Comments, thoughts, etc., on the following would be appreciated.

We (Oregon Heritage Commission) are looking at qualification standards for participation in our  various programs.  As one aspect of this, we are seeking to develop a short list of museum standards that can encompass museums ranging from those just beginning an effort to meet professional standards to the most sophisticated facilities.  A first cut at standards resulted in the following:

1.  Museum must be incorporated non-profit organiztion, element of  local, state, or federal government, or of a federally-recognized tribal government.

2.  Museum must have a board of trustees or directors with legal responsibility for oversight of the institution.

3.  Museum must have a written mission statement that has been officially adopted by its oversight body.

4.  Museum must have a written committment to work toward professionally accepted museumsstandards that has been officially adopted by its oversight body.

5.  Museum be be able to document specific achievements within the past 12 months that have moved it toward achieving professionally accepted museum standards in one or more of the following areas:  collections conservation, collections management, exhibits, institutional management, public programming, and visitor services.

Any suggestions welcome.

Bill Hanable
Oregon Heritage Commission

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