The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History has received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the nation’s highest recognition afforded to museums.
Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, roughly 1,100 are currently accredited. The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is one of only 78 museums accredited in California.
Accreditation acknowledges the museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continued institutional improvement.
To earn accreditation a museum must first conduct a year of self-study, and then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers.
“We are also honored to now be the only accredited museum in Santa Cruz County,” said Felicia Van Stolk, executive director of the museum in a press release. “This distinction will carry us into (the) future as we renovate the historic building to match our excellence in service.”
The museum, an independent non-profit, is raising money to renovate, modernize, and
expand Santa Cruz’s oldest museum. The fundraising campaign, called “Bright Future,” will advance their mission through immersive exhibits, programs, and collections, focusing on learning and the love of nature.
The renovation project will break ground in early 2027, with an anticipated completion in early 2029.
