Burchfield Penney Receives Highest National Recognition

The Burchfield Penney Art Center at SUNY Buffalo State today announced it has again achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded the nation’s museums. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies, and to the museum-going public. The center was initially accredited since 1994. All museums must undergo a reaccreditation review at least every 10 years to maintain accredited status.

Alliance Accreditation brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continued institutional improvement. Developed and sustained by museum professionals for 45 years, the alliance’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 in order to provide the best possible service to the public.

“For 50 years, the Burchfield Penney has been dedicated to the vision of American master Charles E. Burchfield and to the diverse art and artists of Western New York. As we celebrate this milestone, receiving AAM re-accreditation is a testament of our golden tradition in providing transformative experiences,” said executive director Anthony Bannon. “Our exemplary staff, board of trustees, SUNY Buffalo State colleagues, and volunteers maintain high institutional standards for advancing art, public service, education, and scholarship. It is quite a distinction to be included in the AAM continuum of excellence."

Of the nation’s estimated 35,000 museums, just over 1,000 are currently accredited. The Burchfield Penney Art Center at SUNY Buffalo State is one of only 68 museums accredited in New York State. 

Accreditation is a very rigorous but highly rewarding process that examines all aspects of a museum’s operations. To earn accreditation a museum first must conduct a year of self-study, and then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. AAM’s Accreditation Commission, an independent and autonomous body of museum professionals, considers the self-study and visiting committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation.

“Accredited museums are a community of institutions that have chosen to hold themselves publicly accountable to excellence,” said Laura L. Lott, Alliance president and CEO. “Accreditation is clearly a significant achievement, of which both the institutions and the communities they serve can be extremely proud.”