Hickory Museum of Art
Receives Highest National Recognition

Awarded Re-Accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums

Hickory, NC – Hickory Museum of Art (HMA) has again achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, 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. Hickory Museum of Art has been accredited since 1991. 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.

Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, roughly 1,100 are currently accredited. Hickory Museum of Art is one of only 28 museums accredited in North Carolina.

“This remarkable achievement of reaccreditation really cannot be overstated. It rewards the highest standards of excellence and puts HMA amongst art museum giants like The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Museum of Modern Art. It’s a recognition that most museums aspire to and I wholeheartedly congratulate Executive Director Clarissa Starnes and the entire HMA team for this well-deserved honor,” said Tiffany Brittain, HMA Board of Trustees President.

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.”

About the American Alliance of Museums

The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) 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. For more information, visit aam-us.org.

About Hickory Museum of Art

Hickory Museum of Art has a rich, vibrant history that spans eight decades. Established in 1944, the museum has grown to become a prominent cultural institution in the region, showcasing a diverse range of art forms. Over the years, the museum has consistently offered an impressive selection of exhibitions featuring local and internationally known American artists, allowing visitors to explore various artistic expressions. With its commitment to supporting emerging talents, the museum has also played a vital role in nurturing and promoting the artistic community in Hickory. Through its educational programs, workshops, and collaborations with other arts organizations, Hickory Museum of Art continues to foster a dynamic and inclusive space for creativity and cultural enrichment. The museum is located on the SALT Block, 243 3rd Avenue NE, Hickory. Admission is free. For more information about museum exhibitions, art classes, field trips, and events visit www.hickoryart.org or call the Museum at 828-327-8576, ext 201. Business sponsorship information is also available at the same telephone number.

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