AAM Officially Becomes American Alliance of Museums; Establishes Policy Changes

Washington, DC, USA (September 5, 2012) — After more than 100 years as the American Association of Museums, the organization is adapting and evolving to play a more central role in advancing the cause of museums. As the American Alliance of Museums, it plans to work to unite the country’s museums from A to Z, art museums to zoos and everything in between, to make a broader impact. As part of the new identity, the AAM is instituting the following changes:

Membership Changes at a Glance

• Tiered institutional membership allowing members choose their level of engagement and benefits
• Dues based on museum’s staff size, or ability to pay, allowing all museums to belong
• An all-staff package of individual memberships at one low price
• An opportunity to pass on discounts (20-50% off) to staff to purchase individual memberships
• A new, easy-to-navigate website with thousands of resources to help individuals and museums succeed
• Access to 22 professional networks at no additional cost for Individual Professional members

More Accessible Recognition Program

• Multiple entry points and customized assistance to reach higher levels of recognition. 
• Two new programs to prepare for accreditation—Core Documents Verification and the Pledge of Excellence—encourage professionalism through standards of excellence and recognition of participating museums with different levels of achievement
• A streamlined, online accreditation program taking about 50% less time to complete
• Cooperative partnerships with other museum associations reducing the time and steps needed to become accredited

The American Alliance of Museums (formerly the American Association of Museums) is the one organization that supports all museums. Through advocacy and excellence, the Alliance strengthens the museum community. We support 21,000 museums, individuals and companies by developing standards and best practices, providing resources and career development, and advocating for museums to thrive.