Lanier Mansion State Historic Site awarded reaccreditation from American Alliance of Museums

Of the estimated 33,000 museums nationwide, only about 1,100 are currently accredited

 Lanier Mansion State Historic Site has received reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums in recognition of the museum’s commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutional improvement.

Lanier Mansion State Historic Site was initially accredited in 1988. Accreditation through American Alliance of Museums is the highest national recognition bestowed upon museums, and all accredited museums must undergo a reaccreditation process at least every 10 years to maintain the accredited status.

Developed and sustained by museum professionals for more than 45 years, the Alliance’s museum accreditation program signifies quality assurance, self-regulation and public accountability. It strengthens the museum profession by promoting practices that assist leaders in making informed decisions, allocating resources wisely, and remaining financially and ethically accountable in order to provide the best possible experience to the public.

“The reaccreditation process is truly a team effort and showcases our dedication to be a top museum system in the nation,” said Cathy Ferree, president and CEO of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. “We’re honored to be recognized by the American Alliance of Museums as relevant, visitor-centric and well-positioned to educate visitors through our collections, programming and statewide focus.”

Of the estimated 33,000 museums nationwide, only about 1,100 are currently accredited.

“Reaccreditation is a great honor for the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site,” said Jessica Stavros, southeast regional director of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. “Receiving reaccreditation shows our local community and visitors from throughout Indiana and the nation that we’re committed to being one of the best.”

In addition to the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis, Angel Mounds State Historic Site in Evansville and T.C. Steele State Historic Site in Nashville received reaccreditation. 

Levi & Catharine Coffin State Historic Site in Fountain City, Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site in New Albany and Limberlost State Historic Site in Geneva – all locations in the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites system - were accredited for the first time.

“Accredited museums are a community of institutions that have chosen to hold themselves publicly accountable to excellence,” said Laura L. Lott, Alliance president and CEO. “Accreditation is clearly a significant achievement, of which both the institutions and the communities they serve can be extremely proud.”