About

Who we are

The American Association for Museum Volunteers (AAMV) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting museum volunteer managers. AAMV relies on member support to operate. While financial contributions are appreciated, they are not required to be a part of AAMV.

Our Board

What we do

Informative Communications

Articles, podcasts, and webinars on volunteer management.
Expert Guidance

Advice from professionals to help you develop strategic volunteer programs that align with your museum’s mission.
Convenient Downloads

Access to essential forms, documents, and best practices for managing volunteer programs.
Networking Opportunities

Connect with museum professionals nationwide.
Educational Resources

Workshops, panel discussions, and sessions at regional, state, and national conferences.

Letter from the president

Welcome to the new website for the American Association for Museum Volunteerism (AAMV). After months of diligent effort behind the scenes, we are thrilled to unveil this new platform, designed with you and others in the museum sector in mind. It is both an honor and a privilege to introduce you to our new digital home. Built in collaboration with Ayokay Marketing and Web Design, this space has been carefully crafted to meet the needs of today’s leaders in museum and cultural institution volunteerism.

It is our greatest hope that you will find the tools, resources, and content gathered here to be practical and inspiring. From curated content to online educational sessions, we aim to provide relevant and valuable support for your professional journey.

Since our founding in 1978, AAMV has come a long way. Our founders envisioned an organization that would foster communication among those leading volunteer programs in museums and cultural institutions. In those early days, communication came in the form of a printed directory—a tangible legacy passed from one President to the next. While our methods have evolved, our mission and purpose remains steadfast:

To promote professional standards of volunteerism.
To facilitate the exchange of ideas and information among volunteer leaders and extend this collaboration to leaders worldwide.
To provide training and continuing education through workshops and other programs.
To develop a resource center for information about volunteerism in museums and cultural institutions.
To participate in regional and national meetings of the American Alliance of Museums and other affiliated organizations.
To advocate for volunteerism, museums, and cultural institutions at local, state, and national levels.
To achieve these goals in partnership with museum directors, staff, and trustees.
As we embark on this next chapter, we are energized by the opportunities that lie ahead. With the unwavering support of our board and members, we will continue to shape AAMV to better serve professionals, volunteers, and the broader museum community.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Together, we will advance the vital role of volunteerism in museums and cultural institutions.

With Gratitude and Appreciation

Chris Morehead
President
American Association for Museum Volunteerism

Support our mission

Financial contributions and paid memberships sustain AAMV’s work, providing continuous access to resources, training, and tailored educational experiences for museum and cultural institution volunteerism leadership like you!

Donate to AAMV