The Old Barracks Museum is pleased to announce that it has achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded the nation’s museums. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community as well as high standards in stewardship, ethics, and innovation.
This is a proud moment for the museum, our city, and the region as only 3% of museums nationwide achieve accreditation from the AAM. “I am exceptionally proud that the AAM has recognized the dedication and work of the Old Barracks staff and Board of Trustees,” said Michelle Doherty, Executive Director of the Old Barracks Museum. “The staff works together to bring history to the public through interpretive programs, exhibits, and preservation. Through this accreditation process, the museum had a chance to examine its methods and practices and ensure that we are meeting our mission in the best possible manner. The Old Barracks is a unique site that can provide living history demonstrations as well as exhibits and programs that tell the story of not just the barracks itself, but also of New Jersey from 1758 through the present both on and off the battlefield.”
“The Old Barracks Museum is a National Historic Landmark and a premier historic site in Trenton” said Lisa Willever, President of the Old Barracks Association. “This accreditation highlights the museum’s unique ability to share the importance on New Jersey’s history through interpretation, education, and preservation.”
The process of accreditation is rigorous and rewarding. Taking over a year, it seeks to answer two main questions:
1. How well does the museum meet its mission and goals?
2. How well does the museum meet national standards and best practices?
The process includes an in-depth, internal self-study, as well as a site study by peer reviewers. The Old Barracks is one of thirty-three museums across the nation awarded accreditation this round. Read the AAM’s press release for more information: AAM Announces Latest Accreditation Awards: 33 Museums Achieve This Distinction – American Alliance of Museums (aam-us.org)
The Old Barracks Museum welcomes visitors Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm as well as for special events throughout the year.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN ALLIANCE OF MUSEUMS: The American Alliance of Museums has been bringing museums together since 1906, helping to develop standards and best practices, gathering and sharing knowledge, and providing advocacy on issues of concern to the entire museum community. Representing more than 35,000 individual museum professionals and volunteers, institutions, and corporate partners serving the museum field, the Alliance stands for the broad scope of the museum community. For more information, visit www.aam-us.org.
