September/October 2025
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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.
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 CollectionsÂ
FEATURE
by Eileen P. Corcoran and Hannah KirkpatrickÂ
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 MeaningÂ
FEATURE
by Maeve R. DonnellyÂ
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 ChangeÂ
FEATURE
by Danielle SakowskiÂ
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.Â
Risk and ResponsibilityÂ
FEATURE
by Adrienne ReidÂ
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 StandardsÂ
POINT OF VIEW
by Melanie Deer, Angela Garcia-Lewis, Amanda Lancaster, Martin Schultz, and Reylynne WilliamsÂ
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 GoÂ
POINT OF VIEW
by Jenny DurrantÂ
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.
Your Member Access to Museum
View these recent digital editions by clicking their cover, or access PDFs from the Full Issue Archives.
July/August 2025
The AI Universe
May/June 2025
Trust
Mar/Apr 2025
Centering Accessibility
Jan/Feb 2025
TrendsWatch: Mapping Complexity
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Stay tuned!
November/December 2025 – Visitation
January/February 2026 – Annual TrendsWatch issue
March/April 2026 – The Museum Built Environment (Article pitches due October 31, 2025)
May/June – The Museum Odyssey (Annual Meeting Issue)
» Explore the full 2026 Editorial Calendar and learn potential topics under each theme.
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