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Stamp of approval: NM Museum of Natural History & Science receives reaccreditation
After an arduous process, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science got the stamp of approval.
The state-run museum received its reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) in early March. There are seven New Mexico museums that are AAM accredited.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a big sigh of relief,鈥� said Anthony Fiorillo, NMMNHS executive director. 鈥淲ith the museum being accredited by the AAM, it鈥檚 the 鈥榞old standard.鈥� This means we are a top-tier natural history/anthropology museum.鈥�
Accreditation through AAM, which represents 35,000 museums and museum professionals around the country, offers high profile, peer-based validation of a museum鈥檚 operations and impact.
The accreditation increases a museum鈥檚 value to funders, policymakers, insurers, and its community and peers. It lasts for 10 years.
The months-long, intensive process is centered on self-study and peer review.
According to the AAM, 8% of natural history and anthropology museums across the country are accredited.
鈥淣ew Mexicans know how good the museum is,鈥� Fiorillo said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 nice to have that stamp of approval that we are running our operations at the highest level. We are reaching our community.鈥�
According to the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science continues to be the state's most-visited museum.
In fiscal year 2023, the NMMNHS had 256,684 visitors, up from 198,347 in fiscal year 2022.
Fiorillo began in his position in Sept. 2022, and just missed the AAM site visit in Aug. 2022.
AAM鈥檚 Accreditation Commission praised Fiorillo for his work stabilizing funding, revitalizing the museum campus, and galvanizing the museum team by filling vacancies since his arrival in 2022.
The AAM letter further highlighted the DCA, which operates NMMNHS, for playing a critical role to help the museum improve on challenges with the active participation of staff.
鈥淰isitors to New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science know the museum is one of our state鈥檚 crown jewels, and we鈥檙e thrilled to see the institution recognized at the national level,鈥� said Debra Garcia y Griego, DCA Cabinet Secretary.
Fiorillo says the accreditation also helps the museum in getting supporters through the museum鈥檚 foundation.
鈥淚t reaches the community and the people who support it through donations.,鈥� Fiorillo said. 鈥淚t shows that the museum knows how to do its business.鈥�
Fiorillo is quick to give credit to the museum staff, DCA and the AAM leadership for the help along the way.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a team effort,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he staff stepped up and did what they needed to do to improve the museum. We were able to get guidance from DCA and AAM along the way."
AAM requires museums to undergo periodic reaccreditation reviews to ensure they maintain their level of professional performance. The next self-study is due in 2034.
