The Sembrich in Bolton was recently selected to participate in the 2023 Museum Assessment Program by The American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the only organization representing the entire scope of the museum community.
Since its inception in 1981, the Museum Assessment Program (MAP) has helped more than 5,000 small and mid-sized museums of all types strengthen operations, plan for the future, and meet standards. With five types of assessments available, over 60 percent of AAM-accredited museums have participated in the program.
To participate in the program, museums choose from one of five institutional assessment types: organizational, collections stewardship, education & interpretation, community & audience engagement, or board leadership.
All five assessment types are grounded in AAM’s core standards; are inclusive of diversity, equity, access, and inclusion issues as they relate to the assessment focus; help museums look at both functional and strategic aspects of their operations, and present focused learning modules and action plans for the museum to progress through; and include a peer-reviewed site visit.
Over one-third of participating museums found the experience so valuable that they returned to participate another time, museum officials said.
“We are excited to join the cohort of 2023 MAP museums,” said Caleb Eick, Sembrich director of institutional advancement. “The Sembrich will participate in the Education & Interpretation survey to help strengthen our efforts in the display and interpretation of our unique collection and historic structures. As we approach the studio’s 2024 centennial, we look forward to improving our interpretive practices and exploring new ways to preserve the legacy of Marcella Sembrich.”
With the MAP program, museums often gain clarity on an institutional roadmap or strategic plan, see positive impacts to their visitor experience or community response to their museum, grow in their ability to identify their strengths and challenges, or gain valuable assistance with updating museum policy, successes in fundraising, and other benefits.
MAP is supported through a cooperative agreement between the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the American Alliance of Museums.