Associations
National Associations

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American Alliance of Museums

Arlington, Virginia

National Associations

The American Alliance of Museums (formerly the American Association of Museums) is the one organization that supports all museums. Through advocacy and excellence, the Alliance strengthens the museum community. We support 21,000 museums, individuals and companies by: •Developing standards and best practices •Providing resources and career development •Advocating for museums to thrive.

American Craft Council

Minneapolis, Minnesota

National Associations

The American Craft Council (ACC) is a national, nonprofit educational organization founded in 1943 by Aileen Osborn Webb. With a mission to promote understanding and appreciation of contemporary American craft, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of the many gifted artists today who are working with a variety of materials.

American Library Association

Chicago, Illinois

National Associations

In 1998 the ALA Council voted commitment to five Key Action Areas as guiding principles for directing the Association’s energies and resources: Diversity, Equity of Access, Education and Continuous Learning, Intellectual Freedom, and 21st Century Literacy.

Association of African American Museums

Wilberforce, Ohio

National Associations, Consortiums, Alliances and other Support Groups

The Association of African American Museums (AAAM) is a non-profit member organization established to support African and African American focus museums nationally and internationally, as well as the professionals who protect, preserve and interpret African and African American art, history and culture.

Association of Nature Center Administrators

Logan, Utah

National Associations

The people who run nature and environmental learning centers began getting together two decades ago to share ideas, experiences, and hard-won professional wisdom. Those early conversations soon became the Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA). ANCA is now an international network of nature and environmental learning center leaders designed to enhance professionalism and provide the support system critical to innovative and progressive management.

Association of Zoos & Aquariums

Silver Spring, Maryland

National Associations, Consortiums, Alliances and other Support Groups

Founded in 1924, the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, now known as the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. The American Zoo and Aquarium Association envisions a world where all people respect, value and conserve animals and nature.

International Foundation For Cultural Property Protection

Denver, Colorado

National Associations, Consortiums, Alliances and other Support Groups

The IFCPP is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the education, networking, and specialized training of security officers, supervisors, managers, and administrators working in Museums, cultural properties and public institutions. Founded in January 1999, the Foundation has both individual and institutional members from across the globe. The IFCPP offers national certification for anyone responsible for the protection of a public institution or cultural facility. IFCPP isn't just a great source for cultural property protection training and education.it's the only source. We strive to enhance networking between members and member institutions, research on protection related issues, and placement assistance for protection professionals.

Museum Store Association

Washington, District of Columbia

National Associations, Consortiums, Alliances and other Support Groups

Founded in 1955, MSA is a nonprofit, international association organized to advance the success of cultural commerce and of the professionals engaged in it. By encouraging high standards of professional competence and conduct, MSA helps retail professionals at cultural institutions better serve their organizations and the public.

Mystic Valley Railway Society, Inc.

Hyde Park, Massachusetts

National Associations

We are a non-profit educational corporation that is dedicated to educating the public about transportation with an emphasis on railroads. Incorporated in 1970 with ten members, it has grown to have thousands of members.

New England Appraisers Association

Memphis, Tennessee

National Associations

A national association of over 300 members whose interests and work includes conservationists, appraisers, and dealers who are interested in antiques, fine art, and collectibles.

American Association for State and Local History

Nashville, Tennessee

National Associations

Almost one hundred years after the first organization was created to serve and support the burgeoning field of state and local history, AASLH is providing services and leadership to thousands of institutional and individual members. It is the only comprehensive national organization dedicated to state and local history.

American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works

Washington, District of Columbia

National Associations

AIC is the national membership organization supporting conservation professionals in preserving cultural heritage by establishing and upholding professional standards, promoting research and publications, providing educational opportunities, and fostering the exchange of knowledge among conservators, allied professionals, and the public.

Association Of Academic Museums And Galleries

Greencastle, Indiana

National Associations

Our nation’s museums preserve our past and stand as vibrant cultural centers for their respective communities. Academic museums and galleries do even more! They are the training ground for the nation’s next generation of cultural leaders, the first engagement for many of our young with original objects, and campus centers for interdisciplinary discussion.

Association of Children's Museums

Arlington, Virginia

National Associations, Consortiums, Alliances and other Support Groups

AAYM began in 1962 with a small group of children's museum directors who decided it would be helpful for them to meet informally as a group during the American Association of Museum's (AAM) annual meeting. Michel Spock says, "AAYM stayed informal for about a decade. We resisted turning it into a real organization. We didn't take minutes or have formal meetings. It was for directors - to discuss our common purpose and our problems and issues." Approximately ten children's museums were operating in the United States at this time.

Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

National Associations

The work of the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums is made possible through the generous support of a national network of volunteers and supporting organizations. You, too, can support the preservation of indigenous cultures by becoming involved. If you would like to volunteer, host an event, or make a contribution, please contact Susan Feller at 405-401-8293 or email atalminfo@gmail.com. Stay up to date by signing up to get emails on ATALM activities. Join us on Facebook!

Country School Association of America

League City, Texas

National Associations

The CSAA brings a diverse group of individuals together including Museum volunteers, teachers, staff, faculty and students, preservationists, historians, re-enactors and interested citizens, to exchange ideas and resources. The CSAA holds an annual conference, provides a grant program, awards publication and video prizes, conducts surveys and publishes an electronic newsletter, all in support of the country schooling experience.

International Society of Appraisers

Chicago, Illinois

National Associations

The International Society of Appraisers (ISA) is a not-for-profit, member-driven association, formed to support our member needs and serve the public by producing highly qualified and ethical appraisers who are recognized authorities in professional personal property appraising. Our members include many of the country's most respected independent appraisers, consultants, estate liquidators, auctioneers, gallery owners, and dealers.

Museum Trustee Association

Baltimore, Maryland

National Associations

The Museum Trustee Association (MTA) is the only organization dedicated to providing ongoing board education programs, services, and resources for the special needs of museum trustees. MTA is uniquely experienced in museum trustee education. Attendees of the many programs provided have gained confidence in their fiduciary and stewardship roles and contributed positively to the growth and success of their museums.

National Genealogical Society

Arlington, Virginia

National Associations

Founded in 1903 as a non-profit organization, the National Genealogical Society is a dynamic and growing membership of individuals and other groups from all over the country—and the world—that share a common love of the field of genealogy. Whether you're a beginner, a professional or somewhere in between, NGS can assist you in your research into the past!

North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association

Simpsonville, South Carolina

National Associations

The North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association is an affiliation of arts and cultural institutions across North America. Individuals who join a participating NARM institution can receive free admission/discounts at over 1000 institutions! Individual members from one of the NARM Association institutions simply present a current membership card, validated with a gold North American Reciprocal sticker, to receive:

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

April 27 - April 29, 2025

Oregon Museum Association 2025 Conference

Oregon Museums Association

TBA

Independence, Oregon

Beginning in 2025, the OMA annual conference will be held in Spring rather than Fall

The conference this year is all about trying new things. We are hoping to organize the conference into the following four tracks: Collections Care, Leadership, Emergency Preparedness, and Tourism

Check our website for more details in early 2025

The OMA newsletter is emailed every month with updates on OMA events, museum news, other events, trainings, jobs, grants and more for the museum community in Oregon.

For more information, please email connect@oregonmuseums.org.

October 1 - October 4, 2025

Western Museums Association’s (WMA) 2025 Annual Meeting

Western Museums Association

TBA

Reno, Nevada

Save the Date for WMA 202

As we celebrate our 90th anniversary, join us to build relationships and soar higher than ever before. With the theme of ELEVATE, WMA 2025 will explore ways to lift up the experiences of cultural professionals and the communities they serve.

In Reno, Nevada, 4,400 feet above sea level, we will forward the progress of museums by looking to the future.

May 6 - May 9, 2025

2025 American Alliance of Museums (AAM) ANNUAL MEETING & MUSEUMEXPO

American Alliance of Museums

Los Angeles Convention Center

Los Angeles, California

AAM 2025 will focus on the theme, Museums & Trust.

Museums have long inspired high levels of public trust, surpassing news outlets, government organizations, researchers and scientists, corporations, and social media platforms. This consistent finding underscores our institutions’ unique position in society as stewards of knowledge, culture, science, and history—areas where credibility and reliability are paramount

In an era marked by mistrust and misinformation, museums have a rare ability to counterbalance the proliferation of false narratives and polarized perspectives. Using our trusted position, we can cultivate a more healthy, empathetic, and informed society.

But to do so, we must maintain our credibility proactively, embracing thoughtful, transparent, and collaborative practices that will defend against influences like bias, resource challenges, abuse of power, and social injustice

An Incredible MuseumExpo

AAM is again partnering this year with the Museum Store Association to host an incredible combined expo hall. Find the most innovative services, products, and solutions in the museum field. With 350 exhibitors, you are bound to find the right partner for your museum’s current challenges and opportunities.

May 5 - May 9, 2025

Museum Store Association FORWARD 2025 in LA

Museum Store Association

The Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, California

Join MSA in LA

We’re excited about our next MSA FORWARD Conference & Expo in “The City of Angels” – Los Angeles, California in conjunction with the American Alliance of Museums

Join the Museum Store Association (MSA) and hundreds of nonprofit retail professionals for the 70th Annual MSA FORWARD Retail Conference & Expo, taking place May 5-9, 2025 at The Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California

Once again, MSA FORWARD will be held in conjunction with the 2025 American Alliance of Museums (AAM) Annual Meeting & Expo

Learn best practices and new ideas for store merchandising, operations, marketing, and sale

Participate in dedicated networking events and create connections that will inspire new ideas

Meet with over 200 MSA vendors about your product needs

Hear from knowledgeable industry experts during session breakouts and keynote presentations

Network with AAM attendees and exhibitor

September 10 - September 13, 2025

2025 Am Assoc for State and Local History Annual Conference

American Association for State and Local History

TBD

Cincinnati, Ohio

The 2025 AASLH Annual Conference, in partnership with Ohio Local History Alliance, will take place as the history field makes the final preparations to kickoff off the 250th commemoration of the founding of the United States.

The 2025 conference theme, inspired by AASLH’s Making History at 250: The Field Guide for Semiquincentennial, is an opportunity to broadly explore one of the guide’s themes, The American Experiment. For many in the American colonies in 1776, independence from Britain represented a “leap into the dark” into an unknown future

We are excited for you to join us in Cincinnati as we encourage discussion about our democracy and civic institutions and how they can help strengthen understanding, inspire action, and reveal ways that all of us can participate in and shape the ongoing American experiment.

For more information, please call 615-320-3203 or email info@aaslh.org.

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