The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History Receives Highest National Recognition

Museum Awarded Re-accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums

[Albuquerque, NM] – The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History has again achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded the nation's museums. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, governments, funders, outside agencies, and the museum-going public. The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History was initially accredited in 2013. All museums must undergo a re-accreditation review at least every ten 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 50 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.

"We are honored to receive this distinction from the American Alliance of Museums. This re-accreditation acknowledges the excellence of our staff and volunteers, whose tireless efforts ensure that the museum's thought-provoking exhibits, vibrant educational programs, and collections allow us to give voice to the history and future of the Atomic Age," said Jennifer Hayden, President and CEO of the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. "We are thankful for our Board of Trustees, community partners, and elected officials who participated in the process and helped demonstrate the critical role of the Museum in our nation."

Accreditation is a rigorous but highly rewarding process examining all aspects of a museum's operations. To earn accreditation, a museum must first conduct a year of self-study, 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.

"Accredited museums are a community of institutions that have chosen to hold themselves publicly accountable to excellence," said Laura L. Lott, Alliance President, and CEO. "Accreditation is clearly a significant achievement, of which both the institutions and the communities they serve can be extremely proud."

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About the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, located at 601 Eubank SE in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was established in 1969 and chartered by Congress in 1991 as an intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, from early research of nuclear development through today’s peaceful uses of nuclear technology. Visitors can explore how nuclear science continues to influence our world. The museum strives to present, through permanent and changing exhibits and displays, the diverse applications of nuclear science in the past, present, and future along with the stories of the field’s pioneers.

The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is a Smithsonian Affiliate and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm 361 days a year. The Museum’s website is nuclearmuseum.org and the phone number is 505-245-2137.

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.

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