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Welcome to TrendsWatch: Questioning Assumptions
“The problem with assumptions is that we believe they are the truth.” — Miguel Angel Ruiz, Mexican author and spiritual guide Hello and welcome to the 2026 edition of TrendsWatch, AAM’s forecasting report, which we publish as the first … -
From the President: A Better Tomorrow
For 14 years, Elizabeth Merritt has authored the annual TrendsWatch report, identifying emerging signals that could reshape museums in the years ahead. During her leadership of the Center for the Future of Museums, one thing has become … -
Short Take: Cultivating Compassion
“Compassion is a bridge, helping us move forward by finding common ground and understanding across divides. Our collective decision to act with compassion is the antidote to division, polarization, and hate.” … -
Trend Alert: Museum Insurance and Climate Disruptions
Climate risk is disrupting the insurance industry at an accelerating pace, affecting the cost of insurance for museums and, for some institutions in high-risk areas, making it difficult to find coverage at all. This article originally … -
For Your Radar: Outrage Fatigue and Model Collapse
A brief guide to terms that may be popping up in your newsfeeds. Outrage fatigue: a state of emotional exhaustion, apathy, cynicism, or hopelessness caused by over-exposure to news or events that provoke anger or disgust. In the evolution … -
The Philanthropic Future
How can museums build a healthy stream of charitable support? “Philanthropy is an exercise of power. The question is not whether it … -
TrendsWatch: Download, share, and go deeper
The 2025 edition of TrendsWatch, AAM’s annual forecasting report, is now available as a free PDF download! In this post I’ll tell you how to snag your copy and preview some opportunities to delve more deeply into this year’s topics, … -
Introducing TrendsWatch 2025
The new edition of TrendsWatch is available first to AAM members as the January/February 2025 issue of Museum magazine. Become a member today for immediate access to the digital edition, before the report is … -
Emergency Response in the Face of Disasters
This is an excerpt from TrendsWatch: Museums as Community Infrastructure. The full report is available as a free PDF download. “There’s nothing like a jolly good disaster to get people to start doing something.” —Prince Charles America’s … -
TrendsWatch: this year’s report as a free, accessible PDF with copious links
Heads up! The 2024 edition of CFM’s annual forecasting report is now available as a free PDF download. TrendsWatch: Navigating a Volatile Future explores how museums can adapt to the astounding pace of change in culture, climate, and …
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Upcoming Events
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Understanding the US History Workforce
Event Date:Presented by: American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) -
A Personal Tour of TrendsWatch 2026
Event Date: -
Introduction to the AASLH Awards Program
Event Date:Presented by: American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) -
Making the Case: Story + Data Advocacy for Museums
Event Date:Presented by: Ohio Museums Association
Latest Stories from AAM
Trust and Community Responsibility, Part One: A 2025 Annual Survey of Museum-Goers Data Story
Category:
Alliance Blog
This visual Data Story is based on findings from the 2025 Annual Survey of Museum-Goers, …
January Advocacy Alert: Last Chance to Register for Museums Advocacy Day, NEA and NEH Funding Bill Approaches the Finish Line, and more
Category:
Advocacy Alert
Advocacy Alert – January 9, 2026 In this Alliance Advocacy Alert: Last Chance to …
Welcome to TrendsWatch: Questioning Assumptions
Category:
Museum Magazine
“The problem with assumptions is that we believe they are the truth.” — Miguel Angel …