News

Albany Institute Among Select Group of Accredited Museums Nationwide

The Albany Institute of History & Art has achieved reaccreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded to museums in the United States.

Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, governments, funders, and outside agencies, and to the museum going public. The Albany Institute has been accredited since 1980. All museums must undergo a reaccreditation review at least every 10 years to maintain accredited status.

Recognized as the gold standard for museum excellence for 55 years, AAM’s Accreditation Program strengthens the museum profession by promoting practices that enable leaders to make
informed decisions, allocate resources wisely, and remain financially and ethically accountable to provide the best possible service to the public.

“This reaccreditation affirms the Albany Institute’s deep commitment to stewardship and public service,” said Kayla R. Carlsen, Albany Institute Executive Director. “The process gave us the
opportunity to assess where we are and where we’re going—ensuring the museum is well positioned to serve our community now and long into the future. I am incredibly grateful to our
staff for their dedication, thoughtfulness, and care throughout this process, and to our Board for their ongoing leadership and support.”

“Accreditation represents the highest standard of excellence in the museum field,” said George R. Hearst III, Albany Institute Board of Trustees Chair. “It assures our supporters that the Albany
Institute operates with integrity, strong governance, fiscal responsibility, and a clear commitment to public service. This distinction positions the museum to continue growing its impact and serving as a vital cultural resource for the Capital Region.”

Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, roughly 1,100 are currently accredited. The Albany Institute is one of only 69 total museums accredited in New York State. Accreditation is a rigorous but highly rewarding process that examines all aspects of a museum’s operations. To earn accreditation, a museum first must conduct a year of self-study and then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. AAM’s Accreditation Commission, an independent and autonomous body of museum professionals, considers the self-study and visiting committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation.

“Accreditation is a monumental achievement,” said Marilyn Jackson, AAM President & CEO. “The process demonstrates an institution’s commitment to best practice and is flexible enough to be
accomplished by museums of any size.”