The Michigan Museums Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors elected by the membership at the annual conference. Directors are selected from all geographic areas of the state and represent a wide variety of museum disciplines and expertise. MMA maintains a staffed, central office in Lansing, Michigan. MMA is supported by membership dues, fees, grants and sponsorships.

Print out the MMA Membership Brochure

Michigan Museums Association...working to make Michigan's museums the best in the country.

Michigan Museums Association provides programs and services that enhance the growth and professionalism of the Michigan museum community and advocates on its behalf.

What We Do:

By collaborating with its membership, MMA provides

  • educational training
  • field services and mentoring programs
  • networking opportunities
  • communication vehicles
  • promotion and marketing opportunities
  • advocacy services

For Whom:

  • Michigan's museums, zoos, botanical gardens, historical societies, aquariums, planetariums, nature centers, historic homes, lighthouses, science and art centers and other cultural institutions
  • Museum staff, trustees, volunteers and individuals interested in the work of museums
  • Businesses that enhance and support the work of member institutions

Why We Do It:

  • Enhance professionalism of the Michigan museum community
  • Enhance personal and professional development of individuals engaged in the work of Michigan museums
  • Increase knowledge of museum management, collections care and exhibit design for museums of all types and sizes
  • Preserve and protect the state's cultural and natural resources for public benefit
  • Promote the work of Michigan's museums

MMA Programs Up Close

  • Training workshops featuring state and national experts on such topics as exhibition design, collections care, education programming, marketing, museum administration and much more.
  • Annual Conference offering two and one half days of seminars, workshops and keynote speakers. Time for professional development is mixed with the opportunity to talk with old friends, make new ones, and network with Michigan's exciting museum community.

  • Regional Links Network encourages regular gatherings among medium, small and grassroots museums in Michigan that serve as a conduit for the flow of information and discussion of events and issues affecting museums of all sizes.

  • Quest for Excellence Award Program recognizes excellence in three categories: Institutional Achievement, Graphic Design and the President's Award for Distinguished Service to Museums. Applications are due in early June; awards are given at the annual conference each fall.

  • MMAs web site promotes Michigan museums to the public and offers "members only" pages featuring funding resources, legislative updates and an on-line membership directory. MMA's quarterly printed newsletter and weekly electronic newsletter (MMA-Update) provide members with up-to-date information on programs, opportunities and issues that affect their work. MMA's member list-serve (mma-talk) offers a venue for networking and sharing with colleagues from across the state.
  • Conversations with Colleagues Program matches member institutions or individuals seeking information or advice with other Michigan museum professionals who share their experience and expertise. The process is simple, the format is informal. Help with all areas of museum operations is available: governance, policy, volunteer management, fundraising, and collections.

  • Advocating the interests of Michigan's museums by maintaining a voice and ear with the legislature, Department of History, Arts and Libraries, the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Decision makers respect the nonpartisan approach of MMA which gives museums a collective voice where it counts.
  • Special Initiatives such as MMA's focus on Cultural Tourism have influenced Travel Michigan to include cultural heritage in its promotional efforts and is helping museums tie in to Michigan's "cultural brand."
  • Lending Library offering training videos on a variety of topics on collections care and museum management.

Three Ways to Join:

Individual Member
Institutional Member
Business Member

Membership Form

It is this community of shared beliefs that make the MMA so successful. It is an organization that enables new-to-the-field museum employees a chance to mingle with experienced members. Where, but in a state-wide organization like the MMA, can members representing museums of all sizes and categories come together and share successes and failures on a professional level?

Dar Davis, Director, Krasl Art Center, St.Joseph



As a staff member of a small Michigan museum, I think a membership in MMA is essential. The workshops, meetings and conferences serve to train me and my co-workers in needed skills, and keep us in touch with the museum community around the state. MMA is devoted to furthering museums across the state, and in doing so, my institution has benefited immensely.

Heather Price, Director of Marketing, Public Relations and Visitor Services, Ella Sharp Museum, Jackson