In Museums We Trust
Museums are constantly redefining their roles as educators, conveners, innovators, and leaders. To fulfill these duties, museums build relationships among community members and organizations based on trust and confidence.
For museums, trust includes having a well-informed administration, following ethical practices, carefully managing resources, identifying community needs, keeping promises, embracing innovation and different voices. Recognizing and defining trust and keeping it is critical for an institution to fulfill its mission and build confidence.
When trust exists, individuals endorse a museum by viewing its exhibitions, by attending its programs, by sharing museum experiences with family and friends, by volunteering, or by making financial contributions.
These relationships ensure the sustainability and accountability of the museum and inspire the community to rely on the museum. (Reprinted by permission from the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums)