Iowa's hundreds of museums and community historical societies are
treasures. They hold in trust for the public the collective identity and
memory of Iowa through stewardship of objects, photographs, documents,
and art.
These organizations are typically incorporated as non-profit
organizations and governed by an elected Board of Directors or Trustees,
charged with governing according to industry best practices, and with
raising adequate funds to enable their organization to fulfill its
mission. The majority of these historical organization receive no local
or state tax dollar support, depending on donations, grants, and earned
income.
The museum industry in Iowa is supported by the Iowa Museum
Association (IMA), which provides a statewide communication network,
educational opportunities, and advocates for the industry. Through its
educational offerings and resources posted on its website, the Iowa
Museum Association encourages all Iowa museums and historical societies
to operate in accordance with industry best practices. The IMA is not
an accreditation or policing organization.
From time to time, the IMA is contacted by individuals distressed
by something occurring at their local museum or historical society. Two
areas of concern typically prompt such distress - concerns about the
organization's stewardship role, for example deaccessioning, selling of
collections, or other perceived mishandling of collections; or concerns
about the governance of the organization, for example ineffective or
improper Board governance.
The Iowa Museum Association believes that Iowa's museums and
historical societies are dedicated to operating in a legal and ethical
manner to fulfill their missions, that they are governed by dedicated
Board members, and managed by devoted staff and volunteers.
Any Iowa museum or historical society that does not have in place its
five core documents
for legal and ethical management of their organization is encouraged to
contact the IMA for examples and guidance. All individuals working or
volunteering in an Iowa museum or historical society are highly
encouraged to become involved with their state museum association, to
annually attend workshops and conference, to request sample documents as
needed, and otherwise educate themselves on the best practices for
industry work and governance.