OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma History Center Museum has again received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), which is the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, governments, funders, outside agencies and the museum-going public. The Oklahoma History Center Museum has been accredited since 2014. All museums must undergo a reaccreditation review at least every 10 years to maintain accredited status.
The Alliance’s Accreditation Program brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutional improvement. Developed and sustained by museum professionals for over 50 years, the accreditation program is the field’s primary vehicle for quality assurance, self-regulation and public accountability. It 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.
“The Oklahoma History Center Museum is proud to once again be recognized as an accredited institution by the American Alliance of Museums,” said Trait Thompson, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society. “This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our staff, volunteers and leadership at the Oklahoma Historical Society. It affirms our commitment to excellence and underscores our mission to preserve and share Oklahoma’s history and culture. Accreditation ensures that we remain a trusted resource for our community, operating at the highest professional standards and on par with some of the nation’s most respected museums.”
Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, roughly 1,100 are currently accredited. The Oklahoma History Center Museum is one of only 14 museums accredited in Oklahoma.
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 and CEO. “The process demonstrates an institution’s commitment to best practice and is flexible enough to be accomplished by museums of any size.”
The Oklahoma History Center Museum is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Please call 405-522-0765 or visit www.okhistory.org/historycenter for admission costs and group rates.