Museum Assessment Program (MAP)

About MAP

Since its inception in 1981, the Museum Assessment Program (MAP) has helped more than 5,000 small and mid-sized museums of all types strengthen operations, plan for the future, and meet standards.

Through a one-year process of self-assessment, institutional activities, and consultative peer review with a site visit and recommendations, your museum emerges with:

  • Greater alignment of activities, mission, and resources
  • Analysis of its strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities
  • Prioritized roadmap for improving operations and meeting standards
  • Practices benchmarked to standards
  • Enhanced credibility with potential funders and donors
  • Improved communications between staff, board, and other constituents
  • Expert advice, recommendations, and resources
  • Increased capacity for strategic planning
  • Preparation for core document verification, accreditation or reaccreditation

MAP offers four different assessments to choose from:

  • Organizational
  • Collections Stewardship
  • Education & Interpretation
  • Community & Audience Engagement

This 11-minute recorded presentation, “The Insider’s Guide to MAP”, covers all the details about eligibility requirements, program cost, and the key components of the MAP process.

MAP is supported through a cooperative agreement between the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the American Alliance of Museums.

Contact Museum Assessment Program (MAP), (202) 289-9118

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