Awarded third consecutive accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums

The Sciencenter is proud to announce that it has again achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), 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 Sciencenter has been accredited since 2000. 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.

“Receiving another accreditation from AAM is a testament to the Sciencenter’s ongoing dedication to inspiring curiosity, confidence, and enthusiasm for science and discovery,” said Michelle Kortenaar, Executive Director of the Sciencenter. “It reflects the hard work of our staff, board, and community partners who ensure that our museum remains a welcoming, educational, and innovative resource for all.”

Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, roughly 1,100 are currently accredited. Only 3% of science museums and less than 1% of children’s museums are accredited. The Sciencenter is one of only 69 museums (including a handful of children’s museums) accredited in New York State.

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.”

“This honor affirms what we on the Board of Trustees already know,” said Eric Rosario, Chair of the Sciencenter Board. “The Sciencenter is a beloved local resource and a national model of excellence, creativity, and community impact. This achievement is a shared triumph, thanks to our exceptional staff, visionary leadership, vital community partners, generous supporters, and passionate volunteers.”

The Sciencenter invites the community to celebrate this milestone and continue exploring the hands-on science experiences that make the museum a trusted destination for lifelong learning.