sustaining excellence requires museums to commit significant …
Why Does Accreditation Matter?

By Evans Richardson, IV

The stewardship of “excellence” by a diverse and dynamic coalition of museums can better equip the field to confront many of the most pressing issues o…