
The University of New Mexico
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales 277-5920; cgonzal@unm.edu
Oct. 11, 2006
UNM's Maxwell Museum Receives Reaccreditation
Governor Richardson offers accolades
The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology at the University of New Mexico was recently notified that it has been reaccredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM). Museums must apply for AAM reaccredidation every ten years.
The AAM Accreditation Commission report stated that the Maxwell Museum has a strong staff, collections, research, exhibits and new collaborative initiatives. Recognizing that the Maxwell is clearly meeting its mission as defined all its programs and activities are in concert with these stated goals, the AAM honored the museum with its third accreditation. Maxwell has been AAM-accredited since 1973.
Governor Bill Richardson congratulated Interim Director Bruce Huckell, You and your staff have much to be proud of. Your recent accomplishment places you in an elite group of your peers who have also achieved this high distinction. On behalf of the State of New Mexico , I congratulate you for once again meeting the necessary requirements to achieve this important benchmark.
The Maxwell Museum was founded in 1932 as the Museum of Anthropology of the University of New Mexico, becoming the first public museum in Albuquerque. In 1972 it was renamed the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology in honor of philanthropists Dorothy and Gilbert Maxwell, whose donation made possible a major expansion of the museum that same year. In 1973 the Maxwell Museum was awarded its first accreditation from the American Association of Museums and was reaccredited in 1985 and in 1997. With its associated research institutes the Office of Contract Archaeology, the Alfonso Ortiz Center for Intercultural Studies and the Maxwell Center for Anthropological Research the museum represents a comprehensive center for cultural studies and public education.
AAM promotes excellence within the museum community. Through advocacy, professional education, information exchange, accreditation and guidance on current professional standards of performance, AAM assists museum staff, boards and volunteers across the country to better serve the public.
For more information, contact Mary Beth Hermans at 277-1400 or via email at mhermans@unm.edu or visit the Maxwell on the Web at www.unm.edu/~maxwell .
###
www.unm.edu