The American Association of Museums Accreditation Commission recently awarded the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History accreditation after determining that the Museum continues to meet the high standards established by the association. AAM accreditation is a widely recognized seal of approval that recognizes a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutional improvement. The AAM accreditation process is voluntary and includes a self-study period of one year and a site visit by peer reviewers. The National Museum of American History is one of only seven of the Smithsonian’s 19 museums and galleries to be accredited by AAM. “As stewards of many of America’s national icons, the National Museum of American History receives intense scrutiny and faces high expectations by the public and media. This is an exemplary museum in many areas including: excellent publications, Web-based learning opportunities, and collections management,” said James A. Welu, chair of the AAM Accreditation Commission. “Our staff works tirelessly to ensure the Museum operates at the highest level and I am pleased that this hard work has been recognized by the American Association of Museums,” said Brent D. Glass, director of the National Museum of American History. “This accreditation is a great source of pride for everyone here at the Museum.” The National Museum of American History collects, preserves and displays American heritage in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific and military history. Documenting the American experience from Colonial times to the present, the Museum looks at growth and change in the United States. The Museum closed for major renovations in September 2006, and will re-open in summer 2008. For more information, visit the Museum’s Web site at http://americanhistory.si.edu or call (202) 633-1000, (202) 357-1729 (TTY).
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