Awarded Re-Accreditation from the American Association of Museums
Summer 2011.
When the phone call came from the American Association of Museums(AAM) that the Jewish Museum of Florida was unanimously approved for re-accreditation, the staff was jubilant! This validation, awarded to less than 5% of the nation’s museums, demonstrates that JMOF has again chosen to hold itself publicly accountable to excellence in the museum field.
JMOF first became AAM accredited in July 2002. This certifies that the Museum successfully completed the rigorous, professional examination through the self-study and review by a visiting committee. The demanding process to get reaccredited by AAM took 27 months and resulted in voluminous detailed documents that demonstrate that JMOF operates according to standards set forth by the museum profession, manages and interprets its collection responsibly and provides excellent public service. The examination covers the areas of Public Trust and Accountability, Mission and Planning, Leadership and Organizational Structure, Collections Stewardship, Education, Interpretation through exhibitions, Financial Stability and Facilities and Risk Management.
Marcia Jo Zerivitz, Founding Executive Director & Chief Curator of the Jewish Museum of Florida, stated, “This is a collective achievement. The process of documenting all that we do involved every staff person and board member and defines the word ‘teamwork.’ The staff has to examine, compile and write about every aspect of the museum’s operations and stay informed about what each does to meet our mission and goals. All of the board members convened for an 8:00 am meeting with the site reviewers, demonstrating their commitment and knowledge of their roles in meeting high museum standards and providing excellence in all aspects of our management and programs.
“We have worked hard, remained focused on our mission and goal oriented toward our core functions of preservation of Florida Jewish history and education and sustained that high level of best practices and now have been awarded re- accreditation status, which is good for a 15 year cycle. Thank you to each member of our family and mazel tov to us all!”
Since 1906, AAM, the only organization representing the entire scope of museums, is dedicated to ensuring that museums remain a vital part of the American landscape, connecting people with the greatest achievements of the human experience, past, present and future. Developed and sustained by museum professionals for 35 years, AAM’s museum accreditation program is the field’s primary vehicle for quality assurance, self-regulation and public accountability. It strengthens the museum profession by promoting practices that enable leaders to make informed decisions, allocate resources wisely, and remain financially and ethically accountable all in order to provide the best possible service to the public.
“Accreditation is emblematic of an institution’s commitment to public service and to overall excellence,” said Ford W. Bell, AAM president. “Attaining accreditation, and then re-accreditation, involves continuously taking a hard look at yourself, allowing your peers in the field to do the same, and being judged to be superior in all areas. The people of Miami-Dade County can take great pride in the fact that their local institution is one of America’s premier museums.”
The Jewish Museum of Florida on South Beach is housed in two adjacent lovingly restored historic buildings that were once synagogues for Miami Beach’s first Jewish congregation. The focal point of the Museum is its core exhibit MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida 1763 to the Present and temporary history and art exhibits that change periodically. Opening in September are: Rabbi Irving Lehrman: His Life & Art and Wooden Synagogues of Poland & The Florida Connection. A Collections & Research Center, several films, Timeline Wall of Jewish history, Museum Store and Bessie’s Bistro complete the experience for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Jewish Museum of Florida
301 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305.672.5044
www.museum.com
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