Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

Six state historic sites also earn accreditation and reaccreditation status

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 21, 2019) – The Indiana State Museum has received reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums in recognition of the museum’s commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutional improvement.

The Indiana State Museum was initially accredited in 1988. Accreditation through American Alliance of Museums is the highest national recognition given to museums, and all accredited museums must undergo a reaccreditation process at least every 10 years to maintain the accredited status.

In addition to the museum in Indianapolis, six state historic sites in the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites system also received accreditation for the first time or reaccreditation through the American Alliance of Museum.

Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site in New Albany, Levi & Catharine Coffin State Historic Site in Fountain City and Limberlost State Historic Site in Geneva were awarded accreditation for the first time this year, while Angel Mounds State Historic Site in Evansville, Lanier Mansion State Historic Site in Madison and T.C. Steele State Historic Site in Nashville received reaccreditation.

Developed and sustained by museum professionals for more than 45 years, the Alliance’s museum accreditation program signifies quality assurance, self-regulation and public accountability. It strengthens the museum profession by promoting practices that assist leaders in making informed decisions, allocating resources wisely, and remaining financially and ethically accountable in order to provide the best possible experience to the public.

“The reaccreditation process is truly a team effort and showcases our dedication to be a top museum system in the nation,” said Cathy Ferree, president and CEO of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. “We’re honored to be recognized by the American Alliance of Museums as relevant, visitor-centric and well-positioned to educate visitors through our collections, programming and statewide focus.”

Of the estimated 33,000 museums nationwide, only about 1,100 are currently accredited through the American Alliance of Museums.

“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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The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is located in White River State Park in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. It is Indiana’s museum for science, art and culture, offering a place where you can celebrate, investigate, remember, learn and take pride in Indiana’s story in the context of the broader world. Even the building is a showcase of the best Indiana has to offer in architecture, materials and sculpture. Easy and convenient parking is available in the attached underground garage.