PRESS RELEASE
The EAA Aviation Museum has once again earned accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), reaffirming its commitment to excellence and the highest professional standards in the museum industry. AAM accreditation is the gold standard for museums, with only 3 percent of the nation’s 33,000 museums holding this prestigious designation.
Accreditation is a rigorous process that museums must undergo at least once every 10 years to maintain their status. The program, developed and sustained by museum professionals for over 50 years, serves as the industry’s primary mechanism for quality assurance, self-regulation, and public accountability. It ensures that accredited institutions operate with the highest levels of professionalism, ethical stewardship, and continuous institutional improvement.
“Since opening our museum in Oshkosh more than four decades ago, we have remained dedicated to preserving and sharing the story of personal flight with the highest standards of care,” said Jack J. Pelton, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). “This reaccreditation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, ensuring an exceptional experience for our members and visitors year-round.”
The EAA Aviation Museum is widely recognized as one of the world’s premier aviation museums, earning accolades from CNN, Travel + Leisure, and Group Travel Leader, among others. Achieving AAM accreditation is an intensive, multi-step process. Museums first complete a year-long self-study, followed by an on-site evaluation by a team of peer reviewers. The final decision is made by AAM’s independent Accreditation Commission, which evaluates a museum’s operations, governance, and impact on its community.
“Accreditation is a significant accomplishment that underscores an institution’s dedication to best practices,” said Marilyn Jackson, AAM President & CEO. “It is a flexible process that allows museums of all sizes to demonstrate their commitment to excellence.”
Leading the EAA Aviation Museum’s reaccreditation effort was curator Amelia Anderson, who coordinated efforts across multiple EAA departments throughout the past year. For more information about the EAA Aviation Museum, visit EAA.org/museum.
