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An Introduction to the History and Functions of American Association Museums

Nathan Reed

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Published in Museums In Motion: An Introduction To The History And Functions Of Museums (American Association For State And Local History)

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Museums have been a part of American society for centuries, playing a vital role in preserving our cultural heritage, educating the public, and fostering a sense of community. The American Association of Museums (AAM) is the largest and most prestigious museum organization in the world, representing more than 3,000 museums in the United States.

In this article, we will explore the history of museums in America, from their humble beginnings to their modern-day roles as cultural institutions, educational centers, and community gathering places. We will also discuss the important work of the AAM in supporting and advocating for museums.

The first museums in America were founded in the early 19th century, primarily as repositories for natural history specimens and artifacts. These early museums were often associated with universities and scientific societies.

Museums in Motion: An Introduction to the History and Functions of Museums (American Association for State and Local History)

by Juilee Decker

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	56030 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	392 pages

In the mid-19th century, museums began to proliferate in American cities, as wealthy individuals and civic leaders sought to create institutions that would reflect the growing cultural sophistication of the country. These new museums were often devoted to art, history, or science.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a major expansion of the museum field in America. New museums were founded in cities and towns across the country, and existing museums expanded their collections and programs. This growth was fueled by a number of factors, including the increasing wealth of the country, the rise of mass education, and the growing popularity of tourism.

In the mid-20th century, museums began to play a more active role in their communities. They developed educational programs, outreach programs, and public events. They also began to focus more on serving diverse audiences, including children, families, and people with disabilities.

Today, museums are an essential part of the American cultural landscape. They are visited by millions of people each year, and they play a vital role in preserving our cultural heritage, educating the public, and fostering a sense of community.

Museums have a wide range of functions, including:

Preserving cultural heritage: Museums collect, preserve, and exhibit objects that are significant to our cultural heritage. These objects can include works of art, historical artifacts, natural history specimens, and scientific specimens.
Educating the public: Museums provide educational programs and resources for people of all ages. These programs can include guided tours, lectures, workshops, and online resources.
Fostering a sense of community: Museums are often gathering places for people to come together and learn about their shared history and culture. They can also provide opportunities for people to socialize and connect with others.
Supporting research: Museums are important centers for research in a variety of fields, including history, art, science, and anthropology. They provide researchers with access to collections of objects and documents that are not available elsewhere.
Promoting tourism: Museums are often major tourist attractions. They can help to boost local economies and create jobs.

The American Association of Museums (AAM) is the largest and most prestigious museum organization in the world. It was founded in 1906, and its mission is to champion museums, support their communities, and shape the future of the museum field.

The AAM provides a wide range of services to its members, including:

Advocacy: The AAM advocates for museums at the federal, state, and local levels. It works to ensure that museums have the resources and support they need to thrive.
Professional development: The AAM offers a variety of professional development opportunities for museum professionals, including conferences, workshops, and online courses.
Resources: The AAM provides a number of resources for museums, including publications, research reports, and online tools.
Networking: The AAM provides opportunities for museum professionals to network with each other and share ideas.

The AAM is a vital partner for museums in the United States. It provides a strong voice for the museum field and works to ensure that museums have the resources and support they need to continue to thrive.

Museums are an essential part of the American cultural landscape. They preserve our cultural heritage, educate the public, foster a sense of community, and support research. The American Association of Museums is a vital partner for museums in the United States. It provides a strong voice for the museum field and works to ensure that museums have the resources and support they need to continue to thrive.

As we look to the future, museums will continue to play an important role in our society. They will continue to be places where we can learn about our shared history and culture, connect with others, and experience the wonders of the world.

Museums in Motion: An Introduction to the History and Functions of Museums (American Association for State and Local History)

by Juilee Decker

4.6 out of 5