Museums of Western Colorado 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, governments, funders, outside agencies and to the museum-going public.

Museums of Western Colorado, a nonprofit museum system that includes Museum of the West, Dinosaur Journey, Cross Orchards and four paleontology sites, has been accredited since 1971. All museums must undergo a reaccreditation review at least every 10 years to maintain accredited status.

American Alliance of Museums 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 more than 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.

“This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our staff, volunteers and board, who consistently strive for excellence in preserving and sharing the rich history of our region,” said Shenna Hayden, executive director of Museums of Western Colorado. “The rigorous AAM accreditation process has not only validated our commitment to best practices but has also provided invaluable insights for continuous improvement.

“Being an accredited museum signifies that we adhere to the highest standards of professional museum operations, ensuring that our collections are cared for, our exhibits are engaging, and our educational programs are impactful.”

Hayden said the reaccreditation translates to a higher quality of life as studies have shown access to accredited museums enhances educational outcomes, fosters civic engagement and contributes to economic vitality.

“For instance,” she said, “research indicates that communities with strong cultural institutions experience increased property values and attract skilled workers. Furthermore, museums serve as vital hubs for lifelong learning, offering opportunities for individuals of all ages to connect with their heritage and expand their knowledge.”

Hayden said the AAM’s data shows museums contribute $50 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 726,000 jobs.

“An accredited museum like ours is a crucial part of that economic engine, as well as a key element to the cultural health of the Grand Valley,” she said. “This reaccreditation reinforces our commitment to serving as a trusted and valuable educational resource for generations to come.”

Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, roughly 1,100 are currently accredited. Museums of Western Colorado is one of only 23 museums accredited in Colorado.

Accreditation is a rigorous process that examines all aspects of a museum’s operations. To earn accreditation, a museum first must 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.

“Accreditation is a monumental achievement,” AAM President and CEO Marilyn Jackson said. “The process demonstrates an institution’s commitment to best practice and is flexible enough to be accomplished by museums of any size.”