Associations
National Associations

Browse Associations

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 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:

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 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.

Oral History Association
Atlanta, Georgia

National Associations

Since 1966, the Oral History Association has served as the principal membership organization for people committed to the value of oral history. OHA engages with policy makers, educators, and others to help foster best practices and encourage support for oral history and oral historians. With an international membership, OHA serves a broad and diverse audience including teachers, students, community historians, archivists, librarians, and filmmakers.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Public Lands Alliance 2025 Convention and Trade Show

February 2 - 6, 2025

Las Vegas, Nevada

Public Lands Alliance 2025 Convention and Trade Show

Sunday, February 2 - Thursday, February 6, 2025

Westgate Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada

Hosted by: Public Lands Alliance

The Public Lands Alliance Convention and Trade Show brings together nonprofits, land management agencies and companies to learn, network and engage on public lands issues. The 2025 Convention and Trade Show will take place Sunday, February 2 - Thursday, February 6, 2025 in Las Vegas, NV

Connect with peers, explore the latest in public lands products, and return inspired with new strategies and resources for success in conservation and visitor engagement

Our annual Convention and Trade Show (PLA) is the premier gathering for leaders in the public lands sector to network, gain essential tools, and explore products that enhance the visitor experience and support conservation, preservation, and enrichment efforts.

For more information, please call 301-946-9475.

Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

February 5 - 7, 2025

Milledgeville, Georgia

Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

Wednesday, February 5 - Friday, February 7, 2025

Ina Dillard Russell Library Georgia College & State University

Milledgeville, Georgia

Hosted by: Georgia Association of Museums

The Whole Story Is The Meanin

“For the fiction writer himself the whole story is the meaning, because it is an experience, not an abstraction.”― Flannery O'Connor, Mystery and Manners: Occasional Pros

Join us in Milledgeville, Georgia, for the annual Georgia Association of Museums conference as we explore the profound wisdom of Milledgeville author Flannery O'Connor’s words. In a world where narratives intersect and perspectives diverge, this theme invites proposals that delve into the essence of storytelling within museums and cultural institutions. Our work in the museum field requires us to look at stories from as many angles and perspectives as possible so that we might do our best to tell the “whole story.

Through thought-provoking discussions, interactive workshops, and engaging presentations, we will uncover the layers of meaning embedded within every artifact, exhibition, and historical account. Just as O’Connor masterfully crafted narratives that resonate with universal truths, museums hold the power to illuminate the whole story behind many objects, artworks, and cultural phenomena

We will examine how museums can embrace inclusivity, diversity, and authenticity in their storytelling practices. By acknowledging multiple perspectives and amplifying marginalized voices, we can enrich our understanding of the past and present, fostering empathy and connection within our communities.

Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

February 17 - 19, 2025

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

Monday, February 17 - Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Hosted by: Small Museum Association

The annual SMA conference attracts more than 300 museum professionals, board members, and volunteers from a wide variety of small museums. They attend sessions on topics ranging from collections and education to staffing and board issues.

We offer a large Museum Resource Hall and plenty of informal networking opportunities for you to talk with (and get ideas from!) other small museum professionals and volunteers

Theme for 2025: Make It Happen!!!

Is there an exhibit, program, or fundraiser that you've been talking about doing for years? Do you feel stuck because of procrastination, lack of board support, or insufficient funds? It's time to take action

At SMA 2025, small museum professionals will share their tips and tricks of how they made it happen!

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

Tuesday, February 18 - Saturday, February 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

Hosted by: California Association of Museums

CAM is hard at work planning for the 2025 conference, set to take place from February 18–22, 2025 in San Francisco. We look forward to highlighting best practices and innovative ideas from California's museum community

The California Association of Museums is excited to continue offering in-person programming for 2025. We will not be requiring proof of COVID vaccination/s, but highly encourage vaccination and boosters. For the health and safety of our colleagues, masks are also encouraged (but not required). Capacity and spaces will be thoughtfully considered in the planning of this event.

For more information, please email programs@calmuseums.org.

2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

March 11 - 14, 2025

Knoxville, Tennessee

2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

Tuesday, March 11 - Friday, March 14, 2025

Crowne Plaza hotel in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee

Hosted by: Tennessee Association of Museums

Tennessee museums are full of hope. But how are they turning hope into reality

With the Semiquincentennial quickly approaching in 2026, the state's museum community if approaching a turning point, and is now a great time to take stock and develop a vision for the future

The Tennessee Association of Museums' 64th Annual Conference in Knoxville will challenge the state's museums to think ahead and share their hopes, the best practices and strategies for turning those hoes into realities, and the rewards that come from aspirational thinking

The 2025 TAM Annual Conference will take place at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Knoxville, TN.

For more information, please call 615-495-3354 or email hawkins@aaslh.org.

view all conferences
RECENT UPDATES

Museums

12/20 Loxahatchee River Historical Society

Jupiter, Florida

12/20 Museum of Science & History

Jacksonville, Florida

12/20 Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center

Naples, Florida

12/20 Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum

Boca Raton, Florida

12/20 HistoryMiami

Miami, Florida

Museum Vendors

11/19 Digiscura

Encino, California

Museum Associations

12/20 Florida Association of Museums

Tallahassee, Florida

12/18 Museum Store Association

Washington, District of Columbia

12/17 Nebraska Museums Association

Lincoln, Nebraska