Press Release
December 5, 2024
Contact: Jessica Brogdon
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-0780
jessica.brogdon@history.ok.gov
www.okhistory.org/historycenter
Oklahoma History Center Museum Receives Highest National Recognition
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.
About the Oklahoma History Center
The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
About the American Alliance of Museums
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, it has championed museums through advocacy and provided museum professionals with the resources, knowledge, inspiration, and connections they need to move the field forward. For more information, visit aam-us.org.
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