December 4th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

Historic Annapolis has again achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded the nation’s museums. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies, and to the museum-going public. Historic Annapolis has been accredited since 1980. All museums must undergo a reaccreditation review at least every 10 years to maintain accredited status.  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.  Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, only 3% are currently accredited. Historic Annapolis is one of just 18 museums accredited in Maryland. HA’s four historic sites open to the public – the Museum of Historic Annapolis, the William Paca House and Garden, Hogshead, and Waterfront Warehouse – are all included in the accreditation.