Centenary’s Meadows Museum of Art earns highest national accreditation
The Meadows Museum of Art at Centenary College of Louisiana 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 Meadows Museum has been accredited since 1980. 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.
“We are extremely proud to be the only museum in North Louisiana to hold the distinction of accreditation through AAM,” said Meadows director Alissa Klaus. “It is a confirmation of the exemplary work of the museum’s staff, student workers, and our collaborators on Centenary’s campus.”
Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, roughly 1,100 are currently accredited. The Meadows Museum of Art is one of only 23 museums accredited in Louisiana.
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."
About the Meadows Museum of Art
The Meadows Museum of Art is located on the campus of Centenary College of Louisiana at 2911 Centenary Boulevard in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Museum is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Museum is closed on Sundays and College holidays. For more information or to schedule field trips, call the Museum at 318.869.5169 or visit themeadowsmuseum.com.
About the American Alliance of Museums
The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) is the only organization representing the entire museum field, from art and history museums to science centers and zoos. Since 1906, we have been championing museums through advocacy and providing museum professionals with the resources, knowledge, inspiration, and connections they need to move the field forward. For more information, visit aam-us.org.