Illinois e-News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, Dec. 5, 2025

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Museum (ISM) has been reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums.

Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, governments, funders, outside agencies and the museum-going public. The Illinois State Museum has been accredited since 1972. 

“ISM has a long history of being an AAM-accredited institution, and we are excited to continue to showcase our excellence,” said Illinois State Museum Director Jenn Edginton. “Our team worked hard to earn this recognition, and we are proud to share it with the state.”

Accreditation is a rigorous process that examines all aspects of the museum’s operations. All museums must undergo a reaccreditation review at least every 10 years to maintain accredited status.

To earn accreditation, ISM had to conduct a year of self-study, 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. Only 3% of the nation’s museums are AAM-accredited. 

“Accreditation is a monumental achievement,” said AAM President and CEO Marilyn Jackson. “The process demonstrates an institution’s commitment to best practice and is flexible enough to be accomplished by museums of any size.”

Established in 1877, the Illinois State Museum is a dynamic institution that inspires the exploration of Illinois' past and present to inform and enrich everyday life and promote stewardship of cultural and natural resources. Headquartered in Springfield with branch facilities in Lewistown and Lockport, ISM is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is a proud member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.

The American Alliance of Museums is the only organization representing the entire museum field, from art and history museums to science centers and zoos. Since 1906, we have been championing museums through advocacy and providing museum professionals with the resources, knowledge, inspiration, and connections they need to move the field forward.