NORMAN ROCKWELL MUSEUM RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION FROM AMERICAN ALLIANCE OF MUSEUMS
“Locally Engaged, Globally Significant”

STOCKBRIDGE, MA—Norman Rockwell Museum (NRM) recently received reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the only organization representing the entire scope of the museum community. Of the 33,000 museums the AAM represents, fewer than 1,100 are accredited. In Massachusetts, 67 museums have that distinction, including Berkshire institutions the Clark Art Institute, Williams College Museum of Art, and Hancock Shaker Village.

AAM peer reviewers gave NRM particular commendations for demonstrating extraordinary leadership in service to its community and as a model for other museums in diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) work, noting that NRM is “locally engaged, globally significant.”

Recognized as the field’s gold standard for museum excellence for 50 years, AAM accreditation signifies a museum’s quality and credibility to the entire museum community, to governments and outside agencies, and to the public. The Accreditation Program ensures the integrity and accessibility of museum collections, reinforces the educational and public service roles of museums, and promotes good governance practices and ethical behavior.

As noted by the Visiting Committee, “The cohesion between the Board, Senior Leadership, and Staff is palpable. The mission’s dual focus on the power of illustration to shape society, and the promotion of values expressed by Rockwell, offers it an opportunity to excel in the areas of inclusivity, and accessibility, as well as position itself as a global thought leader. The entire organization has embraced this mission, and the NRM accomplishes much with its nimble and committed staff and Board.”

Reviewers said additionally “the museum has done a tremendous amount of work in the arenas of the digital museum, accessibility, and using the power of illustration to create a positive impact on contemporary societal challenges.”

Through a rigorous process of self-assessment and peer-reviews, accredited museums demonstrate they meet the museum community’s standards of best practices and are educational entities that are appropriate stewards of the collections and resources they hold in the public trust.

“It takes dedication, collaboration, and contributions from our entire team, together with our donors, trustees, visitors, partners, and community to sustain a museum that is relevant and meaningful,” says Director/CEO, Laurie Norton Moffatt.