We champion equitable and impactful museums
by connecting people, fostering learning and community, and nurturing museum excellence.
The American Alliance of Museums is the only organization representing the entire museum field, from art and history museums to science centers and zoos.
The Impact of Museums
-
726,000
American jobs are supported by the museum field
-
$50 Billion
is contributed to the U.S. economy each year by museums
-
35,000
museums are in all communities across the U.S., with 20% in rural areas
-
96%
of Americans want legislators to maintain or increase federal funding for museums
Highlights
A Set of Museum Position Descriptions
A strong job description clarifies responsibilities, attracts top talent, streamlines hiring, and provides a roadmap for performance evaluation and professional growth. But a job description alone isn’t enough. Assessing a candidate’s skillset during the hiring process is just as critical. Museums need professionals with a wide range of expertise—from curation and collections management to education, visitor engagement, and security. Beyond technical qualifications, traits like adaptability, communication, problem-solving, and cultural competency are crucial in a candidate’s success.
New Resource: Collections Management Form Templates
AAM Member Benefit
How well-documented are your museum’s collections? With our comprehensive bundle of 11 museum collections management forms, ensure efficient record-keeping. Download and tailor templates for acquisitions, accessions, cataloging, condition and damage reporting, deaccessioning, and loans.
Mar/Apr – Accessibility of Museum Magazine
AAM Member Benefit
Explore how museums are evolving to become more accessible and inclusive for all audiences—through thoughtful interpretation of history, programs that welcome all visitors, design that prioritizes inclusion, and language that breaks barriers. Not a member? Join today or purchase a subscription to Museum.
Featured Resources
Featured Contributor
Blog: Guiding Light: How Values Exercises Can Help You Present Challenging Content
Blog: B.U.I.L.D.-ing Empathy: A Framework for Reinvigorating Your Workplace
Contributors are AAM volunteers who share their time and wisdom to support our field’s collective thought leadership. Learn more »
Upcoming Events
Museums Advocacy Day
Arlington, VA & Washington, DC
February 24-25, 2025
For over 15 years, Museums Advocacy Day has been providing the essential training and support advocates need to meet effectively with members of Congress and their staff. Museums Advocacy Day 2025 provides a critical opportunity to make the case for museums early in what is sure to be a high-stakes year for museums and other causes.
Learn more about Museums Advocacy Day
-
Apr
28
-
Apr
28
-
Apr
29
We’re in the business of forever, in perpetuity, but that doesn’t mean museums will stay the same. AAM provides us with a lens on the change, allowing us to be more sensitive, to anticipate, and to be more effective in all we do.
Doug Jones, Director, Florida Museum of Natural History