Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Championing Childrens Museums Globally
Founded in 1962, the Association Of Children's Museums (ACM) has emerged as the global leader dedicated to championing children's museums and enriching the lives of children through play-centered learning. With over 500 members across 50 U.S. states and 19 countries, we leverage the collective expertise of our network to advocate for equitable access to high-quality museum experiences. Our strategic priorities, anchored in diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) as well as environmental resiliency, reflect six decades of commitment to advancing the field.Through professional development initiatives like the MuseumLab program, annual InterActivity conferences, and research-driven resources such as ACM Trends, we provide unparalleled support to museum professionals. Our advocacy efforts strengthen institutional capacity while our reciprocal network connects museums worldwide, ensuring play remains recognized as a fundamental right for child development. Operating with full transparency, ACMs team and board of directors uphold rigorous standards of accountability in serving this dynamic sector.
Services
Museum Advocacy
Professional Development
Research Resources
Membership Networking
Event Programming
DEAI Consulting
Environmental Sustainability Support
Global Collaboration
Publication Distribution
Policy Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years of experience driving innovation in childrens museums worldwide.
- Our global network spans 500+ museums across 50 states and 19 countries.
- Strategic focus on DEAI and environmental resiliency informs all our programs.
- Exclusive professional development opportunities like MuseumLab elevate field standards.
- Advocacy initiatives strengthen museums as essential community resources.
Services
Museum Advocacy
We advocate for children's museums at local, national, and international levels. Our efforts include policy development, funding initiatives, and positioning museums as vital educational institutions. This advocacy strengthens operational capacity through legislative and community engagement strategies.
Professional Development
Our MuseumLab and InterActivity programs deliver skill-building workshops for museum professionals. Content focuses on exhibit design, leadership development, and emerging trends to enhance institutional effectiveness across the global network.
Research Resources
ACM Trends publications provide data-driven insights on museum operations, educational programming, and visitor engagement. These resources help institutions make informed decisions aligned with international best practices.
Membership Networking
Members gain access to collaborative platforms that foster knowledge exchange. Our network connects professionals through online portals, regional meetups, and specialized affinity groups focused on critical museum challenges.
DEAI Consulting
We provide frameworks for implementing diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion initiatives. Our consulting services help museums create welcoming environments that reflect and serve diverse community needs effectively.
Questions
What is the Association of Childrens Museums' primary mission?
Our mission is to champion children's museums and enrich children's lives worldwide through play-based learning advocacy, professional support, and global collaboration.
How can museums join ACM's global network?
Museums can join by completing our membership application process. Benefits include access to resources, professional development opportunities, and networking platforms.
What advocacy resources does ACM provide?
We offer policy guides, legislative alerts, funding databases, and expert consultations to help museums strengthen advocacy efforts at local and national levels.
How does ACM support DEAI initiatives?
We provide implementation frameworks, case studies, and specialized consulting to help museums integrate diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion practices.
What professional development opportunities are available?
Our InterActivity conference, MuseumLab programs, and online courses deliver training on exhibit design, leadership, and emerging trends in children's museums.
Does ACM publish research on children's museums?
Yes, our ACM Trends reports analyze field-wide challenges and innovations, offering data-driven insights to inform museum strategy and operations.
