OKLAHOMA CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum has earned reaccreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), reaffirming the Museum’s commitment to excellence in museum practices and its role as a cultural leader. Earning accreditation is considered a significant mark of distinction for institutions.
In the recent announcement from AAM, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is one of only 26 museums nationwide that received accreditation this year, following a rigorous evaluation process.
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is among 1,112 accredited museums in the U.S., representing less than 4 percent of the estimated 33,000 museums nationwide. In Oklahoma, 14 museums have received accreditation by AAM.
“We are honored to receive reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums,” said Diana Fields, Vice President of Grants and Education Advancement at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. “This recognition underscores our efforts to serve our visitors with the highest standards of care for our collections, educational programs, and commitment to the preservation of the American West. It’s a reflection of the dedication our team brings to the Museum every day."
Pat Fitzgerald, CEO of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, added, “This reaccreditation reflects the Museum’s enduring commitment to preserving the stories and heritage of an integral piece of this nation’s history. It is a testament to the passion of our staff and supporters, as well as to the continued importance of the Museum as a cultural hub in our community and beyond. We are proud to be recognized among the nation’s top museums for our commitment to excellence in every aspect of our operations.”
Accreditation by AAM is a voluntary, peer-reviewed process. Museums undergo this assessment to demonstrate they meet AAM’s Core Standards in collections stewardship, governance and educational programming.
Achieving accreditation from AAM has been the field’s gold standard for museum excellence for nearly 55 years, signaling quality and credibility to the museum community, government agencies and the public.
Accredited museums are required to undergo the review process every 10 years, maintaining an ongoing commitment to professional practices and ensuring they are appropriate stewards of the collections and resources they hold in the public trust.
About the American Alliance of Museums
The American Alliance of Museums (AAM), founded in 1906, is the only organization representing the entire museum field, including art museums, science centers, history museums, zoos, and more. AAM provides leadership, advocacy, and support for museums and museum professionals, championing the vital role museums play in society and the collective cultural heritage of our nation.
About the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City is America’s premier institution of Western history, art and culture. Founded in 1955, the Museum collects, preserves and exhibits an internationally renowned collection of Western art and artifacts while sponsoring dynamic educational programs to stimulate interest in the enduring legacy of the American West. For more information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org.
