Montana Historical Society reaccredited by national museum org

The Montana Historical Society has been reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums, which is the highest national recognition given to museums in the United States.

The state’s historical society has been accredited by the national organization continuously since 1973, MHS said in a press release, adding the past year had been notable with the Montana Heritage Center overhaul complete and another award earlier this year from the national museum alliance.

Since the Heritage Center was reopened, it has seen more than 100,000 visitors, the historical society said in a press release.

“Reaccreditation affirms what our staff, board, and community partners work toward every day — a museum that holds itself to the highest standards of public service, ethical stewardship, and institutional integrity,” Molly Kruckenberg, director of the Montana Historical Society said in a press release. “After the extraordinary year we have had, this recognition means a great deal.”

Only eight museums in Montana — and about 3% of an estimated 33,000 American museums — are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The reaccreditation process is “rigorous” the press release says, involving site inspections during a multi-year process.

To maintain accreditation with the national alliance, museums must undergo the reaccreditation process at least every 10 years. The process recognizes the, “excellence, accountability, and continued institutional improvement,” a press release said.

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