Desert Botanical has again achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums.
Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies, and to the museum-going public. The Garden has been accredited since 1983. All museums must undergo a reaccreditation review at least every 10 years to maintain accredited status.
Alliance Accreditation 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 fifty years, the Alliance’s museum 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.
“Achieving reaccreditation from the AAM is a testament to the Garden’s unwavering dedication to excellence in horticulture, education and conservation. This prestigious recognition reaffirms our commitment to preserving the desert’s biodiversity and enhancing public understanding of its importance. We are honored to continue serving as a trusted resource and cherished destination for our community and visitors worldwide,” said Ken Schutz, the Garden’s executive director.
Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, roughly 1,100 are currently accredited. The Garden is one of only 19 museums accredited in Arizona.
Accreditation is a very 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 & CEO. “The process demonstrates an institution’s commitment to best practice and is flexible enough to be accomplished by museums of any size.”
