The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum has been awarded reaccreditation by the American Alliance of Museums Accreditation Commission in early spring, following a year-long self-study, improvements, and a site visit with peer review.
Interim Director Steve Loring said, “Reaccreditation by the American Alliance of Museums is a significant accomplishment for the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum. This reflects the excellent work done by our staff and volunteers who truly care about the Museum.” The museum’s reaccreditation confirms it continues to meet National Standards and Best Practices for U.S. museums and maintains its membership in a community of institutions committed to public accountability and excellence. The commission also recognized the museum’s stewardship of resources held in public trust and its commitment to continuous institutional growth.
Lisa Tremper Hanover, chair of the accreditation commission, wrote in the award letter, “The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum continues to be a vital and mission-driven institution. Its exhibitions, public programming, and community engagement efforts are strong, authentic, and aligned with its public service role. We commend its exemplary practices, especially its government relations and volunteer management.” Of approximately 33,000 museums nationwide, only about 1,100 are currently accredited; NMFRHM is one of just 26 accredited museums in New Mexico. The museum has held accreditation since 2015.
The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum is located in Las Cruces on a 47-acre site featuring livestock exhibits, barns, greenhouses, indoor and outdoor displays as well as demonstrations. It is part of the Department of Cultural Affairs which administers one of the nation’s largest state museum systems with multiple locations across New Mexico including history museums, folk art museums, space history museums and heritage sites according to the official website.
The Department employs approximately 500 staff members supported by around 1,000 volunteers contributing roughly 70,000 hours annually according to the official website. Its mission includes preserving and celebrating cultural diversity through arts management; historic sites; libraries; archaeology; cultural resources; arts grants; education programs; exhibitions; preservation efforts; library resources as well as public access according to information from their official website. The department operates under a Cabinet Secretary appointed by the Governor overseeing fifteen divisions including museums and administrative services according to their official website.
More details about this recognition can be found on the official roster page.
