American Alliance of Museums

American Alliance of Museums Champion Museums. Nurture Excellence. Stay in touch: ✉️ aam-us.org/subscribe
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The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) is the only organization representing the entire museum field, from art and history museums to science centers and zoos. Since 1906, we have been championing museums through advocacy and providing museum professionals with the resources, knowledge, inspiration, and connections they need to move the field forward.

What creates a true sense of wonder?Join us for an interactive workshop exploring the science and the emotion of awe and...
06/18/2026

What creates a true sense of wonder?

Join us for an interactive workshop exploring the science and the emotion of awe and how museums can harness it to create experiences that spark curiosity, deepen engagement, and bring communities together.

📅 Wednesday, June 24, 2026
⏰ 2:00–3:00 PM ET
💻 Online

Led by Rebecca Corona, Ph.D., with Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga, President and Director of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, this session will explore how museums can incorporate eight different types of awe into exhibitions, programs, and visitor experiences.

Register here: https://www.aam-us.org/event/the-awe-advantage/

After last year's eye-opening Annual National Snapshot, which drew widespread attention to the challenges museums faced,...
06/17/2026

After last year's eye-opening Annual National Snapshot, which drew widespread attention to the challenges museums faced, it's time to find out where the field stands now.

This critical survey has fueled advocacy amid funding threats and helped secure billions of relief dollars during the pandemic.

The latest edition of the survey hit museum directors' inboxes earlier this month.

If you received the survey, we urge you to take 15-30 minutes to complete it and help us effectively advocate, develop benchmarking resources, and raise public awareness of museums' impact and challenges in the year ahead.

This year's survey will collect data on topics like:

Strategies for fundraising and increasing attendance

Changes in museum staffing and finances

K-12 educational programming

Insurance coverage and investment practice

If you are a museum director and did not receive the survey, please share your information with this quick form:

https://form.jotform.com/261106707254048

As the U.S. population ages, museums have an opportunity to play an even greater role in supporting community wellbeing....
06/16/2026

As the U.S. population ages, museums have an opportunity to play an even greater role in supporting community wellbeing.

Research continues to show that regular engagement with the arts can help older adults experience better physical, emotional, and social health.

And with 17% of museums currently offering wellness-focused programming, there is significant opportunity to expand museum wellness programs.

In this article from Museum magazine, Meeting the Moment: Creative Aging Programs for Older Adults explores why the creative aging movement is gaining momentum and how museums are uniquely positioned to help older adults connect, learn, create, and thrive.

Museums have always helped bridge generations. What might it look like to make creative aging a bigger part of that mission?

👉 Read the full article here.

https://www.aam-us.org/2026/05/10/meeting-the-moment-creative-aging-programs/

Reflecting on an inspiring 2026 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo in Philadelphia.Over 4,400 museum professionals from acr...
06/15/2026

Reflecting on an inspiring 2026 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo in Philadelphia.

Over 4,400 museum professionals from across the U.S. and around the world joined us for 3 days of learning, laughter, connection, and, most importantly, a renewed commitment to the work ahead.

We’re grateful to the AAM staff, Content Advisory and Local Host Committees, and the many volunteers who made this event possible.

Thank you to our sponsors, exhibitors, and advertisers for your incredible support, and to every attendee who brought their energy and insights to Philly.

📸 Visit our recap page to explore the AAM 2026 photo album, watch a recording of the general session & keynote, and more:

https://annualmeeting.aam-us.org/2026-recap/

06/13/2026

What if some of the assumptions museums rely on are no longer true?

📊 59% of museum directors say they're struggling to fill open positions.

💡 63% are concerned that changes in philanthropy could disrupt their plans.

🏛️ 69% report being affected by actions challenging the nonprofit sector.

These are just some of the questions explored in this year's TrendsWatch: Questioning Assumptions from AAM's Elizabeth Merritt.

📥 The report is now available as a free download.

👉 Download your copy and start rethinking what the future might hold for museums. https://www.aam-us.org/programs/trendswatch/

06/12/2026

Congratulations to Paula Gangopadhyay, recipient of the 2026 Award for Distinguished Service to Museums.

Over a career spanning nearly four decades, Paula has helped shape museums and the broader cultural sector through leadership, innovation, advocacy, and a commitment to advancing public service.

From local museums to national initiatives, her work has strengthened institutions, expanded partnerships, and supported the museum field through periods of profound change.

In accepting the award, Paula reflected on the people, organizations, and experiences that shaped her journey from her early days as a museum director to her work driving sector-wide impact. She also shared a message that resonates deeply with this moment in our field: keep re-imagining, be resourceful, and remain resilient.

Please join us in celebrating Paula and her remarkable contributions to museums and the communities they serve.

As the school year ends, it's the perfect time to plan your summer professional development! Join thousands of educators...
06/11/2026

As the school year ends, it's the perfect time to plan your summer professional development! Join thousands of educators online or in D.C. for the free Smithsonian National Education Summit, July 14–16, 2026.

Tying into the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary, this year's conference features 40+ sessions led by Smithsonian educators that will leave you inspired for next fall.

Registration is free, but space is limited. Reserve your spot today and share with a colleague: https://s.si.edu/EducationSummit2026

Please join us in welcoming Jane Aspinwall, Deputy Director of the Museum of Wisconsin Art, as the new Managing Editor o...
06/10/2026

Please join us in welcoming Jane Aspinwall, Deputy Director of the Museum of Wisconsin Art, as the new Managing Editor of AAM's journal of exhibition theory and practice, Exhibition.

Jane succeeds Ian Kerrigan, Senior Vice President for Exhibitions at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, who has served in the role since 2020. We’re grateful for Ian’s leadership and contributions over the past five years.

Interested in helping shape the future of exhibition practice? We’re currently seeking volunteer editorial advisors.

👉 Applications are open through July 3.

https://community.aam-us.org/browse/aamvolunteering/volunteeropportunities/opportunities-list-public/volunteer-opportunity-details?VolunteerOpportunityKey=636008aa-bdf2-4afd-9f40-018c4ade29c4&returnurl=https

Pride: A Moment to Reflect, a Commitment to Continue!Pride Month recognizes the rich history and contributions of the LG...
06/09/2026

Pride: A Moment to Reflect, a Commitment to Continue!

Pride Month recognizes the rich history and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community and traces its roots to the Stonewall Riots of 1969.

For museums, it’s not just a time to celebrate, but a reminder of the ongoing work to create welcoming, inclusive spaces for all. This month, and every month, we’re committed to elevating LGBTQ+ voices and stories.

Our guide has dozens of resources and examples for inspiration to help your museum plan inclusive practices and meaningful engagement.

Explore the Pride Month guide: https://www.aam-us.org/programs/months/pride-month/

And the winner of is...First, thank you to everyone who shared their story. We received incredible submissions from mu...
06/09/2026

And the winner of is...

First, thank you to everyone who shared their story. We received incredible submissions from museum professionals across the field, each one a reminder of the many paths that lead people to museums and the impact these institutions can have on our lives.

From first museum visits that sparked lifelong passions to unexpected career journeys, your stories reflected the creativity, dedication, and sense of purpose that make our community so special.

Congratulations to Lauren Meister, winner of a free registration to AAM 2027 in Houston, Texas! 🎉

Thank you again to everyone who participated and shared a piece of their Museum Odyssey with us.

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