The International Quilt Museum (IQM) at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln was reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for demonstrating the highest standards and practices for museums in the United States. The achievement shows IQM’s commitment to collections stewardship, education, institutional improvement and public service. 

A year-long effort, the reaccreditation process included a thorough, peer reviewed self-assessment. Peer reviewers lauded IQM for exceptional exhibition and stewardship facilities while fostering a dedicated team of volunteers who assist in the museum’s mission of celebrating the cultural and artistic significance of quilts.  

While accreditation through AAM shows a commitment to excellence, it also shows leadership in the museum field.  

“Being reaccredited is an affirmation of the expertise and skill the curators and dedicated professionals use daily to care for the collection and to create inspiring exhibitions,” said Leslie Levy, the Executive Director of International Quilt Museum. “It’s a symbol of excellence within the arts, culture and humanities landscape. We are honored to steward the legacies of quilt makers and artists around the world.”    

During AAM’s accreditation commission meeting in February, 40 museums including IQM were awarded reaccreditation. One other museum was accredited for the first time. There are roughly 33,000 museums in the U.S. and 1,103 are currently accredited. Accreditations usually last 10 years. IQM was accredited for the first time in 2013. There are nine museums in Nebraska that have achieved accreditation, including three in Lincoln.  

The International Quilt Museum is home to the world’s largest publicly held quilt collection with objects from over 65 countries dating as far back as the 1600s. Founded in 1997, the museum was anchored at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln by a donation of nearly 1,000 quilts from Ardis and Robert James. In 2008, the museum moved to a 37,000 square-foot facility with three exhibition galleries and world-class textile storage. It expanded again, doubling its exhibition and storage space, in 2015.  

For more information, visit internationalquiltmuseum.org.  

The American Alliance of Museums is the sole organization representing the entirety of museums in the United States. Established in 1906, the AAM provides resources and advocacy for museum professionals to drive progress in the field. Accreditation through AAM is the preeminent mechanism for insuring quality, regulation and public accountability for museums.  

To learn more, visit aam-us.org.