
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Earns Prestigious Reaccreditation from American Alliance of Museums
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum has once again achieved the highest standard of recognition in the museum industry, earning reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). This prestigious accomplishment reaffirms the Museum’s commitment to excellence in its practices and its role as a cultural leader in preserving and celebrating the legacy of the American West.
Accreditation from AAM is widely regarded as the gold standard for museum excellence, and fewer than 4 percent of the approximately 33,000 museums across the United States hold this distinction. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is among only 1,112 museums in the nation, and just 14 in Oklahoma, to achieve this significant milestone. This year, only 26 museums across the country received accreditation, underscoring the exclusivity of this honor.
Recognition of Excellence
Diana Fields, Vice President of Grants and Education Advancement at the Museum, expressed her pride in the achievement, stating, “We are honored to receive reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums. 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, also highlighted the significance of this recognition. “This reaccreditation reflects the Museum’s enduring commitment to preserving the stories and heritage of an integral piece of this nation’s history,” he said. “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.”
A Rigorous Process
Accreditation by AAM is a rigorous, voluntary process that involves a comprehensive review of a museum’s operations, including collections stewardship, governance, and educational programming. Museums must meet AAM’s Core Standards, which represent the highest benchmarks of professional museum practices. The process also requires accredited institutions to undergo reaccreditation every 10 years, ensuring a sustained commitment to excellence and accountability.
“This reaccreditation is not just an honor; it’s a responsibility,” Fields explained. “It motivates us to continue striving for excellence in everything we do, from preserving artifacts to providing educational opportunities that connect visitors with the rich history and culture of the American West.”
Upholding the Gold Standard
For nearly 55 years, AAM accreditation has been a mark of distinction, signaling quality and credibility to government agencies, the museum community, and the public. It ensures that museums adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct, financial stewardship, and educational engagement.
By achieving reaccreditation, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum has reaffirmed its position as a leader in the museum field. This distinction underscores the Museum’s role as a trusted steward of cultural resources and a dynamic institution that contributes to the preservation and understanding of the American West’s heritage.
About the American Alliance of Museums
Founded in 1906, the American Alliance of Museums is the only organization that represents the entire museum field, including art museums, science centers, history museums, zoos, and more. AAM provides leadership, advocacy, and resources for museums and museum professionals, championing the vital role museums play in society. Through initiatives like accreditation, AAM sets the standard for museum excellence and ensures the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations.
About the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Located in Oklahoma City, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is the premier institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history, art, and culture of the American West. Since its founding in 1955, the Museum has collected, preserved, and exhibited a renowned collection of Western art and artifacts while fostering public interest through dynamic educational programs.
From its extensive galleries showcasing Western art and artifacts to its immersive educational offerings, the Museum continues to inspire visitors of all ages to connect with the enduring legacy of the American West.
For more information about the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and its programs, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org.
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