September/October 2025 Preview

Collection Queries and Consequences

No matter the museum, properly managing the institution’s collection is a core function and a major undertaking. From evolving practices in ethical cultural care of collections to environmental controls, from greener transport of objects to responsible deaccessioning—this issue of Museum brings you the latest articles and viewpoints moving collections stewardship forward.

Preview select articles from this issue of Museum below. Individual and Museum Tier 2, Tier 3, Ally, and Industry Members can access the full digital edition.

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In this issue:

From the President

Taking Good Care

Colleagues who care for collections are skilled in fighting deterioration—but the work can encompass much more. “Increasingly, these colleagues spend their days weighing the integrity of objects against the integrity of our institutions: the line between conservation and access, the conflict between legal ownership and unethical provenance, and the balance between protecting objects and protecting the environment, to name only a few.”

» Read the full column about caring for collections today from AAM President & CEO Marilyn Jackson.

Achieving Active Collections

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by Eileen P. Corcoran and Hannah Kirkpatrick

The Vermont Historical Society (VHS) adopted an Active Collections ethos — “leaner collections with greater impact” — and their staff has helped other volunteer organizations do the same. Learn how and get tips for starting your Active Collections journey.

Market and Meaning

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by Maeve R. Donnelly

Museums need new ways to deal with Indigenous art that sits at the crossroads of commerce and repatriation. Learn about the gaps in current practice in conceptualizing Indigenous art, and tips for improving the conceptualization of market objects.

The Case for Change

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by Danielle Sakowski

While museums remain committed to protecting and preserving the objects in their care, maintaining strict environmental controls can negatively impact the environment. Explore initial findings from a new study examining energy, carbon, and control parameters.

Risk and Responsibility

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by Adrienne Reid

Environmental sustainability is an urgent global priority, and museums are striving to do their part. A fine arts insurance professional shares insights into many areas of sustainable collections care, drawing from over 20 years of experience.

Evolving Standards

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by Melanie Deer, Angela Garcia-Lewis, Amanda Lancaster, Martin Schultz, and Reylynne Williams

Collections stewardship pros often learn the 10 Agents of Deterioration, which focus on long-term preservation. The authors propose that the museum field recognize an 11th agent of deterioration: Incorrect Cultural Care.

How to Let Go

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by Jenny Durrant

Through transparency, communication, and community engagement, museums can ensure their collections are meeting audience needs. Learn how museums in the UK are increasingly acknowledging collections as active, evolving entities.

September/October 2026 issue

By the Numbers:
Collections Stewardship

3 out of 4

museum-goers enjoy seeing original objects, artworks, artifacts, and specimens when visiting museums.

85%

of museum-goers say the most important responsibility of museums to their communities is preserving community history, objects, and stories.

3 out of 5

US adults believe museums help engender trust in the credibility of information presented by displaying original objects, artworks, and documents—allowing them to see the original sources.

Sources: 2022 Annual Survey of Museum-Goers and 2025 Annual Survey of Museum-Goers (AAM + Wilkening Consulting

» Learn about the Annual Survey of Museum-Goers and enroll in the 2026 survey!

» Explore additional resources on collections stewardship in the AAM Member Resource Library.