[NHCOLL-L:2151] AAM Position Statement

[Tim White]

This just in...

AAM Position Statement
University Natural History Museums and Collections

The American Association of Museums (AAM) expresses its deep concern that a 
significant number of America's natural history museums and collections 
affiliated with universities are currently threatened with severe financial 
cutbacks, dispersal of collections, and outright closure.

At risk are collections of irreplaceable objects, such as geological, 
paleontological, zoological and botanical specimens, anthropological and 
historical artifacts, and archives. These collections are held in trust for 
the public; they are the priceless heritage of this and future generations; 
and they constitute critically important resources for new knowledge.

University museums provide unique contributions to the public good through 
education and research. Their collections are a shared legacy, serving as a 
constantly growing database to document the diversity and history of life 
on earth, to develop strategies for the management of natural resources, 
and to find solutions to some of the world's most pressing problems, from 
biodiversity conservation to the discovery of new medicines. In addition, 
exhibits and programs in university museums help to advance broader 
understanding of the scholarly and scientific enterprise.

AAM urges university administrators, trustees, state legislators, and 
alumni to do everything in their power to preserve, protect and support 
their university museums and collections of natural and cultural history. 
Temporary financial difficulties must not be allowed to interfere with the 
overriding responsibility of the governing authority to be effective 
stewards of these collections and to safeguard the public interest by 
assuring continued access to them.

AAM strongly urges the leadership of universities, and their museums to 
work together to develop creative financial and organizational strategies 
that will secure their museums and collections for future generations.

AAM also strongly urges universities, museums, governmental agencies, 
foundations, and other stakeholders to begin a national dialogue with the 
aim of providing long-term stability for America's university museums of 
natural history and their irreplaceable collections. A major aim is to 
strengthen connections to constituencies that can speak in support of these 
important museums.

Jason Hall

Jason Y. Hall
Director, Government and Public Affairs
American Association of Museums
1575 Eye Street, NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20005

Phone: 202/289-9125
Fax:: 202/289-6578
email: jhall at aam-us.org