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
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726,000
American jobs are supported by the museum field
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$50 Billion
is contributed to the U.S. economy each year by museums
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35,000
museums are in all communities across the U.S., with 20% in rural areas
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96%
of Americans want legislators to maintain or increase federal funding for museums
Highlights
TrendsWatch: Navigating a Volatile Future
This year the report explores volatility—strategic foresight parlance for the speed of change. That speed has been increasing exponentially in recent decades.
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.
New On-Demand Programs: Museums and Community Building
Museums are the heart of vibrant communities, sparking growth and connection through powerful learning and cultural experiences. This vital role was a central theme at the 2024 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, which explored the intrinsic link between personal, community, and institutional well-being. For strategies on strengthening community connections and advancing your institution’s impact, watch select session recordings, now available in the AAM Member Resource Library:
Nov/Dec Issue of Museum Magazine
AAM Member Benefit
Explore the expanding influence of DEAI and its implications for museums in this issue’s timely articles. Learn how DEAI programs are reshaping museums’ internal systems so that their policies and programs more authentically reflect the communities they serve, fostering a positive impact. Members now have access to the digital copy. Not a member? Join today or purchase a subscription to Museum.
Featured Resources
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Immersive Soundscapes: Holosonics Transforms Visitor Experiences Across Iconic Exhibits
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Emergency Response in the Face of Disasters
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Museums and Community Perceptions and Engagement: A 2024 Annual Survey of Museum-Goers Data Story
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Supporting a Storied Society: Elevating Local Collections Care
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Video Production 101 for Museum Education
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Racism, Unrest, and the Role of the Museum Field
Featured Contributor
Book: Inward, Outward, Onward, Upward
Book: Effective Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Practices for Museums
Museum magazine: Embracing the DEAI Mindset
Blog: A Totally Inclusive Museum
Blog: Serving on the Facing Change: Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion Working Group
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
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Oct
11
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Nov
21
Building Towards Collections Safe and Zero-waste Exhibitions – Part 3: Metrics
Online
November 21, 2024
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Nov
25
Increasing Access to Museums: Expanding Outreach through Museums for All and MORE – OMA Webinar
Webinar
November 25, 2024
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