American Alliance of Museums

AAM mourns the tragic and senseless loss of life that occurred outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, their loved ones, and the entire community impacted by this devastating act of violence. Across the US, museums serve as trusted civic spaces. This tragedy is an affront to our communities’ need for museums as safe spaces. Read the full statement: https://lnkd.in/eSuq39rt

On World Turtle Day, we’re spotlighting the critical role aquaria and science centers play in conservation and animal care. Last winter, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s Stranding Response Team responded to a record-breaking 77 cold-stunned sea turtles along Virginia’s coastline, more than double the recent seasonal average. Aquaria, zoos, and botanical gardens are a critical part of our Alliance, often on the frontlines of rescue, rehabilitation, and public education. Join us in celebrating how these museums unite science, compassion, and engagement to promote the betterment of our planet.

We are thrilled to recognize 8 individuals and 4 institutions with a 2025 AAM Award for exemplary work, leadership, and excellence within the museum field! While the challenges facing museums have been unrelenting, these individuals and institutions are demonstrating the full value and impact of our incredible field. Congratulations and thank you for all you do for our communities! 🔸 Chair's Leadership Award: Marinela Servitje, Papalote Museo del Niño and Sietecolores 🔸 Distinguished Service Award: Richard West, Autry Museum of the American West 🔸 Nancy Hanks Award for Rising Stars: Jose ‘Jojo’ Galvan Mora – Northwestern University and Chicago History Museum Neecole Gregory – Morton Museum of Collierville History (Town of Collierville) & Fogelman Galleries of Contemporary Art at the University of Memphis Rahim Thompson – Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center MaryAnn Guoladdle Parker – First Americans Museum (FAM) 🔸 The Museum Impact Award for Individuals: Denisse Brito – University of Arizona's Center for Creative Photography Rachael Tamngin – University of Washington 🔸 The Museum Impact Award for Programs: California Academy of Sciences for California: State of Nature (exhibition). First Americans Museum (FAM) WINIKO: Reunion (two-year research project). Tucson Museum Of Art and Historic Block for Community-Based Curation (toolkit). 🔸 The Museum Impact Award for Institutions: Charlotte Museum of History Discover more about each of the awardees and join us in congratulating them: https://lnkd.in/en2KUweP 📸 Awards Reception at AAM 2025, May 6, 2025 in Los Angeles (some awardees not in attendance/pictured) followed by an announcement of each awardee.

In challenging times, optimism isn’t naïve. It’s necessary. Research shows that cultivating optimism isn’t just a mindset, it’s a tool for resilience, creativity, and meaningful change. As futurist Fred Polak argued, civilizations are guided by the images they hold of the future. To shape better outcomes, we need to imagine them first. In her latest post, Director of the Center for the Future of Museums Elizabeth Merritt explores three compelling resources highlighting how imagination and hope can drive progress. One resource explored is: 💡 The Future Will Be Shaped by Optimists A video essay by Kevin Kelly advocates for a “pro-topia” mindset where small, steady improvements shape a more just and livable world. These stories remind us: optimism isn’t about ignoring problems. It’s about believing in our capacity to solve them and daring to imagine what comes next. 📖 Read the full post from Elizabeth: https://lnkd.in/gTxjX83Z

Museum professionals play a vital role in shaping public policy, and you don’t have to go to Washington, D.C., to make an impact. In our upcoming webinar, In-District Advocacy: Advocating to State and Federal Lawmakers, you’ll learn practical tips for meeting with lawmakers in your community. 🗓️ Thursday, May 29, 2025 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET Your voice matters. Join us to learn how to use it powerfully and effectively. 🎟️ Sign up now: https://lnkd.in/eCxAe5un

The Path to Director: A Q&A with Jay Xu of Asian Art Museum. After 17 years leading the Asian Art Museum and over 40 years in the field, Jay Xu is preparing to retire. His journey from first working as secretary in a museum director's office to directing one himself is a testament to his purposeful leadership, which has evolved alongside the role of museums in society. In reflecting on his career, Xu offers a timely reminder for today’s museum professionals: Museums should regularly revisit their missions and values to remain relevant, responsive, and rooted in the community. His insights underscore a key takeaway: effective museums require not only scholarly depth but also a strong connection to the audiences we serve. 📖 Read the full Q&A with Jay on our blog: https://lnkd.in/euHvnHAP

On #InternationalMuseumDay, we’re reflecting on the vital role of trust in the museum field and the responsibility that comes with it. At this year’s AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, we came together around the theme “Museums and Trust,” exploring how institutions build, sustain, and sometimes rebuild the public’s confidence. In this conversation, Marilyn Jackson (AAM President & CEO), Jennifer Caballero (Executive Director, California Association of Museums) unpack how museums are evolving to remain relevant, responsive, and grounded in their communities. With this year's #IMD2025 theme, "The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities," a few takeaways from conversations surrounding trust can help museums meet their communities' needs today and into the future: 🌱 Trust is not given, it’s earned through transparency, shared values, and authentic engagement. 🏛️ Advocacy isn’t optional. Museum advocates must actively engage at every level of government to protect funding and shape public policy. Today and every day, we celebrate museums as trusted spaces for connection, education, and dialogue. Watch the video to hear how museum leaders are rising to the challenge. 🎥 Filmed by WebsEdge

A judge has ruled to halt the dismantling of IMLS, ordering the agency to revert to its pre-executive order status: including staff and contractors, and the processing and disbursement of already awarded funds. The Administration has seven days from that May 13 ruling to submit a status report, and it remains unclear how it will implement the court's order. We will continue to closely follow new developments. Congress is in the early stages of Appropriations for FY 2026. A key argument in these lawsuits is that the President cannot make these funding cuts without Congressional approval—and so, it is critical that Congress continues to provide funding for IMLS. How YOU can help today ➡️ Ask your members of Congress to sign on by May 21 to the House or Senate letter circulating in support of FY26 funding for IMLS! Find our message template to write to them, and read the full Alliance Advocacy Alert: https://lnkd.in/erZ_Jj_B In the Alert, you can also learn about: - The new Congressional Museum Caucus - Our free webinar on May 29 about in-district advocacy to engage your state and local officials - An update on tax policy legislation - Our advocacy tip of the month to help you do your homework, and more!

Join thousands of educators at the 5th annual Smithsonian National Education Summit, “Together We Thrive: One Nation Indivisible.” This free, three-day program offers in-person and virtual sessions led by over 20 Smithsonian museums and partners. This year’s Summit is your roadmap for the upcoming 250th anniversary of our nation in 2026, via the themes: · Dialogues Across Past, Present, and Future · Many Voices, One Nation · Power of Place · Transformative Teaching Tools Learn more about the session line-up and register for the Summit at the link below! https://lnkd.in/eGQz2QuQ Smithsonian Education

Museum professionals play a vital role in shaping public policy, and you don’t have to go to D.C. to make an impact. In our upcoming webinar, In-District Advocacy: Advocating to State and Federal Lawmakers, you’ll learn practical tips for meeting with lawmakers in your community. 🗓️ Thursday, May 29, 2025 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET Your voice matters. Join us to learn how to use it powerfully and effectively. 🎟️ Sign up for free now: https://lnkd.in/eCxAe5un